Jökulsárlón: what to see and do
In Iceland, Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake within the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park. The park also includes the area around the lagoon.
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Breiðamerkurjökull is the outlet glacier supplying the lagoon. Its retreat began in the late 19th century, and the lagoon began taking shape during the 1930s. A proglacial lagoon appeared in 1933 or 1934 in the hollow left by the retreating ice.
Breiðamerkurjökull began retreating in the late 19th century and has drawn back several kilometres since. Since the mid-1970s the lagoon has roughly tripled in area. Both tidal currents and wind influence how the icebergs move.
Diamond Beach
The beach of black sand next to the lagoon takes its occasional name, Diamond Beach, from the pieces of ice scattered across it. Large, separate chunks of iceberg are visible on the black sand.
A private South Coast tour from Reykjavík with Diamond Beach lasts 14 hours. It includes private transport from Reykjavík, a professional guide throughout, stops at the listed destinations and a flexible, relaxed pace for the group.
Things to do in Jökulsárlón
A private day trip to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach lasts 15 hours. Included are private transport suited to the group size, a multilingual guide throughout, flexible stops for photographs and scenery, and visits to the lagoon and Diamond Beach.
The guided South Coast tour with glacier lagoon and black sand beach lasts 2 days. It includes a professional guide speaking English, one night of accommodation in the southeast, visits to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Jökulsárlón sightseeing, Diamond Beach, a stop at Reynisfjara black sand beach and an opportunity to search for the Northern Lights.
A South Iceland tour with an ice cave and Northern Lights lasts 2 days. Included are minibus transport from Reykjavík throughout both days, a professional glacier guide for the ice cave and glacier hike, a helmet, harness, crampons and ice axe, and guided South Coast sightseeing on the first day.
The private full day tour of Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach in Iceland lasts 12 hours. It includes a private vehicle, a professional local guide throughout the day, a flexible itinerary adapted for families with comfort stops, lagoon and Diamond Beach visits, storytelling and explanations for children, and transport between South Coast stops.
The glacier and national park
Jökulsárlón sits at the end of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of the larger Vatnajökull glacier. Vatnajökull extends across 7,700 square kilometres, or approximately 8% of Iceland. Its ice is several hundred metres thick on average. Vatnajökull National Park was founded on 7 June 2008. The park itself spans 14,967 square kilometres, about 14% of Iceland. Its World Heritage inscription dates to 5 July 2019.
Jökulsárlón on film
Films shot at the lagoon include A View to a Kill, Die Another Day, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Batman Begins.
Getting there
Jökulsárlón lies between Höfn and Skaftafell on the Ring Road. Between Höfn and Skaftafell, Route 1 offers views of the lagoon. Access to the lagoon is straightforward from the Ring Road.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Jökulsárlón?
In Iceland, Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lake within the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park.
Which glacier feeds the lagoon?
Breiðamerkurjökull is the outlet glacier supplying the lagoon.
Why is the beach called Diamond Beach?
The beach of black sand next to the lagoon takes its occasional name, Diamond Beach, from the pieces of ice scattered across it.
What affects the movement of the icebergs?
Both tidal currents and wind influence how the icebergs move.
Can Jökulsárlón be seen from Route 1?
Between Höfn and Skaftafell, Route 1 offers views of the lagoon.
