Due to its magnificent beauty, the Jökulsárlón ice lagoon has become one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. It is a popular stop for those traveling down the South Coast.

You may remember this place from famous movies such as Tomb Raider and James Bond.

The glacial lake of Jökulsárlón and its ice beach are considered natural wonders of Iceland. When the Northern Lights are visible, the area gains even more aesthetic points.

Thousands of visitors flock to Jökulsárlón all year to see the free-flowing icebergs, take boat trips around the lagoon, and perhaps capture a photo of a seal.

Seals can be spotted swimming in the lagoon and the lagoon is also packed with birdlife, we would suggest you visit this place.

What's the best way to get to Jökulsárlón?

Jökulsárlón is located towards the south of Europe’s largest glacier aka Vatnajökull.

You may either rent a car or take a guided tour to go to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. It’s directly on the ring road between Höfn and Skaftafell, near highway 1.

The travel from Reykjavik takes between 4 and 5 hours and is a breathtaking drive. The travel takes about 2 and half hours from Vik and slightly over an hour from Hofn.

Things to do at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Boat tours are available on the lagoon during the warmer months, from April to October.

During peak season (July and August), the lagoon hosts up to 40 boat journeys each day.

You can pick between an amphibian boat tour with numerous departures per day or a Zodiac boat tour with a set departure time.

Individuals do not need to make reservations for the amphibian boat tours, but groups of more than 12 individuals must.

Ice caving is also possible from Jökulsárlón, where you can explore a natural blue ice cave within the Vatnajökull glacier.

When a glacier melts and rivers run beneath it, the ice is sculpted into a tunnel, creating ice caves.

Each cave is distinct from the others in terms of size and shape. The stunning blue color of the ice is something they all have in common.

The Northern Lights are visible all year, but only when it’s dark, thus they’re not visible in the summer when the evenings are bright.

From the beginning of September until the middle of April, you may see the aurora in Iceland, depending on the weather and how active the northern lights are.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?

Exploring a glacier lagoon in Iceland is similar to visiting the rest of Iceland; it all depends on your goals, money, and time. The arctic tern and gull-like skuas, which build nests on the lake’s beaches, are abundant in the summer in the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Iceland is in full bloom in the summer, and you may enjoy the midnight sun and endless sunshine. In the winter, you’ll see more seals lying on icebergs, see the northern lights, and receive more snow, but transportation conditions will be more dangerous.

We believe that the ideal time to visit is between September and April when prices are lower and there are fewer visitors. You’ll also have a better chance of seeing the northern lights. When the sky is clear, July and August are the finest months to photograph Iceland’s glacier lagoon.