Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Iceland 2025

You can see large floating icebergs and huge blocks of ice that break off the mighty Breiðamerkurjökull glacier at Jökulsárlón, a stunning glacier lagoon near Vatnajökull National Park in Southeast Iceland. This natural wonder, shaped by a warming climate, offers breathtaking views of shimmering icebergs drifting across its deep, serene waters, making it one of Iceland's most mesmerizing and unforgettable destinations.

Location

The Glacier Lagoon in Iceland, located near Highway 1 about 230 miles (370 km) east of Reykjavík, is often regarded as one of the country's greatest natural wonders. This lagoon, formed as a result of a warming climate, lies at sea level, with seawater flowing into it during high tide. Massive ice blocks frequently break off the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, creating floating icebergs that drift across the lagoon. While the lagoon itself is not very wide, it reaches depths of up to 250 meters, making it the deepest lake in Iceland. Breiðamerkurjökull is a significant outlet of the Vatnajökull glacier.

More About Icebergs

The icebergs in Jökulsárlón are remarkable not only for their immense size but also for their captivating colors. While many are an icy white, others display vivid electric blue hues or dramatic black streaks of volcanic ash, remnants of ancient eruptions.

As these icebergs slowly make their way across the lagoon, they eventually either drift out to sea or are carried to the nearby black sands of Breiðamerkursandur. Here, their glistening forms create a stunning contrast against the dark shore, earning the area its poetic name, Diamond Beach. Thanks to its close proximity, this striking beach is often visited alongside the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Jokulsarlon Wildlife

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a thriving sanctuary for Icelandic wildlife, enriched by the tides that bring abundant herring and capelin. During the summer months, Arctic Terns nest in the area, and visitors are advised to avoid their nesting spots, as these fiercely protective birds may dive at anything they perceive as a threat to their eggs. Skuas also nest along the lagoon's shores during this time. Seals, a year-round attraction, can often be spotted swimming gracefully among the icebergs or resting on them. The lagoon provides these animals with a haven, which is especially vital in southeast Iceland's waters, known for their significant population of orcas.

Best Time to Visit

Boat tours typically operate from early May through September, weather permitting. However, for the past two years, tours have been available from late April to late November. The Café by the Lagoon remains open year-round, except December 23–26 and December 31–January 2. Regular opening hours are from 10 am to 5 pm daily, extended to 9 am to 7 pm during June, July, and August. Be sure to experience Jokulsarlon, a breathtaking natural wonder of Iceland and a popular filming location for Hollywood movies.

Boat Tours

Tour prices for Jökulsárlón's boat tours depend on age and group size. The standard tour costs 6900 ISK for adults (13+), 3500 ISK for children aged 6–12, and is free for children aged 0–5. During the peak summer months of June, July, and August, tours run frequently throughout the day, departing at least every half hour, with the final trip leaving around 6 pm. Each tour lasts approximately one hour, and includes a guide who provides fascinating insights about the lagoon, its icebergs, and the surrounding landscape.