Of all the sites on the south coast of Iceland, there’s one that’s probably most special. That’s the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a breathtaking scene of crumbling glaciers, drifting icebergs, and stunning Icelandic wildlife.

Jökulsárlón is a lagoon created from the melting ice of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, a tongue stretching south from the larger Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap. Having grown for the last century, Jökulsárlón is now the deepest lake in all of Iceland. As such, it is the poignant product of a warming world.

Yet, that’s not the only reason to visit. It’s a truly awe-inspiring place, and you likely won’t see anything like it anywhere else in the world. In this guide, discover why Jökulsárlón should be on your list of places to see before you die.

1. Jökulsárlón is a natural wonder

So, why should Jökulsárlón be on your bucket list? Because there’s no question that the glacial lagoon is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

When you arrive, you’ll be first struck by the serene, iceberg-strewn waters of the lagoon itself. As far as the eye can see, this sublime view opens up before you, surrounded by the rocky, often snow-covered hillsides.

All this ice that you’re seeing comes from the distant end of the lake. There, you can witness the icy wall of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier break, collapse, and crumple into the water below. It’s a dramatic landscape that’s always in motion—and different every time you come.

In fact, there are few other places in the world where you can see glaciers breaking so continuously and in such relative comfort.

You may also be aware that, where the waters of Jökulsárlón reach the sea, you’ll find the so-called Diamond Beach. This is where the icebergs meet their ultimate end. Scattered on the beach’s black sand, you’ll see the large chunks of ice sit like roughly-hewn diamonds. They’re like diamonds in the sun, waiting to melt or to be taken out to sea.

2. The glacier lagoon is home to incredible wildlife

While the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon is often described as an otherworldly landscape, it’s very much part of the natural life of Iceland. Another reason why a visit to the lagoon should be on your bucket list is because it’s a place to see some of Iceland’s incredible wildlife in a spectacular location.

The star of the show is probably the seal. In fact, this is one of the best places in Iceland to see the common or harbour seal, an elegant, adorable creature that can be found in the seas around the Arctic and further south. In the waters of Jökulsárlón, seals are protected from the predators—such as orca or killer whales—that they would otherwise encounter in the open sea.

What’s more, in the lagoon, they have a plentiful supply of fish. That’s why you can frequently see them enjoying themselves in its waters, often hauling themselves out onto the icebergs.

Jökulsárlón is also a great place to see some of Iceland’s birds. As the waters of the lagoon are so full of fish, they attract birds including the arctic tern and the arctic skua, as well as fulmars and eiders. Further off-shore, it’s also possible to see gannets too.

But that’s not all. If you’re lucky, you may even see a group of reindeer! They’re a common sight in this part of Iceland.

3. It’s a place to witness climate change in action

When you visit Jökulsárlón, it’s hard to escape the impression that it’s a place that’s undergoing some rapid change.

All around you ice is melting and moving, and, even if you don’t notice it, the lake itself is growing. Today, the lagoon is about 11 square miles in size (18 square kilometres), but it hasn’t always been that way. In fact, it didn’t exist at all before the 1930s. Since then, it has rapidly expanded to become the deepest lake in Iceland.

What’s the cause? Climate change. As the temperature of the atmosphere increases, the ice that gives this country its name is melting. That’s meant that the glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, has retreated over 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometres) in the last century, leaving behind this enormous lake. All over Iceland, as in much of the rest of the world, glaciers are in retreat. And with global temperatures expected to continue to rise, this process is only going to accelerate. As a result, we may be the last generation to enjoy the wonders of Jökulsárlón, a sublime testament to a warming world.

• Read more in our guide to Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon

4. Jökulsárlón lagoon is a phenomenal location for other experiences

By now, you probably don’t need any convincing that Jökulsárlón is a breathtaking place. Yet one of the lagoon’s incredible perks is its location. From here, you can see many of the other wonders that Iceland offers.

For example, Jökulsárlón is in the heart of Iceland’s south coast, perhaps the most scenic area in the whole country. For example, on a south coast tour, you can see the immense variety of the Vatnajökull National Park, offering glacier tours, hiking trails in the mighty Skaftafell, and waterfalls including the picturesque Svartifoss.

A Jökulsárlón combo tour will also show you the Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s best-known itineraries. Here, you can see the likes of Geysir, which shoots hot water out of the ground with such power. And there’s Þingvellir National Park, with its deep tectonic trench and its important place in national history.

What’s more, Jökulsárlón is one of Iceland’s best locations to see the northern lights. In the heart of rural Iceland, right next to the ocean, the lagoon is far from any light pollution that might disrupt the view.

As you may know already, the northern lights are the astonishing display of colour in the night sky caused by eruptions on the surface of the sun. Solar particles travel to earth where they collide with our atmosphere at the north and south poles—creating marvellous waves of blue, green, and red light.

People come from all over the world to see this display in Iceland. But on a private tour to Jökulsárlón, you can have an intimate view over the stunning waters of the lagoon. The mysterious lights in the sky above give an extra dimension to this truly special landscape.

5. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else

Ultimately, one of the most important reasons you should visit Jökulsárlón is that you won’t find anything like it anywhere else. With its unique combination of jaw-dropping scenery, awesome wildlife, and the promise of the northern lights, you’ll find yourself in a world that you’ll have never seen before.

There’s a reason why Jökulsárlón is frequently used as a backdrop for movies. This particular location makes an appearance in two James Bond films—Die Another Day and A View to a Kill—as well as in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. You may have also seen the surrounding area in Interstellar, Batman Begins, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

All of these movies have paid homage to the unique scenery that Jökulsárlón offers. Make the time to visit yourself and you won’t be disappointed.

Frequently asked questions about Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Want to know more about the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon? Here we answer some of your most common questions.

How should I dress for a glacier lagoon tour?

What you’ll need to wear for your glacier lagoon tour will depend in part on the season. While summer temperatures in Iceland can be mild, during the winter you’ll really have to wrap up warm.

Whenever you’re intending to come, we give the same advice:

• Dress in layers so that you can take them off if you get too warm, or put something on again if you’re cold. That’s true for the summer too. Remember, it’s always warmer to wear lots of thinner layers than one big layer.
• Bring waterproofs, whatever the season. Icelandic weather is typically volatile, and while it might be sunny now that can change quickly. Pack a waterproof even if you don’t think you’ll need it.
• Wear sturdy shoes. You’ll need some shoes with grip. At Jökulsárlón there’s frequently snow and ice on the ground. But even if there isn’t, the terrain is rocky and difficult.
• Don’t forget the basics for the cold. We mean a hat, gloves, a scarf, and warm socks.

What is the age limit for the glacier lagoon tours?

For a classic Jökulsárlón tour there’s no minimum age limit, nor is there for a private tour. Children of all ages are welcome on a boat tour of Jökulsárlón too.

However, on some wider tours of the south coast of Iceland, there can be an age limit of 8 or 10 years. It’s typically not possible, for instance, for small children to join a glacier hike or a visit to an ice cave.

Which experiences are best for tours in Jökulsárlón?

With so many experiences available at Jökulsárlón, it’s up to you to decide which is best for you. If it’s your first time visiting Iceland, a classic Jökulsárlón day tour might be the best option. Taking in the glacier lagoon, you’ll also see the black-sand Diamond Beach and visit the nearby village of Vík. There’ll be time to see the magnificent waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss too.

Alternatively, enjoy a different perspective on the glacier lagoon. For example, you can take to the water itself on a boat tour. Or why not experience the glacial world above on a hike across the ice? Of course, there’s also the chance for you to enjoy a more intimate experience of Jökulsárlón on a private tour of the glacier lagoon. Check out your options among our Jökulsárlón tours.

What are the best places for tours in Jökulsárlón?

As you may have noticed if you’ve been searching online already, there are many options for tours to Jökulsárlón. While there are some opportunities to meet your glacier guide on site, most tours start from nearby towns.

The most popular place to start a Jökulsárlón tour is Reykjavik. From here, you can explore the length of the south coast with your guide, either in a single day, two, or even three. You’ll get to explore the incredible lagoon, while seeing some of the other best sights that Iceland offers.

These are the most popular tours at Reykjavik Excursions. As the oldest and most respected tour operator in Iceland, we offer a huge range of tours across the south of Iceland. Explore them here.

What is Jökulsárlón known for?

Jökulsárlón is known for being the most spectacular and unique glacial lagoon in Iceland, if not the rest of the world. With its crumbling ice and floating icebergs, it’s a place that really needs to be seen to be believed. Don’t underestimate its reputation as a top destination for the northern lights either. With the aurora borealis dancing above your head, Jökulsárlón is even more special.

When should I go to Jökulsárlón?

Jökulsárlón is a top destination all year round. In winter, you’ll experience the lagoon surrounded by a landscape of snow. It’s at this time of year that you’ll see the northern lights too, which illuminate the scene with their greenish glow.

But Jökulsárlón is just as special in summer too. With temperatures a lot higher, you’ll have a better chance of seeing some of Iceland’s wildlife. And you can enjoy long summer evenings by the lagoon, with the sun not setting until nearly midnight.

Is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon worth it?

A trip to Jökulsárlón is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in Iceland. It promises glaciers and icebergs, seals and Icelandic birdlife, and a black-sand beach scattered in blocks of ice. What more could you ask for?

Remember, there might not be much time left to see Jökulsárlón in all its glory. As temperatures rise, the glacier is shrinking and may one day disappear altogether.

What is interesting about Diamond Beach in Iceland?

The Diamond Beach is the name for the strip of sand that separates the Jökulsárlón lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean. Here, shards of ice drift up onto the black sands, covering the beach with diamond-like objects.

Eventually, these chunks of ice are washed out to sea. But while they’re still here, they help to create a truly magical scene.

Visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with Reykjavik Excursions

It’s time to tick the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon off your bucket list. Come to Iceland and visit this amazing place for yourself.

At Reykjavik Excursions, we run tours across the south coast throughout the year. You can dedicate a day to Jökulsárlón or combine the glacier lagoon with other breathtaking sights in the area. What’s more, we can help you see the northern lights while you’re here too.

Whenever you want to visit and however you want to travel, we make it easy. As Iceland’s oldest and most respected travel operator, you can trust us at Reykjavik Excursions to help you travel in comfort and style.

Ready to visit? Explore our tours and book your trip.