Jökulsárlón

Lake · Austurland ·

Jökulsárlón

Lake · Austurland ·

Glacial lagoon with icebergs, black sand beach, seals, birds

Information

781, Iceland Get directions

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

"This lake filled with giant, translucent chunks of iceberg is one of Iceland’s most distinctive and photogenic sights. Featured in high-profile movies, including twoof the James Bond series and Batman Begins (as well as many local TV commercials), the sight is reached via a scenic drive along the country’s main ring road (Route 1). The icebergs originate at the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which looms in the distance behind the lagoon, and look especially otherworldly when they reach the nearby black-sand beach. The area is also a paradise for bird lovers, with arctic terns and skuas nesting in the area (they may dive-bomb you if you get too close to their nests), and it’s possible to spot the occasional seal. A nearby visitor center offerssimple fast food and drinks as well as souvenirs."

The Best Things to Do in Iceland

Photo by Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

Jökulsárlón

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

Exploring Iceland's Ring Road

Photo by Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

Jökulsárlón

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

Iceland's Natural Highlights

Photo by Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson

Jökulsárlón

@davidcho

1,879 Postcards · 218 Cities

many people recommended it.

Iceland Itinerary Test

Jökulsárlón

S M

Google

One of the highlights of touring Iceland. Access is very convenient, yet it felt like reaching the edge of the earth. Highly recommended.

Google

One of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural sights, a vast lake filled with icebergs that have broken off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The contrast between the floating blue ice, the still water, and the backdrop of distant glaciers and mountains creates a scene that feels almost otherworldly. It’s one of those places where you can stand for ages just watching the ice slowly drift and crack apart, each piece reflecting the changing light in shades of blue, white, and silver. The lagoon is easily accessible from the Ring Road, with ample parking and clear viewpoints just steps from your car. Visitors can also take boat or amphibian tours during the warmer months, offering a closer look at the icebergs and sometimes even playful seals swimming among them. For photographers, this is a dream spot — sunrise and sunset both bring incredible light, and the area transforms throughout the day depending on weather and tide. The weather at Jökulsárlón can change quickly, often going from calm and sunny to misty or windy in minutes, so warm, windproof clothing is a must. Even in summer, the temperature by the lagoon tends to be quite cold. The air here is incredibly fresh, and the silence — broken only by cracking ice and distant waves — gives the place an almost meditative atmosphere. While it’s one of Iceland’s most visited attractions, it rarely feels overwhelming because of the lagoon’s sheer size and open layout. That said, early morning or late evening visits are the best way to enjoy it without heavy crowds. The nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on shore, is just across the road and pairs perfectly with a stop here. Overall, Jökulsárlón is a must-see for anyone traveling through Iceland. It perfectly captures the country’s essence — raw, wild, and impossibly beautiful — and leaves a lasting impression that photos can never fully convey.

Fotoxer W.

Google

You have no idea how amazing the glacier lake is! The wind, the lake and the glacier floating, all these stuffs at the time you see them together will makes you memorable! We have seen the sunset and also see the moon rise at the same time . You can see the cloud they were just like purple and pink mixed candy.🍬 Here is not free for park so we have to pay it before you leave .

David B.

Google

One of the best spots we have every seen. Definitely MUST SEE on Iceland. Connected to Diamond beach. Parking for 1000 ISK

Nikolai M.

Google

This was a very cool lagoon to see! The glaciers and the views you get were great with glaciers in all different and cool structures and sizes. There are 3 food trucks available as well as restrooms and a cafe. You can also do a boat tour with a guide or go on kayaks. Highly recommend!

Kateryna M.

Google

Jökulsárlón, the Glacier Lagoon, left me in awe. Ice here feels timeless, ancient and clear, like something pulled out of memory itself. Each iceberg holds a fragment of time, frozen in place, while sunlight slowly softens its edges until it vanishes without a trace. Unlike fire, which scars, ice fades quietly. There was something deeply moving in watching that slow disappearance, like witnessing beauty you cannot keep. If you walk from the glacier lagoon to the ocean, you’ll reach the famous Diamond Beach. But it’s not quite like the pictures on Google. The beach is small, more like a narrow edge where the land meets the sea. The wind there is strong and the ocean feels raw and powerful, not calm or picturesque but striking in its own way. From the lagoon, it’s possible to hike toward the glacier or take a boat to see the icebergs shimmering blue up close. We didn’t go very near. There were too many tourists. I would honestly recommend just stepping into the lagoon itself. Even a brief moment in that icy water leaves a deeper impression than any tour.

Tracey R.

Google

Situated on the coast of. E Iceland amidst a vast wilderness of glacial morans and ice caps, this phenomenal bay is breathtaking - it was created by an inlet of sea water incursing inland to meet the Vatnajökull Glacier, where it calves big, beautiful, blue icebergs into the bay... Great pop-up street food food kiosks and loos are situated right by the bay with a black sand beach named Diamond Beach for the melted bergs that wash ashore - the glacial hike to visit the Sapphire ice-cave is a 30min super-jeep ride followed by a 20mins Glacier Hike across an otherworldly, lunar-like landscape - vast, magical, cold, windy and definitely worth every minute!

Karen “Kaz” J.

Google

Didn't take a boat tour, as it was foggy the next morning, but was a pleasure to walk around it at sunset. Such a beautiful place!