Jokulsarlon Travel Guide, your ultimate resource for exploring one of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Located in southern Iceland, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a stunning glacial lake filled with floating icebergs and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Experience the Majesty of Jokulsarlon: Where Ice Meets Ocean
SCG Team
In this Jokulsarlon Travel Guide, we’ll take you through the history of the lagoon, its top attractions, best hotels, and essential travel information to help you plan your trip.
History of Jokulsarlon
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, located in southern Iceland, was created as a result of the retreat of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier from the Atlantic Ocean. Since the 1940s, the lake has been expanding due to the glacier’s melting. Currently, the glacial front is approximately 5 miles away from the ocean’s edge, and the lake covers an area of around 6.9 square miles.
Initially, the region consisted of less than 100 feet of glacier, situated just 250 yards from the Atlantic Ocean and 2 miles away from Vatnajökull. Vatnajökull used to be at the ocean’s shoreline, regularly calving icebergs into the sea. However, it gradually moved inland each year, carving deep gorges that filled with melted water and large ice chunks.
With a depth exceeding 932 feet, Jökulsárlón is the deepest lake in Iceland. Its size has quadrupled since the 1970s. The lagoon is encompassed by the Breiðamerkursandur, a vast outwash plain that serves as a bird sanctuary during the summer. Fish from the sea, carried in by the tides, populate the lake, making it a favored location for seals during the winter.
Top 3 Attractions of Jokulsarlon
Here are the top 3 attractions of Jokulsarlonglacier lagoon:
Glacier Boat Tour: Take a thrilling boat tour among floating icebergs and get up close to the majestic glacier. Licensed guides will share fascinating facts about the glacier’s history, geology, and impact on the environment.
Diamond Beach: Walk along the black sand beach and marvel at the glistening ice chunks washed up on the shore. This unique sight is like nothing else, with glittering diamonds scattered across the beach.
Vatnajokull National Park: Explore the vast and stunning national park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Hike, camp, or take a guided tour to discover the park’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Hotels of Jokulsarlon
These are the top three hotels near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon:
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, found in Hnappavellir, is a 4-star hotel that is 16.6 miles away from the glacier lagoon. Guests can enjoy breakfast and use the kitchen at this hotel. Unfortunately, there are no shops, restaurants, or fueling stations nearby.
Hotel Smyrlabjorg is situated 18.2 miles from the glacier lagoon in Smyrlabjoergum. This hotel is very popular and has been booked frequently by travelers in the last 60 days.
Hotel Skaftafell, located in Skaftafell, is 21.9 miles from the glacier lagoon. This hotel provides shared facilities like a kitchen, showers, and toilets. It’s also a best-seller and has been booked frequently by travelers in the past 60 days.
Best Time to Visit Jokulsarlon
The best time to visit Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon depends on what you like, but it’s suggested to go in summer or early fall to see the icebergs floating in the lagoon.
Boat tours are available from April to October, with the busiest time being July and August.
If you prefer fewer people and slightly warmer temperatures, think about going in June or September.
Winter visits (November to March) are great for seeing the Northern Lights and exploring ice caves, but make sure to bundle up for the cold.
You can visit the lagoon any time of year, but be careful in the winter months because of the weather.
Jokulsarlon Travel Guide : Useful Information
There are a couple of ways to get to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon:
Driving: You can drive there, but it might take a while if you stop at scenic spots.
Tours: You can join a guided tour that includes a ride to the lagoon.
Two-Day Tour: This tour has transportation and a place to stay. It takes you to the lagoon and other cool spots on Iceland’s South Coast.
Six-Day Winter Drive: This tour is good for winter trips to the lagoon. It even includes a visit to an ice cave nearby.
Conclusion
Don’t miss Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a must-visit destination in Iceland for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking unique experiences. Here xplore stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, Glacier Boat Tours, and Diamond Beach with this travel guide for an unforgettable journey.
