Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Iceland's deepest lake, filled with icebergs calved from Breidamerkurjokull and drifting out to the black sand of Diamond Beach.
Icebergs floating in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
What to expect at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon formed in the 1930s when Breidamerkurjokull began retreating, and it has grown into Iceland's deepest lake — currently 285 metres. Icebergs the size of houses calve off the glacier and drift south across the lagoon, out through a narrow tidal channel, and wash back onto the black sand of Diamond Beach on the other side of the Ring Road. The whole scene is arguably the single most photographed spot in Iceland, and every Ring Road itinerary makes room for it.
The lagoon sits at km 379 of Ring Road 1, roughly 5 hours from Reykjavik and 55 km east of Skaftafell. Amphibian boat tours ($65, 40 minutes) run May-October from the west shore — book online 2-3 days ahead in summer. Zodiac boats ($130) get closer to the glacier face. Walk under the road bridge to reach Diamond Beach; the best iceberg photos are on the outgoing tide when new bergs are being pushed out to sea. Free to just visit and stare.
Questions about Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Free to view. Parking is $10 per day. Amphibian boat tour $65, Zodiac $130, winter ice cave tour $180-260.
The lagoon is always free to look at, day and night. Only tours and parking are paid.
3-4 hours including a boat tour and Diamond Beach. All day if adding an ice cave excursion.
The lagoon never closes. Boat tours pause November-April when the ice is too thick.
Yes for boats (2-3 days ahead in summer) and ice caves (1-2 weeks ahead). Not for a general visit.
The car park is directly beside Ring Road 1, 379 km east of Reykjavik. Straeto bus 51 stops on request; Hofn town is 80 km east.
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