Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón, Iceland

This lake filled with giant, translucent chunks of iceberg is one of Iceland’s most distinctive and photogenic sights. Featured in high-profile movies, including two of the James Bond series and Batman Begins (as well as many local TV commercials), the sight is reached via a scenic drive along the country’s main ring road (Route 1). The icebergs originate at the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which looms in the distance behind the lagoon, and look especially otherworldly when they reach the nearby black-sand beach. The area is also a paradise for bird lovers, with arctic terns and skuas nesting in the area (they may dive-bomb you if you get too close to their nests), and it’s possible to spot the occasional seal. A nearby visitor center offers simple fast food and drinks as well as souvenirs.

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Glacier Lagoon

Such a beautiful place this was even if it was really cold, windy and pouring rain. I wish I would have had more time to really walk around and enjoy it but the wind was really strong. Icelandic weather is so tricky, you never know when it goes bad. The umbrella I had was destroyed by the wind :) .Still, I am very happy I got to see this live after seeing it in so many pictures. It is truly a wonderful place and if you lucky enough to see it while sunny it’s even better. There are companies there offering boat tours on the lagoon.

Jokusarlon Floating Iceberg Boat Tour

Jokulsarlon Floating Iceberg Boat Tour was a Must See in Iceland! It is South East on the ring road and is at the bottom of Skaftaell National Park on the map.

The glacial lagoon at Jökulsárlón

My husband and I traveled around the periphery of Iceland (on Ring Road) over a 9-day trip this summer. Outside Reykjavik, the whole country is like one big national park. One of the highlights of our road-trip was the glacial lagoon at Jökulsárlón in southern Iceland. The lagoon is on the borders of Vatnajökull National Park and again very easily accessible from Ring Road (it can be seen from the road, in fact). The lagoon has fresh (bluer ones) and old icebergs floating around which make it quite a sight. You can take boat tours in the lagoon or take a guided walking tour of the glacier. We spotted a seal on our boat tour of the glacier.

Ice Ice Baby

In Iceland there lives a black beach covered in ice cubes the size of SUVs. Jokulsarlon, a glacier lagoon, is one of the many frozen wonders in this incredible country. Giant blue and white pieces of glacier break off and slowly make their way into the Atlantic. But first many beach on the packed black lava sands, creating an ice sculpture museum that is constantly changing and inspiring.

Iceberg, Right Ahead!

Iceland is a visual treat. Think geysers, waterfalls, fjords, volcanoes, and glacial lagoons. If you only have a couple of days, make the effort to get out of Reykjavik. Visit Geysir and Gulfoss and then head another two hours east to Jokulsarlon. You will NOT be disappointed. Watch waves wash broken icebergs ashore as they crash on a black-sand beach; take a 30-minute boat trip to the foot of the glacier, dodging icebergs on the way; try not to scare away the seals atop floating ice as they bask in the sun’s rays; and see what 3,000-year-old ice tastes like as you sample it on your boat ride back to shore. Boat rides depart regularly from the main entrance at Jokulsarlon. Warm up with a hot chocolate from the canteen afterwards and bring an extra memory card...it may take a few shots to capture the perfect Jack & Rose pose.

Kayaking with Seals and Icebergs

Jökulsárlón is a beautiful glacial lake fed by Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The lake is filled with icebergs that float aimlessly about until they eventually drift out to sea. One morning my cousin and I took out our kayak and maneuvered it between icebergs of different hues, shapes, and sizes. It was so peaceful, so quiet, as we went into the water at first morning’s light. The small, floating mountains of ice glistened in the rising sun as small droplets of water began trickling from the outcroppings of ice looming above us. A small accompaniment of curious seals joined us, popping up beside our kayak and playfully splashing back into the water. In the distance, crashes could be heard as new icebergs were formed by the ice cliffs of Vatnajökull sloughing off its dead skin. The water itself was calm and reflective, which mimicked the way I felt as we traversed the lake. Going back to shore was the hardest, having to leave behind the beauty that we found between the icebergs—something that most tourists are not able to see for themselves.

Jökulsárlón -- Lake of Floating Icy Mountains

Jökulsárlón is a beautiful glacial lake fed by Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The lake is filled with icebergs that float aimlessly about until they eventually drift out to sea. One morning my cousin and I took out our kayak and maneuvered it between icebergs of different hues, shapes, and sizes. It was so peaceful, so quiet, as we went into the water at first morning’s light. The small, floating mountains of ice glistened in the rising sun as small droplets of water began trickling from the outcroppings of ice looming above us. A small accompaniment of curious seals joined us, popping up beside our kayak and playfully splashing back into the water. In the distance, crashes could be heard as new icebergs were formed by the ice cliffs of Vatnajökull sloughing off its dead skin. The water itself was calm and reflective, which mimicked the way I felt as we traversed the lake. Going back to shore was the hardest, having to leave behind the beauty that we found between the icebergs -- something that most tourists are not able to see for themselves.

Just Wow

This glacial lake in southeast Iceland, on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park is ridiculous in its unexpected beauty. I was told about it while I was on a hike north of the lagoon. I knew I was going to be driving past it and I had already planned to stop. What I didn’t expect was that the way it took my breath away when I came around a bend in the road and saw it in front of me. Over the bridge and to the left there was parking and tourists milling about, but nothing detracted from the icebergs, their indescribable color, and the gorgeous, silty, lagoon water. It was just...wow.

Amazing glacier-filled lagoon

The drive to Jokulsarlon from Reykjavik is about 4.5 hours, and we made a round trip in a day. We had zero regrets about all the driving because it was just. that. amazing. You make your way to the area, and at first you dont see the lagoon. You drive right up to the lip and then you get out, and look down and it takes your breath away. a huge crater lagoon, filled with chunks of icebergs, just floating around. As with almost every natural wonder in Iceland, you can just...walk right into it. we claimbed down the rocky coast and waded a bit into the water. Some dudes were in there with wetsuits (which seemed INSANE!) and everyoneeee was taking photos. I licked a piece of ice just because i could. Truly the most beautful breathtaking thing I have ever seen. A MUST SEE!!!!

Perfect weather

We took a boat ride to get closer to the glacier. It’s was an amazing sight with perfect weather. A clear day with the sun out after 4 days in Iceland! Along the way, we spotted 2 seals Swimming near one of the icebergs. Overall a wonderful experience

Perfect weather

We took a boat ride to get closer to the glacier. It’s was an amazing sight with perfect weather. A clear day with the sun out after 4 days in Iceland! Along the way, we spotted 2 seals Swimming near one of the icebergs. Overall a wonderful experience

Perfect weather

We took a boat ride to get closer to the glacier. It’s was an amazing sight with perfect weather. A clear day with the sun out after 4 days in Iceland! Along the way, we spotted 2 seals Swimming near one of the icebergs. Overall a wonderful experience

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