Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a large and stunning glacial lake along the south coast of Iceland.
Formed by the meltwaters of the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is part of the renowned Vatnajokull National Park.
The lagoon only started to form in he 1930s, but it has grown enormously since then.
With a surface dotted with picturesque icebergs, large and small, and views out to the majestic Vatnajokull ice cap, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is made for photography. It is one of the most popular stops along the Ring Road for travelers roadtripping Iceland.
Because of its stunning appearance, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon has featured in a number of movies and shows, including the James Bond movie A View to A Kill.
The icebergs on Jokulsarlon come from huge blocks of ice that have calved from the edge of the Vatnajokull Glacier. They stand like white or shimmery blue sculptures in the water, and as they melt, they move towards the sea.
Although the size of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon varies, it is currently reported to cover an area of 25 square kilometers (a little less than 10 square miles). That’s a large lake! It is also one of the deepest lakes in Iceland.
Jokulsarlon is at sea level and right by the ocean, so depending on the tide, sea water flows into the lagoon, bringing lots of fish with it. In the winter, you’ll see large numbers of seals here, trying to get a meal.
You can see Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon as you drive along the Ring Road, but with its fascinating geology, the beautiful glacial lake is definitely worth a stop, not only for up-close views, but also to take a boat ride on the ice-cold waters.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is worth visiting no matter the time of year you plan to tour Iceland. Boat tours operate in the summer, and winter offers the chance to view the northern lights or tour ice caves.
On this helpful Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon website, you will find all the information you need to plan your visit.
Complete 2025 Guide to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland
While the entire south coast of Iceland is filled with natural wonders, what makes Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon truly unforgettable is the surreal scene of giant icebergs drifting silently through icy blue waters—with the Vatnajökull glacier looming in the background and seals often bobbing up for air.
Jökulsárlón (which translates to “glacial river lagoon”) formed when the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier began receding, leaving behind this massive, deep lake filled with ancient ice.
It’s now Iceland’s deepest lake—and one of its most photogenic spots.
This comprehensive Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon website is your one-stop resource for planning an unforgettable visit to one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders.
Where is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
Jökulsárlón is located in southeast Iceland along the Ring Road (Route 1), just under 6 hours from Reykjavík and about 1 hour from Höfn.
View the location of Jökulsárlón on a map.
How to Get to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
Most travelers visit by self-driving along the Ring Road, often stopping here between Vík and Höfn.
Driving directions to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik, Vik and Hofn are straightforward along the Ring Road. You’ll spot the lagoon easily—it’s right off the highway and can’t be missed.
Parking at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Parking is free and extremely convenient. There’s a large, dedicated gravel parking lot just off Route 1, directly in front of the lagoon that offers:
- Free parking
- Room for buses and campers
- Toilets and snack trucks often available in summer
- Overflow lot available during busy months
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Cost
No reservations or tickets are required to visit the lagoon. You simply park and walk over to the water’s edge to admire the floating icebergs.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Opening Hours
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is open year-round, 24×7.
Best Time to Visit Jökulsárlón
While Jökulsárlón is open 24/7 year-round, the experience varies by season:
- Summer (May–August): Midnight sun, boat tours, and lots of seals lounging on the ice
- Fall & Spring: Fewer tourists and beautiful, moody light
- Winter (Nov–March): Ideal for visiting nearby ice caves and seeing the northern lights reflect over the lagoon
Early morning or late evening visits give you the most dramatic light—and often fewer crowds.
Things to Do Near Jökulsárlón
The lagoon is the star attraction, but there’s plenty more to explore:
- Take an amphibian boat tour (May–October) for an up-close look at the glacier and icebergs
- Hike nearby trails with views of the glacier tongue
- Visit Diamond Beach, directly across the road—where broken icebergs wash up on the black sand like sparkling jewels
- Join an ice cave tour in winter (typically from November to March), departing from the Jökulsárlón parking lot or nearby meeting points
- Photograph the Vatnajökull Glacier from different angles
- Grab a hot chocolate or local lamb soup from the food trucks