Jökulsárlón Glacier

A large glacial lake in southeast Iceland, on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park.

Jökulsárlón glacial lake is situated in southeast Iceland, on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. Right on the ring road around Iceland, it is an easy and popular lake to visit. The lake covers about 22 km2 (8.5 sq mi), from the base of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, to the edge of Iceland’s southeast coast. Only a sliver of solid ground separates it from the North Atlantic ocean.

We recommend timing your visit to this lake at either sunrise or sunset : think pink hues & blue glacial water. However, black storm clouds also make for a stunning backdrop for the luminous blue-white icebergs.

Boat trips are offered out onto the lake but it can definately be enjoyed from the beach. Be sure never to be tempted to get onto one of the icebergs -  the sheets of ice can suddenly tip over, submerging people in the freezing water.

Iceland tours

See below for Iceland Tours that include visiting the Jökulsárlón glacial lake:

Style
Season
Duration
Tour Standard

Best of Iceland

12 days - Independent premium self-drive tour in Iceland

  • Premium
  • Iceland
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