Glacier Lagoon
Glacier Lagoon
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Nestled within Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón is a stunning glacial lagoon filled with icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Hop on a boat tour to get close to the icebergs—you’ll get the chance to taste the 1,000-year-old ice. Some of the ice chunks wash out onto Diamond Beach, a hidden gem nearby, making the black sand sparkle—there are plenty of great photo opportunities here. Visit Jökulsárlón on a tour of Iceland’s south coast, which will also take you to the spectacular Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls along the way. – Tripadvisor
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- Clownfish88Toronto, Canada306 contributionsWow!!! Amazingly beautiful!The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon was amazingly beautiful. There was 2 small parking lots before you reach the main parking lots -- YOU MUST STOP at these 2 small parking lots. Park the car and walk towards the lagoon. It was absolutely beautiful to walk along the lagoon from these 2 parking lots. The icebergs come right up to the shore, and it was so quiet and peaceful because there were not many crowds. We spent over 1 hour walking along the shore admiring the beautiful icebergs and watching them move slowly through the water. Next, you will head to the main parking lot. It was a zoo, even in September. The parking lot was busy, there's lots of tour buses around and the washrooms had long long lines. At the end of day - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is definitely a must see. Just try to find those 2 smaller parking lots :)Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 13, 2023
- spitzy135944 contributionsSurreal and StunningThis is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Iceland. If there is anything you must see on your visit, its the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. We took the amphibious boat tour, which we highly recommend. It’s best to book in advance since it is extremely popular and is usually sold out. Its like a duck boat tour in a boat with wheels that can drive on land or in the water. It is so lovely seeing the icebergs from land, but its even better boating around and between them, with Vatnajokull Glacier in the background. The icebergs are bright blue, milky blue and white, striated in places with black from volcanic ash. It’s such a surreal, quiet and visually stunning location. We were also able to hold a piece of 1000+ year old ice! Pictures just don’t do it justice, you must see it for yourself. While you are here, don’t miss Diamond Beach next door, just past the bridge.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 15, 2023
- JNLMArnhem, The Netherlands84 contributionsBit disappointingWe had high expectations based on pictures and reviews, but somehow it was a little bit disappointing - maybe expectations were too high and weather too cloudy? We enjoyed Diamond Beach more, seeing the iceblocks being flushed by the water and playing with those on the black sand. When the Lagoon is on your way you do have to see it, but when you have to drive 2.5 hours just for the Lagoon (as was in our case) you’d better do a glacier hike somewhere else.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 21, 2023
- matc19727 contributionsZodiac TourWe did the Zodiac tour of the lagoon. It was absolutely fantastic - one of the highlights of our trip to Iceland. Would definitely recommend this trip over the amphibious vehicle, as they can explore much more of the lagoon including going close to the glacier. We were lucky to see some seals as well.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 31, 2023
- Nadina PNew York City, New York585 contributionsThe best thing I did in Iceland...And one of the coolest things I did, ever. My friend and I left there feeling even closer to each other than ever. On site, they give you heavy coats and safety gear, so there's no need to bring those. There's a gravel path down to the lagoon--you can get by in sneakers, but in general I was happiest walking around in good waterproof hiking boots. The boat ride was just stunning; I could not take my eyes off of the lagoon. Whatever you do, DO NOT skip this! It's melting fast, and you will feel so lucky to have seen it.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 5, 2023
- Peaches-n-GingerCanberra, Australia167 contributionsWell worth the drive to get there!It’s a bit of a drive but the at the end of it with the lagoon and then diamond beach it was well worth it. We are travelling with a 3 year old who has been really good and parient (mostly) but it was brilliant. After staying in Vik we headed off from there just before 8am and it was a great time of morning to arrive with the sun rising.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 6, 2023
- sabrinak136New Orleans, Louisiana1,499 contributionsJokulsarlon GlacierTaking a journey to see a glacier is an exciting moment when your home is in a city that has a mild winter and has only experienced snow seventeen times since 1850. Jokulsarlon Glacier is roughly a five hour trip from Reykjavik so I would suggest taking a two day tour with Hidden Iceland. This tour allows other stops along the way and an opportunity to stay overnight at Lilja Guesthouse which is a quaint hotel in the countryside. Jokulsarlon Glacier is wonderful to visit during the summer months because it is not too cold (temperature on a July evening was roughly 50 degrees). The visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier was quiet and peaceful. There were visitors but not overwhelming. The crowd was very calm and they were simply interested in watching the beauty of nature on a cool summer day. As you visit you will see many sea birds and even seals playing in the water. However, if you have an opportunity be sure to take a boat tour out on the glacier for about 40mins ($50.00 U.S. Guide to Iceland) I didn’t have this option however, I am sure this adventure will provide you with a more up close and personal view of Jokulsarlon Glacier. Jokulsarlon Glacier is said to be the most beautiful in Iceland so I believe this boat ride will not disappoint. Jokulsarlon Glacier is just as spectacular to view from the shore and it was once again my reminder of the immense beauty and splendor of the natural world found in Iceland. I highly recommend a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier for your bucket list. The visit is one that will not disappoint and definitely will remain on your most memorable vacation moments list.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 21, 2024
- Isobel WLondon, United Kingdom16 contributionsMust seeA must see. So much better than I expected. Saw seals, icebergs, and ice cave. Diamond beach right across the road. Stay in Vikl overnight to break up the journey.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 20, 2024
- lisajl28London, United Kingdom136 contributionsMust visit when in IcelandThis was my favourite place that we visited in Iceland. The lagoon filled with icebergs, large sheets of ice, seals and glaciers. It was amazing! We stayed two nights in Vik to break up the journey. I would recommend the lagoon as a not to be missed sight when visiting Iceland.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 1, 2024
- Jane BGuildford, United Kingdom445 contributionsDO NOT miss this lagoonAnother must see. Where on earth can you see massive chunks of ice like marble (grey, white, blue) floating serenely in a glacier lagoon? We visited one afternoon then came back the next day adn the ice had changed, we suddenly saw this amazing blue piece of ice! Friends think my photos are photoshopped, they are so not!Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Elaine R
Cork, Ireland13 contributions
Aug 2020
I visited Jokulsarlon in August 2019. It is a beautiful location and I would recommend visiting it. However, I would advise you to be wary of booking the amphibian tour. I booked for my friend and me on the actual day in their office with a credit card. Unfortunately, the tour was cancelled at the last minute because of bad weather. The tour employee assured everyone who paid by card that the refunds would be done automatically. I spent 3 months sending e-mails and calling the tour office to be told my €85.90 was refunded, although it hadn't been. I finally received my refund in November thanks to my own bank reversing the transaction. If you want to do the amphibian tour, I would recommend paying for it in cash on the day and also ensuring that you get your cash back on the day if the tour is cancelled. Iceland is such an expensive country that you're going to spend a fortune there anyway without having totally unnecessary stress in relation to refunds.
Written March 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janiina K
Espoo, Finland25 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Wonderful glacier lake experience with super nice guide (I cannot remember his name but he’s from Spain). I can highly recommend this experience and company to everyone!
Another great thing was the extraordinary service: The Glacier Lagoon team really took an extra mile with the service when I realized that I had lost my phone after the boat trip. They took the time to help me and my husband with the search. A week later (when I had already lost hope of finding my phone), my husband got a call that my phone was found from the company facilities. We were already back in Reykjavik and about to leave the country within two days. These nice folks found a bus that was coming to Reykjavik and the following morning I got my phone from a really nice bus driver from. I guess it’s true when they say that the Icelandic people are the nicest in the world! Thanks again Glacier Lagoon team – we shall return!
Another great thing was the extraordinary service: The Glacier Lagoon team really took an extra mile with the service when I realized that I had lost my phone after the boat trip. They took the time to help me and my husband with the search. A week later (when I had already lost hope of finding my phone), my husband got a call that my phone was found from the company facilities. We were already back in Reykjavik and about to leave the country within two days. These nice folks found a bus that was coming to Reykjavik and the following morning I got my phone from a really nice bus driver from. I guess it’s true when they say that the Icelandic people are the nicest in the world! Thanks again Glacier Lagoon team – we shall return!
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chetan
Boston, MA4 contributions
Jun 2020
We took zodiac boat tour and were not mesmerized by the floating ice all over. It's a different experience to see glaciers in the middle of the lake. It's not about the boat tour but with the help of boat, you go to the middle of the lake and see the untouched beauty, highly recommend it. I visited it in 2019.
Written November 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bskramer
The Villages, FL320 contributions
May 2022
My daughter and I visited Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon as part of a tour on our way to the Vatnajökull National Park. On the day we toured this area, it was very windy and cold. Low isibility made it difficult to see the ocean and glacier. It would have been nice to see both of these locations on a sunny day, but we were happy to have the opportunity to view icebergs regardless of the weather conditions. The lagoon was filled with many different shapes and sizes of icebergs on the day we visited. Opportunities for viewing were excellent and there were even a few seals swimming in the lake. Prior to getting in the amphibious boat, we spent some time in the snack bar/souvenir shop to warm up. When it was time for our tour, we piled in single file into the vehicle. Everyone was required to wear a life vest and sit while the vehicle drove on land and entered the water. It was very crowded sitting, but after we were in the water, we were allowed to stand to take photographs. It was cold on the lake, but exhilarating to be sailing among icebergs. Our tour guide did a great job of talking about the lagoon and the glacier. Eventually, a small craft pulled alongside our boat and delivered some glacial ice from the lagoon. This was passed around for photographs. After about 30 minutes, we sailed back to land and then drove for disembarkation near the snack/souvenir shop. The cold, wind, and wetness definitely made this experience challenging. If you can go on a sunny day, I am sure you would have a better experience, but most likely you will be booked into a reserved time as we experienced. I would definitely recommend this experience regardless of the weather. It is a unique opportunity to experience glacial icebergs up close in a safe environment. If you travel here, definitely visit Diamond Beach first before taking the amphibious boat ride. These will greatly enhance your experience.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Velimir Gluhak
Desinic, Croatia17 contributions
Jan 2020
This is something you don’t want to miss on your golden circle road trip. it really is something special and amazing, a masterpiece of nature itself presenting a large lagoon of ice melting down do the shores of the "diamond beach. The sun plays in the ice and it really is a stunning scenery. i would advise you to pick a sunny day, but trust me a gray rainy/snowy day isn't so bad as it sounds, its something worth visiting.
Written March 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marts03
Poughkeepsie, NY95 contributions
Mar 2022
I've had the privilege of visiting Glacier Lagoon in November, March, and August. While each season brings different weather and lighting conditions, the Glacier Lagoon never fails to impress. And there is always ice floating in the lagoon and on the beach. Although many people use the lagoon more as a base to take tours (Zodiac boats, ice cave - both of which I also recommend), it's worth simply spending time to walk at the Lagoon from the main parking lot along the path to the beach. In addition to the floating ice, it's also possible to see seals and birds in the area.
While it's possible to visit the Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik and return in the same day, it's a very long day. Recommend to do at least 1 overnight on the South Coast so you can more fully enjoy all the Coast has to offer.
While it's possible to visit the Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik and return in the same day, it's a very long day. Recommend to do at least 1 overnight on the South Coast so you can more fully enjoy all the Coast has to offer.
Written March 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jun David
Toronto, Canada850 contributions
Jan 2020
Truly one of the most stunning places I've been to.
Located in Jokusarlon in the Southeast part of Iceland. This lagoon is filled with icebergs. These are the film locations for Game of Thrones, Tomb Raider and Star Wars.
During the winter, the place is very slippery and I recommend wearing crampons. We were lucky when we went there as there is a sun that reflects the glaciers that brilliantly reflects on the icebergs.
The irony of this beautiful place is the sad reality that the glaciers are melting due to global warming.
This place is breathtaking and you should never miss when in Iceland.
Located in Jokusarlon in the Southeast part of Iceland. This lagoon is filled with icebergs. These are the film locations for Game of Thrones, Tomb Raider and Star Wars.
During the winter, the place is very slippery and I recommend wearing crampons. We were lucky when we went there as there is a sun that reflects the glaciers that brilliantly reflects on the icebergs.
The irony of this beautiful place is the sad reality that the glaciers are melting due to global warming.
This place is breathtaking and you should never miss when in Iceland.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laylalae
Slovakia268 contributions
Jul 2021
This lake with its icebergs is definitely very nice but when something is right at Ring Road and there´s nothing more you need to do just step out of your car, that brings a lot of people to the nature attraction like this. Before traveling to Iceland I would´ve said that this was one of my must-sees but now I know there are more beautiful and less crowded spots in Iceland that are worth visiting.
I didn´t like the idea of mass tourist transportation on amphibian boat either. I found it as a pure commercial experience not taking the beautiful lagoon into account. I tried to find some info if these boats are using at least some sustainable energy but didn´t find any. So either they are spoiling their nature because of all those paying tourists or please mention the sustainable energy on the web as I think this should be necessary nowadays and people should care about it.
I didn´t like the idea of mass tourist transportation on amphibian boat either. I found it as a pure commercial experience not taking the beautiful lagoon into account. I tried to find some info if these boats are using at least some sustainable energy but didn´t find any. So either they are spoiling their nature because of all those paying tourists or please mention the sustainable energy on the web as I think this should be necessary nowadays and people should care about it.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RIchard035
Northwood, UK1,300 contributions
Jul 2022
Jokulsarlon is a glacial lake filled with icebergs that has featured on two James Bond films. We went on a boat tour that starts of on land and then the boat drives into the water. The tour lasted about an hour an takes you around the lake providing close ups of the ice formations. You can even hold a big piece of ice in your hands. The views are spectacular. I would recommend booking a tour in advance but they do run every few minutes so you can probably get on one at short notice. There is a car park on site but it can get very busy. Facilities are quite limited but there are toilets.
Written May 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sabrinak136
New Orleans, LA1,499 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Taking a journey to see a glacier is an exciting moment when your home is in a city that has a mild winter and has only experienced snow seventeen times since 1850.
Jokulsarlon Glacier is roughly a five hour trip from Reykjavik so I would suggest taking a two day tour with Hidden Iceland. This tour allows other stops along the way and an opportunity to stay overnight at Lilja Guesthouse which is a quaint hotel in the countryside.
Jokulsarlon Glacier is wonderful to visit during the summer months because it is not too cold (temperature on a July evening was roughly 50 degrees). The visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier was quiet and peaceful. There were visitors but not overwhelming. The crowd was very calm and they were simply interested in watching the beauty of nature on a cool summer day. As you visit you will see many sea birds and even seals playing in the water.
However, if you have an opportunity be sure to take a boat tour out on the glacier for about 40mins ($50.00 U.S. Guide to Iceland) I didn’t have this option however, I am sure this adventure will provide you with a more up close and personal view of Jokulsarlon Glacier. Jokulsarlon Glacier is said to be the most beautiful in Iceland so I believe this boat ride will not disappoint. Jokulsarlon Glacier is just as spectacular to view from the shore and it was once again my reminder of the immense beauty and splendor of the natural world found in Iceland. I highly recommend a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier for your bucket list. The visit is one that will not disappoint and definitely will remain on your most memorable vacation moments list.
Jokulsarlon Glacier is roughly a five hour trip from Reykjavik so I would suggest taking a two day tour with Hidden Iceland. This tour allows other stops along the way and an opportunity to stay overnight at Lilja Guesthouse which is a quaint hotel in the countryside.
Jokulsarlon Glacier is wonderful to visit during the summer months because it is not too cold (temperature on a July evening was roughly 50 degrees). The visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier was quiet and peaceful. There were visitors but not overwhelming. The crowd was very calm and they were simply interested in watching the beauty of nature on a cool summer day. As you visit you will see many sea birds and even seals playing in the water.
However, if you have an opportunity be sure to take a boat tour out on the glacier for about 40mins ($50.00 U.S. Guide to Iceland) I didn’t have this option however, I am sure this adventure will provide you with a more up close and personal view of Jokulsarlon Glacier. Jokulsarlon Glacier is said to be the most beautiful in Iceland so I believe this boat ride will not disappoint. Jokulsarlon Glacier is just as spectacular to view from the shore and it was once again my reminder of the immense beauty and splendor of the natural world found in Iceland. I highly recommend a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier for your bucket list. The visit is one that will not disappoint and definitely will remain on your most memorable vacation moments list.
Written January 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am looking at going to the Glacier Lagoon, would it be better to visit in June and go on the boat tour or go in March and go to an Ice cave after visiting the lagoon?
Is the glacier lagoon still worth it without the boat trip?
Written December 27, 2023
We did the Jokulsarlon in July without a boat trip and it was absolutely worth the visit - one of the best places we visited whilst in Iceland. It is incredible and definitely worth a stop whenever you are considering it.
Written December 27, 2023
Are there any F-Roads to get here? Trying to find out if i need a 4x4 or not for my trip next may.
Written July 8, 2022
I will be at the Glacier Lagoon on 20 October 2021 and wondering if any boat tours have gone out in the past as late as 20 October? I fully understand that WEATHER IS A FACTOR but IN THE PAST have boat tours gone out in the winter or LATE OCTOBER. I would hate to change my flight reservations to arrive earlier and then find out that we could have gone out on a boat tour on the 20th
Written July 13, 2021
Hi! My friend and I booked the boat tour in mid-August and it was cancelled because of the weather. I'm afraid I don't know whether they do them in late October. Just make sure to get your refund if it is cancelled. It took about 3 months and endless e-mails and phone calls for me to get mine and I only got it because my bank intervened and reversed the payment.
Written July 14, 2021
What is the name of the tour company and their website that you took the actual boat tour with?
Written February 10, 2020
Can you visit and get good views of the glacier without doing a tour?
Written January 28, 2020
Not really. I would really recommend a tour which only takes 45 min or so. You get really up close and personal and the tour itself is extremely friendly, informative, and professional. The ride took up literally to the base of the glacier and you see the detail of the glacier which you would never see such detail from afar.
Written January 28, 2020
We would visit the glacier with a speedboat ( Men told us to take a black one )
Is there a website of a company with ‘ black speedboats ? And where can we do a reservation ?
Written November 26, 2019
Our bost was red. I do not know if there are black speedboat, I am sorry
Written November 28, 2019
yes, normally there a zodiaks available throughout October - booking locally is possible or look up their website jokulsarlon
Written July 21, 2019
Hello all... is there a closing time to see the glacier and diamond beach or is it open 24hours? Do timings Only apply to the boat tours? We will be reaching late at 6 so just wondering if we will be having enough time to see everything as we will stay close by. But we shall leave early morning at 8 am
Written June 2, 2019
I believe the site is always open, it is after all a glacier. The cafe may close, but as far as I am aware everything else is open. I cannot recall having to pay for parking or anything....... so go for it, I have to say it is one of the most impressive sights I have ever seen, the scale is enormous........... it is the quintessential Iceland. Such a wonderful country, a dream come true when I visited last year.
Written June 3, 2019
Planning to visit the lagoon in the beggining of june and heard that there is a bus directly from keflavik airport to hofn passing the lagoon,does anybody know more info about it?
Written April 7, 2019
You can ask the operators who organize tours in the lagoon. They may know about buses from Keflavik. But I recommend you to rent a car.
Written April 7, 2019
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