Last updated: 29 July 2023
This is the fourth post in a 5 part series covering our adventure through the natural wonder that is Iceland! There was too much to see and do for us to cover in a single post so we decided to break it up into a 5 part series.
The first post covered the all the reasons why Iceland is considered a must-travel destination, the second post covered how to get around on the Icelandic Ring Road, the third post explained why the Solheimasandur plane wreck is a must visit, and this post is all about my love for the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
A Natural Wonder
Spoiler. I’m cutting right to the chase, there’s no burying the headline here. Our visit to the Jokulsarlon Iceberg Lagoon was one of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited.
We’re fans of getting lost and making it up as you go along, but there’s always another way. Planned itineraries and structured Iceland holidays are another option.
People often ask where was the best place you’ve visited and I find myself almost always answering Iceland. When prompted for a reason why, I tend to explain my sheer amazement staring at the beautiful icebergs at the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
It’s the type of view that Superman would have had when deciding where to build his Fortress of Solitude. (You knew that as a Superman fan I was going to find a way to include a reference…). It’s difficult to describe just how incredible these colossal chunks of blue and white ice were as they floated gently adrift in a lagoon of icy wonder.
When we arrived at the Jokulsarlon Iceberg Lagoon, I was speechless. Actually speechless. I know that it’s one of those sayings that gets thrown around often but I didn’t have a word to say when looking out at the vast icebergs adrift in a reflective lagoon of crystal clear water.
I will never forget the feeling of standing on the end of the lagoon and gazing out at these beautiful, albeit temporary, natural wonders. These icebergs will float in the lagoon, bumping into each other, for about 5 years before moving towards the outlet and making their way into the Atlantic Ocean and disappearing forever. What you’re watching is a moment in time, it feels like you’re connected to the greater natural world.
Where does the lagoon come from?
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a large iceberg lagoon running off the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, which itself is part of the largest ice cap in Europe, Vatnajokull. The Vatnajokull glacier is so large that it covers 8% of Iceland!
Visiting (How to get there)
If you’re road tripping around Iceland like we did then all you need to do is follow the famous Ring Road (route 1) and you’ll find it without too much of an issue. Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is located between Hof and Hofn so if you’re driving towards Hofn then it’s the perfect place to stop and explore.
What to expect
During the summer months when the days are longer, there is a flurry of activity on the shores of the iceberg lagoon. Zodiac boat rides are popular with tourists as they provide the opportunity to get up close and personal with the icebergs! As you can imagine, these tours fill up quickly so if you do want to get on one then book early.
However, if you’re like us and decide to visit Iceland during the winter months then you’re going to experience a different side of the life in the lagoon…but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Due to the colder weather and freezing waters, the zodiac boats don’t run during winter which means that you’re only going to be able to experience the lagoon from the sidelines. Whilst this might sound like a negative, it’s actually a blessing in disguise because you get to spend your time walking around the lagoon at your own pace and take photos from a variety of different locations and perspectives.
Another benefit of visiting during the off season is the distinct lack of people, it’s definitely quieter than during the warmer weather. A lack of people means that you when you do take a stroll, you can do so without needing to deal with bus loads of tourists to move out of your field of view before quickly snapping away before the next bus load arrives.
Now combine the lack of crowds and the ability to stroll around the lagoon edges with a magnificent winter sunset and you have what can only be best described as; pure magic.
The proof is in the photos.
Roma and I spent about 3 hours simply walking along the edge of lagoon taking photos, admiring the stunning view, and at times simply standing still and listening to the sounds of icebergs bump into one another. There was the occasional loud crack which echoed around the lagoon when one of the large icebergs surrendered to its own weight and toppled into the icy waters.
One of the final highlights occurred just as the sun was setting and we were on our way back to the car, we spotted a seal swimming between the icebergs! I’m pretty sure the high pitched squeal of delight came from me and not Roma…
The Essentials | Jokulsarlon Iceberg Lagoon
- Location: Ring Road (between Hof and Hofn) 64°04′13″N 16°12′42″W
- Cost: Free (like most attractions in Iceland)
- Must See Rating: 5 out of 5!
