Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón is a glacier lagoon in southeast Iceland at the foot of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. It only came into existence in the 1930s when the glacier began retreating, and has grown rapidly since, making it Iceland's deepest lake at 248 metres and covering an area of around 25 square kilometres. Icebergs calved from the glacier drift slowly across the lagoon before flowing out through a short channel to the sea, passing Diamond Beach on the south side of the Ring Road as they go. The lagoon holds seals year-round, who hunt fish in the cold, clear water among the icebergs. Boat tours operate from May to October on both amphibian vehicles and zodiac inflatable boats. The lagoon has appeared in two James Bond films, Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins, among other productions.
A Glacier Lagoon That Did Not Exist 100 Years Ago, Now Iceland's Deepest Lake and Most Visited Natural Site After the Golden Circle
Jökulsárlón formed in the 1930s when the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which had previously extended to the sea, began retreating due to warming temperatures. As the glacier pulled back, the depression it had carved filled with meltwater, creating a lagoon that has expanded dramatically ever since. In the 1970s the lagoon covered around 7 square kilometres; today it covers approximately 25 square kilometres and reaches a depth of 248 metres, making it Iceland's deepest body of water. The glacier continues to retreat at an accelerating pace and the lagoon continues to grow. Icebergs calved from the glacier face enter the lagoon and drift slowly across its surface, taking months or years to travel the length of the lake before exiting through the bridge channel to the sea. The ice varies in colour from white to vivid blue, depending on density and age, and many pieces carry black volcanic ash bands from eruptions centuries ago.
Boat tours are the main structured experience at the lagoon. Amphibian vehicle tours board passengers from the shoreline and drive into the water, cruising among the icebergs for around 35 to 45 minutes with guides providing information about the glacier and its retreat. Zodiac inflatable boat tours take smaller groups closer to the glacier face for a more intense experience of around 75 minutes. Both depart from the main car park on the western shore and operate from May through October. Seals are resident year-round and are regularly seen swimming between icebergs or hauled out on larger ice pieces near the lagoon exit. In winter, the lagoon is the departure point for crystal ice cave tours on the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, operating November through March when the cave structures are stable. The lagoon has been used as a filming location repeatedly: two James Bond films, A View to a Kill and Die Another Day, were shot here, as were Tomb Raider and Batman Begins.
Jökulsárlón is on Route 1, the Ring Road, approximately 378 kilometres from Reykjavík and around five hours by car. Diamond Beach is directly across the road from the main car park on the south side of the Ring Road, a five-minute walk. The lagoon is free to visit from the shore, with admission charged for boat tours. Car parks are available on both sides of the lagoon bridge. A café with toilets operates in the main western car park in summer. From the lagoon, Skaftafell and Svartifoss are about 50 kilometres west, and Höfn is about 80 kilometres east. The site is accessible year-round and is one of the most reliably impressive stops on any South Coast itinerary regardless of season.
