JÖKULSÁRLÓN: THE GLACIER LAGOON

View of Jökulsárlón from the beach

Jökulsárlón, which could be translated as "glacier lagoon," was formed from glacier melt. It now measures 1500m wide and 200m deep. With climate change, the lagoon continues to expand so much that the existence of Route 1 could be threatened.

You will see icebergs with hues ranging from turquoise to dark blue through all shades of white. The more compressed the ice, the bluer it appears. Volcanic sulfur contributes to forming yellowish icebergs while volcanic ash blackens the ice. The icebergs come from a glacier tongue (Breidamerkurjökull) of the Vatnajökull glacier and can reach 30m in height. If you find the ice blocks impressive, remember that 90% of the iceberg's volume is submerged underwater. Sometimes, without warning, icebergs split or overturn, and a detonation disturbs the ambient calm.

A seal on an iceberg

Keep your eyes open to spot seals in the lagoon or on an iceberg. In summer, the place is populated with Arctic terns, seagulls, Great Skuas or even razorbill auks that come to fish for trout, salmon and herring among others. Don't get too close to the nests as some of these birds won't hesitate to attack.

Year-round but especially during the summer season, boat excursions (amphibious or inflatable) of 40 minutes can be arranged. You will navigate among the icebergs. Reservation is only recommended for zodiac excursions in summer. This activity is not essential and even less beneficial for the environment.

Main tour operators: Glacier Lagoon, Ice Lagoon

Amphibious boats are known to be noisy and polluting. Instead, prefer a walk along the lagoon to find some tranquility.

From November to March and if weather conditions permit, you can visit natural ice caves sculpted by rivers from the melting Vatnajökull glacier. These visits are only done with guides for safety reasons.

Main tour operators: Ice Explorers, Blue Iceland

Northern lights are only visible from September to mid-April. The sky must be clear and northern lights can be intense or faint.

The beauty of the location has inspired some of Hollywood's greatest directors. Two James Bond movies (Die Another Day and A View to a Kill) and Tomb Raider were filmed at Jökulsárlón. Batman Begins and Interstellar were shot a bit further away on the Svínafellsjökul glacier.

The lagoon is located right off Ring Road 1. The site and parking are, as often, free and open year-round 24/7. If you don't have a vehicle, bus tours as well as local buses (Sterna Bus line 12) from Reykjavik make a stop during high season. If you're departing from Reykjavik, plan your visit over two days with, for example, a night in Vik. If you want to escape the crowds at the main parking lot, there are 4 other small parking areas on Route 1 coming from Reykjavik. Stop at the second or third one. You'll need to climb a hill to reach the lagoon.

Nat.is. Schedules/prices for getting there by bus