Jökulsárlón Travel Guide: Boat Tours, Diamond Beach and Ranger Walks

Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon beside the Ring Road, inside Vatnajökull National Park, about 230 to 240 miles (370 to 380 km) east of Reykjavik. It suits travelers who like a road trip and want to see icebergs drift toward the sea.

The drive from Reykjavik takes just over five hours, so the lagoon works best as a planned stop on the south coast, with a night nearby. There is an area fee for the site and a fee to park.

At a glance

• Location: Vatnajökull National Park, on the Ring Road between Vík and Höfn
• From Reykjavik: about 230 to 240 miles (370 to 380 km), just over five hours’ drive
• Getting there: by car, or by scheduled buses that stop at the lagoon every day in summer
• Boat tours: amphibian boats May to November, Zodiac boats May to October
• Glacier adventure tour: October to April
• July and August: highs of 54°F to 55°F (12°C to 13°C).

Where is Jökulsárlón and what is it like?

Jökulsárlón sits between the towns of Vík and Höfn, close to highway number one, in Vatnajökull National Park. It lies about 230 to 240 miles (370 to 380 km) east of Reykjavik, a drive of just over five hours.

The lagoon surface is at sea level, and sea water flows in at high tide. It is at least 623 feet (190 m) deep and is fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. A café stands by the water, and Diamond Beach, the lagoon’s neighbor, lies next to it.

Jökulsárlón has been part of Vatnajökull National Park since 2017.

What is there to do in Jökulsárlón?

Boat tours on the lagoon

Amphibian boat tours last 30 to 40 minutes and run from May to November. Zodiac boat tours last 1 hour 15 minutes and run from May to October.

The amphibian boat is the shorter outing and runs a month longer. The Zodiac takes more time on the water. In the cold months, a glacier adventure tour of 2.5 to 3 hours runs from October to April.

Diamond Beach and Fellsfjara

Diamond Beach is named for icebergs resting on its black sands. Fellsfjara is a black-sand beach next to the lagoon, within the national park.

Ranger walks and the trail to Fjallsárlón

The ranger walk ‘Blue Gold’ starts daily at 11:00 a.m. at the benches on the bank of the lagoon, near the main parking lot, and lasts one hour. Guided walks with park rangers are offered over the summer.

A marked hiking trail links Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón. Special days bring extra events: Icelandic Language Day on November 16, and Advent weekends in December (the 5th and 6th, 12th and 13th, 19th and 20th) with coffee and information by the fireplace from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Food by the lagoon

Local Langoustine is a food cart by the lagoon offering langoustine, hot dogs, vegan sausage and drinks. Frost restaurant opened in spring 2017, with seats for up to 90 guests and a view of the glacier.

If you want a boat ride and a walk, plan a morning that includes the 11:00 a.m. ranger walk. Families with children will like the short amphibian tour and the beach. Travelers who want a longer outing can take the Zodiac or the trail to Fjallsárlón.

Where to stay in Jökulsárlón

Its reception serves a hotel, a guesthouse and a hostel, and the Skyrhúsið guesthouse stands next to it. Gerði guesthouse is about a 15-minute drive from the lagoon.

Hali suits travelers who want to sleep close to the water and do the morning ranger walk. Mountain hut accommodation is also available in the park, at Blágil and Snæfellsskáli. Book ahead in summer, when the boats and buses are running.

When should you go to Jökulsárlón?

June to August brings highs of 52°F to 55°F (11°C to 13°C).

May and September are cooler, with highs of 47°F (9°C) in May and 50°F (10°C) in September. The amphibian boat runs through November, while the Zodiac stops after October.

From November to March, highs hover between 36°F and 39°F (2°C to 4°C), and lows fall below freezing. That is the season for the glacier adventure tour, which runs from October to April, and for dressing in layers.

What to know before visiting Jökulsárlón

The U.S. State Department says no visa is needed for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Passports must have 3 months’ validity beyond your date of departure from the Iceland/Schengen Area, and 6 months is recommended. No vaccinations are required.

• Area fee at Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, car up to 5 passengers: 1,110 kr
• Car with 6 to 9 passengers: 1,440 kr
• Buses: 2,770 kr for 10 to 21 passengers, 5,200 kr for 22 to 32, 9,400 kr for 33 and more

Parking in the area carries a fee, and the main parking lot has reopened after paving works. Scheduled buses stop at the lagoon every day in summer.