All about Jökulsárlón: Iceland’s iceberg lagoon

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The tours in Iceland are a great opportunity to discover this natural paradise. This very special country offers us nature in its purest form, icebergs and awesome views of the Northern Lights, but do you already know when and where to see them?

Also, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon cave tour is the best option to see the most impressive iceberg lagoon you’ll ever see. What photos you’ll be able to take!

Hundreds of icebergs drift through this massive Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here’s everything you need to know about this magical place.

Come join us!

What is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?

The Jökulsárlón Lagoon is the deepest lake in Iceland. Its maximum depth is 813 feets (248 meters) and the surface measures 193750380ft² (18 km²) .

The Jökulsárlón lagoon is filled with icebergs more than 1000 years old. These boulders belong to Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. If you like hiking and adventure, the Vatnajökull glacier trek will not leave you indifferent.

The lagoon views are spectacular. You can see how the floating icebergs are moving through the water. This is because the current of the river is pushing them towards the Atlantic.

The Atlantic? Yes, the lagoon connects to the ocean and hence its unique color. It is made up of saltwater and freshwater.

How did it originate?

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the result of climate change on Iceland’s glaciers. It was formed in 1934 when the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier began to retreat.

Also, the Vatnajökull glacier keeps melting and large blocks of ice crumble.

Climate change continues to affect this country, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon continues to grow. Since the early 1970s it has quadrupled in size.

This makes it more special because the lagoon is constantly changing. Each visit you make will be different.

Where is Jökulsárlón Lagoon?

The glacial lagoon is located at the mouth of Iceland’s shortest river, the Jökulsárlón. This river is only 4921 feets (1500 m)long and is south of the Vatnajökull glacier.

As mentioned above, this glacier is the largest one in Iceland and Europe. Also Vatnajökull and its surroundings are the largest national park in Iceland.

To enjoy the unique landscapes of Iceland’s South Coast we recommend you to take your time and enjoy the views. The 2-day South Coast and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tour gives you all the time you need to experience the adventure right.

The surroundings of Vatnajökull also include Diamond Beach, being relatively close to the Jökulsárlón Lagoon.

Wildlife

In these Nordic landscapes the wildlife is very peculiar and exquisite. The star animal of the Jökulsárlón Lagoon are the seals. These animals can be found swimming, along the shore or resting on a floating iceberg.

The lagoon is also full of different birds. If what you want is to see the birds properly, summer is the bets time. A spectacle for bird lovers.

If you want to see puffins, you will need a lot of luck, as they are not very typical of the glacial lagoon. However, on the Golden Circle and Silfra snorkelling tour you’ll have a better chance of seeing them.

The most characteristic bird species of Lake Jökulsárlón is the Arctic Tern. A seabird well known for migrating farther than any other, from the Arctic to Antarctica.

The Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon as a filming location

It’s no wonder that Iceland’s dreamlike landscapes appeal to filmmakers. This country has been a key setting in many films and the Jökulsárlón Lagoon has attracted the attention of many audiovisual directors.

In the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, two James Bond films were shot: Die Another Day and Panorama to Kill For. Tomb Raider was also filmed in this lagoon.

If you’re a James Bond or Tomb Raider fan, you’ll be able to brag about have been where some of their scenes were filmed.

But not only movies have been filmed here, also ad commercials and music videos such as I’ll Show You by Justin Bieber, Holocene by Bon Iver and the music video to Gerua from the Bollywood film Dilwale.

What to do in the Glacier Lagoon?

At the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon you can engage in a variety of activities.

One option is boat rides during the months of April, May, June, July, August and September.

Another option is to explore the caves formed by the immense glaciers. Blue Ice Cave is inside the Vatnajökull glacier and is the most recommended cave to visit.

To be able to observe the icebergs from this perspective and so close up is a unique and unbeatable opportunity.

Finally, seeing Iceland’s famous aurora borealis from the Jökulsárlón Lagoon is a must-do experience. This lagoon acts as a mirror and reflects the lights in the sky.

Watching the aurora borealis sparkle on the water and icebergs of this glacial lagoon is an experience like no other.

The Jökulsárlón Lagoon offers you different activities and the opportunity to feel the Nordic landscape in an unforgettable way. Do you want to enjoy the Glacier Lagoon?