Iceland · City guides
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Icebergs drifting off Breiðamerkurjökull, and a boat ride among them, from day three of my Iceland trip.
Photo: Sammy Schuckert / Unsplash
Know before you go
Best time & quick facts
- Best time
- May to November for boat tours; June to August for the longest days
- Budget
- $200–$400 USD/day
- Getting around
- About 5 hours from Reykjavík on Route 1. Join a 2-day south coast tour or stay overnight near Höfn.
Get oriented
The overview
Jökulsárlón was the turnaround point of our two-day south coast tour in August 2023. We spent the night near Höfn and came to the lagoon the next morning. Huge blocks of ice break off the glacier and float in the water, and we took a boat ride out among them. We got close enough to see every shape and shade of blue, and even held a piece of ice for photos.
It’s a long way from Reykjavík, about 370 km, so most people either stay overnight in the southeast or join a two-day tour like we did. Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on the black sand, is just across Route 1.
Tours for this place
- Jökulsárlón amphibian boat tour: a calm 30–40 minute ride among the icebergs, May to November.
- The Guide to Iceland 5-day summer package we did (my package review) includes Jökulsárlón on its south coast days.
More in my Iceland itinerary.
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Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Guides & stories
Discover more from this destination, one place and one story at a time.
Discovering Iceland: A Week in the Land of Fire and IceIceland has always held a special allure for me—a land where fire and ice coexist in stunning harmony. During my week-long adventure, I found myself captivated by its otherworldly landscapes: bubbling geysers, majestic glaciers, and dramatic volcanic craters that seemed to tell stories of ancient forces at play. Each day unfolded new wonders, from hiking along breathtaking cliffs to soaking in natural hot springs. Join me on this journey as I share the unforgettable experiences and moments that made my time in Iceland truly magical.Explore the guides 
How Much 5 Days in Iceland Costs: A Realistic BudgetHow much do 5 days in Iceland cost? Estimated budgets per person, from food and the Blue Lagoon to tours and a rental car, based on my August 2023 trip.Explore the guides 
What to Pack for Iceland in Summer: My Packing List and Printable ChecklistWhat to pack for Iceland in summer, from my August 2023 trip: layers, rain gear, footwear, swimwear for the Blue Lagoon, a sleep mask for the midnight sun, adapters, money, documents and a printable checklist.Explore the guides - Is the Guide to Iceland 5-Day Summer Package Worth It? My Honest ReviewIs Guide to Iceland’s 5-day summer package worth it? My honest review after doing it in August 2023 with friends: what’s included, how it felt, package vs self-drive, approximate costs, pros and cons.Explore the guides
Highlights
- A boat ride among the icebergs
- Holding a piece of glacier ice for photos
- Diamond Beach just across the road
Weather in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Cool and breezy next to the ice, a little colder than Reykjavík. Boat tours run roughly May to November.
Best time to visit: June–August for long days; boat tours May–November.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
Map of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
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