south iceland
Jökulsárlón
About Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is a breathtaking glacial lagoon at the edge of Vatnajökull National Park where massive icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float across crystal-clear water toward the Atlantic Ocean. The icebergs range from brilliant white to deep blue and are sometimes striped with volcanic ash. Seals can often be seen swimming between the icebergs or resting on them. Boat tours operate in summer, taking visitors among the floating ice. The lagoon connects to the ocean through a short river, and icebergs that wash ashore on the nearby black sand create the famous Diamond Beach.
🐉 The Ice Spirits of Jökulsárlón
In Icelandic folklore, Jökulsárlón is home to ancient ice spirits who have dwelled in the glacier for thousands of years. These spirits are said to guard the ice and punish those who disrespect the glacier. Locals believe the creaking and groaning sounds of the ice are the spirits communicating with each other.
📖 History of Jökulsárlón
The lagoon only began forming in the 1930s as the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier started retreating due to climate change. Before 1935 the glacier reached all the way to the sea. Today the lagoon is Iceland's deepest lake at over 200 meters deep and is growing rapidly as the glacier continues to melt. The icebergs drift slowly to the sea via a short river and wash ashore on the nearby Diamond Beach. Jökulsárlón has featured in two James Bond films — 'A View to a Kill' (1985) and 'Die Another Day' (2002).
✈️ Why Visit
Seal sightings are common near the lagoon
💡 Did You Know?
The lagoon formed around 1935 due to glacier retreat and is now 248 meters deep
Key Facts
Iceland's deepest lake at over 200 meters
Formed in the 1930s as Breiðamerkurjökull glacier retreated
Featured in two James Bond films
The lagoon doubles in size approximately every decade
Icebergs wash ashore at Diamond Beach nearby
💎 Hidden Gems
Glacier Sounds
Stop and listen — glaciers make haunting sounds as ice shifts and meltwater flows beneath the surface.
The creaking, groaning, and rushing sounds remind you that glaciers are living, moving rivers of ice.
Ice Colors
Look carefully at the ice — you'll see shades of white, blue, and even black from volcanic ash layers.
The blue color comes from compressed ice that absorbs red light, and ash layers mark historical eruptions.
Glacier Edge Ecology
The area where the glacier meets rock supports a unique micro-ecosystem of hardy organisms.
Pioneer plants and insects colonizing newly exposed land offer a real-time view of ecological succession.
🕐 Best Time
Year-round, boat tours June–September
🚗 Access
On Route 1, 370 km east of Reykjavík. Free parking. Café on site.
⏱ Duration
1–2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk on the glacier by myself?▾
No, you should never walk on a glacier without proper equipment and a certified guide. Glaciers have hidden crevasses that are extremely dangerous.
What should I wear for a glacier hike?▾
Wear warm, layered clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, and sturdy hiking boots. Tour operators provide crampons and ice axes.
Are ice caves available year-round?▾
Natural ice caves are typically only accessible from November to March. Conditions vary each year.
📍 GPS Location
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🌌 See the Northern Lights
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