Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Top Things to See and Do
Jökulsárlón isn’t just Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon — it’s a full-blown ice sculpture catwalk. Located at the edge of Vatnajökull National Park in southeast Iceland, this surreal lagoon is where 1,000-year-old chunks of glacier break off and float dreamily toward the sea. It’s peaceful, dramatic, and just a little eerie — like nature’s version of slow cinema. Bring a camera, a windproof jacket, and your sense of awe. You’ll need all three.
Glacier Kayaking and Boat Tours (meet on location)
Jökulsárlón may look like a place you simply admire from the shore—and fair enough, the floating icebergs and mirror-still water are mesmerizing enough to make you forget how coats work—but there’s far more to do than just stare slack-jawed at the scenery. You can hop on a boat tour to glide among the luminous blue chunks of ice, or better yet, join a kayaking tour for a quieter, more surreal experience, paddling at eye level with centuries-old ice as seals pop up like curious spectators. It’s a rare chance to feel utterly insignificant in the best possible way, surrounded by drifting, groaning giants of frozen time.
This tour offers a unique kayaking adventure on the pristine waters of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park. Highlights include gliding safely past floating icebergs with panoramic views of surrounding majestic glaciers and rugged mountains. The adventure uses highly stable, beginner-friendly SIT-ON-TOP kayaks and emphasizes eco-conscious travel within this breathtaking natural environment.
This unique kayaking tour provides an intimate, eco-friendly adventure on the serene waters of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, located in Southeast Iceland. This tour requires you to meet the guide directly at the Jökulsárlón parking lot base camp (GPS Coordinates: 64.048096, -16.178778).
The tour utilizes ultra-stable SIT-ON-TOP kayaks, ensuring the activity is safe and enjoyable for both seasoned paddlers and first-time kayakers. You will glide across the mirror-like waters, receiving unparalleled views of the massive Vatnajökull glacier outlets and the icebergs that have calved into the lagoon. This offers a different perspective than boat tours, immersing you directly into the landscape.
Experience an exciting activity in Iceland this summer with a boat tour around the renowned Jökulsárlón, also known as the Glacier Lagoon.
Jökulsárlón, formed by the melting ice from Iceland's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, is a picturesque lake. The Glacier Lagoon is regularly dotted with large icebergs that break off from the majestic glacier.
This beautiful location is particularly suitable for adventurous travelers with rental cars.
We will meet near our meeting point in Jökulsárlón, where we will get geared up with life jackets. We will then get onto a boat and start our unforgettable adventure into an ice world!
Once we get into the lagoon, we will immediately be surrounded by gigantic icebergs in any direction we look. We will spend around 45 minutes exploring this beautiful place and learning how global warming has affected our beautiful lands in Iceland.
As we cruise around the lagoon, we might even get the chance to find seals playing in the water! Many of these adorable creatures made Jökulsárlón their home since seals in Iceland are used to integrating with humans.
After the tour, you can explore the absolutely phenomenal area called Diamond Beach, located just across the road, to make your time even more exciting.
Breiðamerkurjökull - Ice Caves and Glacier Hikes
The nearby Breiðamerkurjökull offers incredible up-close experiences year-round: in summer, you can join guided glacier hikes, while in winter, the glacier reveals its famous ice caves—brilliant crystal blue caverns formed by meltwater and pressure.
Tours include a ride in a Super Jeep from the Jökulsárlón parking lot to reach the glacier's edge, adding a touch of adventure to the journey. Whether you're crunching across ancient ice or stepping into a frozen cathedral, Breiðamerkurjökull delivers a raw and unforgettable encounter with Iceland’s glacial heart.
Join a thrilling 3-hour guided glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull, part of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Ride a powerful Super Jeep across rugged terrain, walk on ancient blue ice, and explore fascinating glacial features such as moulins, crevasses, and deep ice canyons. Perfect for adventure seekers of all levels, this tour combines excitement, education, and unforgettable scenery.
Your adventure begins at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural landmarks. From here, you’ll board a specially designed 4x4 Super Jeep for an exciting ride across the rugged landscape leading to Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull National Park. Along the way, your experienced guide will share insights about the area’s unique geology and glacial history, making the journey as fascinating as the destination.
Upon arrival, your guide will provide all the necessary glacier gear, including crampons, helmets, ice axes, and harnesses. After a detailed safety briefing, you’ll step onto the glacier and feel the crunch of centuries-old ice beneath your feet. As you hike, your guide will point out incredible natural features like moulins (vertical ice shafts), dramatic crevasses, and ice canyons carved by meltwater. Each step offers a closer look at the raw and ever-changing power of Iceland’s glaciers.
This tour is an ideal summer adventure since the famous winter ice caves are closed during this season. Instead, you’ll explore stunning open glacial landscapes and hidden formations. The hike is moderately challenging but suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. Remember to wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy hiking boots. With morning and afternoon departures available, this compact yet immersive tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of Iceland’s frozen wilderness.
Prepare for an epic journey through Iceland's breathtaking landscapes! You will ride in a powerful 4x4 Super Jeep, conquering pristine wilderness, venture into the heart of a glacier, and explore the stunning Blue Ice Cave, renowned as the "Crystal Palace." Before your eyes, shimmering shades of blue ice, millennia-old crystalline domes, and ever-changing glacial crevasses and tunnels will create a once-in-a-lifetime moment frozen in time.
Our adventure begins at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon parking lot, where our expert guides will join you on this expedition. Aboard a specialized Super Jeep designed for Iceland's extreme terrain, you'll journey toward the glacier summit while listening to tales of this land's ancient icy legends.
The moment you step into the heart of the glacier, you'll be immersed in a dreamlike world: sapphire-blue ice walls envelop you gently, crystalline light refracts in mesmerizing patterns, and winding ice tunnels lead you deep into the earth—this naturally sculpted crystal palace reshapes its beauty each year, and the art of ice you encounter will be a unique masterpiece presented just for you.
Please equip yourself with warm clothing and a waterproof jacket, as this expedition into the very soul of Iceland's winter deserves your full preparation. This is more than a tour—it's an Icelandic tribute blending ultimate adventure, natural wonders, and lifelong memories. Book now, and let us write your exclusive legend with the glacier!
Top Activities Near Jökulsárlón
Aside from glacier activities on Breiðamerkurjökull, there are plenty of other things to do around Jökulsárlón. For those who wish to the glacier kayaking to another level, the much more recluse Heinabergslón Glacier lagoon offers the perfect off-the-beaten-path experience.
For those wanting to pack as much action as possible into one day, Jökulsárlón can easily be combined with a glacier hike in the Skaftafell region. Combining a glacier hike with glacier kayaking offer great value and unforgettable experiences.
This tour offers an ultimate kayaking adventure on the pristine waters of the Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon within Vatnajökull National Park. Highlights include gliding silently past awe-inspiring icebergs and exploring a serene, mirror-like lagoon surrounded by towering glacier walls and dramatic mountain panoramas. This experience provides an intimate, eco-friendly way to explore one of Iceland’s most remote and majestic natural wonders.
Join this unique kayaking excursion for an intimate exploration of the Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon, located in the southeast of Iceland within the vast Vatnajökull National Park.
The tour utilizes highly stable and beginner-friendly kayaks, making the experience accessible for both seasoned paddlers and those new to kayaking. Your focus is immersion in the breathtaking environment: as you paddle, you will maneuver through and around icebergs that have calved from the glacier. This perspective, directly on the water, offers an unparalleled view of the sheer scale of the surrounding glacier fronts and mountain ranges.
This activity emphasizes sustainable travel and offers a tranquil experience away from motorized boats. Participants must adhere to basic safety requirements and be prepared for light physical activity. All necessary kayaking equipment, including life vests and dry gear, is provided by the guides at the meeting point. This is an excellent choice for travelers prioritizing a peaceful, close-up encounter with Iceland's massive glacial formations.
Two thrilling glacier adventures, one unforgettable day. This 6-hour combo tour takes you deep into the wild, icy heart of Iceland’s southeastern coast. Paddle through the serene, iceberg-filled waters of Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon, far from the crowds, and then explore the ever-changing landscapes of Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, an outlet of Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. Led by certified guides and packed with breathtaking scenery, this full-day combo tour lets you experience Iceland’s glaciers from both water and ice.
Book now and experience two of Iceland’s most breathtaking activities in one epic journey!
Spend a full day immersed in the raw beauty of Southeast Iceland with this unique combo tour that combines kayaking on Heinaberg Lagoon with a guided glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull. Both tours depart from the same convenient meeting point at Tröll.is – Glacier Lagoon, Jökulsárlón, making your transition between adventures seamless and easy.
We begin by kayaking on the secluded Heinaberg Lagoon, a hidden gem surrounded by dramatic mountains and remote glacier tongues. This lesser-known glacial lagoon offers an incredibly peaceful paddling experience as you weave between icebergs, soak in panoramic views, and explore ice formations up close — all under the guidance of experienced kayaking instructors.
After a short break and time to switch gear, we lace up our hiking boots for the second part of your adventure: a glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull. This majestic outlet glacier stretches from the mighty Vatnajökull and invites you to explore a world of deep crevasses, blue ice formations, and stunning frozen landscapes. With crampons, helmets, and harnesses provided, you’ll walk safely across the glacier alongside expert guides who share insights into the glacier’s formation, features, and future.
This is a combo of two separate guided tours, both approximately 3.5 hours long. The transition between activities is coordinated and smooth — and since both start from the same meeting location, there’s no need for additional travel between sites.
All necessary glacier and kayaking equipment is provided, including drysuits for kayaking, safety gear, crampons, helmets, and ice axes. Participants must be at least 14 years old and comfortable with moderate physical activity.
Ready for the ultimate dual-glacier experience? Kayak a peaceful lagoon, then hike ancient blue ice — this is Southeast Iceland at its most magical. Book this adventure today!
This full-day combo package offers two essential glacier experiences in Southeast Iceland for maximum adventure. Highlights include a guided kayaking adventure among the icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and an exhilarating glacier hike on a Vatnajökull outlet glacier in Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This tour efficiently pairs two distinct, guided activities—on water and on ice—in one day. All necessary safety gear and instructions for both the kayaking and glacier trekking are provided by certified guides.
This unique, self-drive combo tour is designed for active travelers wanting to experience the immense natural beauty of Southeast Iceland in a single day. The adventure is split into two separate guided tours: a morning and an afternoon activity.
You have the flexibility to choose your starting point: either the Glacier Hike in Skaftafell Nature Reserve or the Kayaking session at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Certified guides lead both segments, ensuring safety and providing all technical equipment, including kayaks, dry gear, crampons, and ice axes. The hiking portion explores the frozen terrain of an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. The kayaking session allows you to glide silently past breathtaking ice formations in the lagoon.
Practical Logistics:
- Transportation: Travel between Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell is self-drive, requiring participants to use their own vehicle to move between the two base camps.
- Meeting Points: You must meet the guides at the designated Troll.is base camps in Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell.
- Timing: Strict adherence to the schedule is required; you must arrive 20 minutes before each scheduled departure time (morning and afternoon) to gear up.
This tour is ideal for maximizing adventure time while efficiently exploring the glacier region with professional guidance.
Explore the ever-changing ice formations of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, on a guided walk. This tour gives you a close look at a landscape shaped by ice, where conditions shift from season to season. Depending on the time of year, you may walk into crevasses,or see ice features from above as the surface changes in summer. Your guide may also point out interesting details like glacier-shaped formations or patches of “glacier mice,” small moss balls found on the ice.
Your adventure begins at our Troll base, offering free parking and only a short drive from the glacier. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to meet your certified English-speaking glacier guide. All essential safety equipment, helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe, is provided.
After gearing up, we take a 15-minute ride to the glacier car park, followed by a 15-minute walk to the edge of the ice. Along the way, your guide will show how the glacier has retreated over time, pointing out exposed bedrock and the nearby meltwater lagoon. Once on the ice, your guide will teach you how to walk safely using your equipment.
You’ll spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring Falljökull. What you see varies with the season, but every tour offers a chance to experience the glacier’s scale and the unique formations created by its movement. Throughout the hike, your guide will share insights into how the glacier forms, shifts, and affects the surrounding environment.
After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink and a candy bar
Sights Within & Around Jökulsárlón
If you thought Jökulsárlón was just a pretty puddle filled with ice cubes the size of small houses… well, you’re technically right — but also gloriously wrong. This isn’t just a lagoon. It’s the glacial equivalent of a fantasy epic: icebergs drifting like ghost ships, seals living their best life, and otherworldly landscapes that make you question whether you accidentally wandered into a big-budget Viking fever dream.
And while the lagoon steals the show, don’t sleep on the neighborhood — a stone’s throw away you’ll find black diamond beaches, surreal ice caves, and enough photo ops to melt your phone. So grab your wool socks and existential curiosity — here’s what’s waiting in and around the iceberg playground.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
This is the big boss of the southeast — a hauntingly beautiful meltwater lagoon where chunks of glacier break off and float serenely toward the sea like slow-motion shipwrecks. Seals patrol the icy waters, icebergs groan like ancient gods, and the whole thing looks like nature's version of a dystopian dreamscape. It’s dramatic. It’s cold. It’s perfect.

Diamond Beach
Just across the road from the lagoon (literally), you’ll find jet-black volcanic sands littered with gleaming shards of ice — hence the name. It’s like a jewelry heist gone wrong. The contrast of dark sand and glittering ice makes it one of the most photogenic (and surreal) places in Iceland. Bring your camera, but also… maybe some gloves.

Jökulsárlón Bridge
Spanning the mouth of the lagoon, this iconic bridge offers a top-down view of the icebergs drifting out to sea. It’s also the place where you’ll realize your phone storage is wildly unprepared for Iceland. Pro tip: pull over safely and soak it in from the sandbanks.

Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon (12 km – 10 min drive)
Think of it as Jökulsárlón’s quieter, moodier cousin. Smaller crowds, same icy drama. Fjallsárlón feels more intimate, like nature whispering secrets… or plotting something, depending on the fog.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve (56 km – 45 min drive)
For those craving vertical drama. Expect glacier tongues, epic trails, and Svartifoss — a waterfall framed by hexagonal basalt columns that look like they were 3D printed by trolls with OCD.

Frequently Asked Questions
Because a lagoon full of ancient icebergs doesn’t come with a manual
You've made it to the edge of the world where icebergs creak like eldritch beasts and the wind whispers secrets from centuries past. But before you accidentally lick a glacier or try to ride a seal (please don't), here are some answers to your burning, frostbitten questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brace yourself — it’s a journey. The lagoon is about 5–6 hours from Reykjavík by car, depending on how many waterfalls or rogue sheep distract you on the way. Rent a 4x4 if traveling in winter. Tours are also available if you’d prefer someone else to worry about icy roads while you sip hot chocolate and wonder what possessed you to come this far north.
Only if you're into cathedral-sized chunks of millennia-old ice bobbing in ghostly silence, surreal views that look photoshopped, and the occasional seal doing its best impression of an existentialist poet. So, yeah. It's worth it.
Yes — but only if you're with a certified glacier guide. Iceland frowns on spontaneous icecap exploration (too many tourists falling into crevasses and making the news). Book a tour that includes crampons, helmets, and the promise you won’t become part of the ice forever.
Only if you want to meet Odin early. It’s freezing, deep, and full of icebergs. Try kayaking if you’re craving closeness to cold water without the dying part.
Only emotionally. They will ignore you with the condescension of a Parisian waiter. Physically? Nah—they’re just chill.
Year-round, each season brings a different kind of magic (and potential frostbite).
- Summer offers accessible roads, shimmering blue ice, and boat tours.
- Winter brings eerie stillness, fewer tourists, and the chance to pair it with ice cave tours — assuming you survive the Ring Road. Dress like you're going on an expedition to Mars. Layered Mars.
Yup. They break off, float around for a bit like confused retirees, then head out to sea to melt (or beach themselves like frozen whales at Diamond Beach).
There’s a café with soup, coffee, and vibes. Don’t expect Michelin stars. Do expect overpriced snacks.
Yes. Real ones. They won’t win design awards, but they beat peeing in the wind while a curious seal watches.
Absolutely — if you're lucky and weather/sun activity/a pagan deity aligns. Jökulsárlón is far from city lights, which makes it a prime spot for aurora hunting. Pack patience. And snacks.
In peak season, yes. Otherwise, you’ll be watching other people glide between icebergs while you sulk by a snack van. Choose between amphibian boats (big, safe, a bit lumbering) and zodiac boats (faster, more thrilling, wetter).
Officially? No. Unofficially? Still no. Jökulsárlón is a protected area, and drone bans help preserve its serenity (and prevent decapitation-by-rotor incidents).
Got More Questions?
Our team of Iceland experts is just a message away. Whether you’re curious about tour details, weather prep, or which adventure suits you best, we’re here to help. Chat with us or Contact our support team and let’s plan your perfect Iceland experience.
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