The Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon is a must-see in winter: blue, white or black icebergs glide across the water in front of you, with the glacier in the background… what more could you ask for?
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Why visit Jokulsarlon in winter
Is Jokulsarlon worth a visit in winter? Our opinion:
Yes, the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon is definitely worth a visit in winter.
The spectacular icebergs take on blue and white shapes and hues, while the glacier in the background is pure white.
From the lagoon, you can also discover Diamon Beach, the beach with icebergs. But in winter, it’s also the starting point for excursions to the ice caves!
It’s one of the must-see stops on Iceland’s south coast, and one of the most beautiful places in Iceland in winter.
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Our favorite moments
- A walk along the lagoon
- the different shapes and colors of icebergs
- the magnificent glacier behind the lagoon (although Fjallsarlon is better for seeing the detail of a glacier tongue)
- the black sand beach next door: Diamond Beach
- discover the ice caves (guided tour only)
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 6 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 115 photos to help you choose
How to get to Jökulsárlón in winter: access and map
Where is Jökulsárlón in Iceland?
- On Iceland’s south coast
- Between Vik and Höfn
- Along Route 1
- From Reykjavik = 5h drive
- From Vik= 2h30 drive
- From Höfn = 1h10 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
RENTING A CAR IN Iceland
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
By car
Jokulsarlon is easy to get to, even in winter.
The parking lot is right next to Route 1, the main road around Iceland. It’s always the first road to be cleared, and the busiest, so the ice melts.
Arriving from Reykjavik, turn left just after the bridge.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
Guided tour
Jokulsarlon is a long way from Reykjavik.
In winter, with the short days, a day trip is too complicated. Choose the 2 or 3-day South Iceland tours.
See the options
Parking
Jokulsarlon has a large, flat parking lot right next to the lagoon.
There’s also a parking lot on the beach side.
In order to maintain the site, you have to pay ISK 1,000 for parking at Jokulsarlon, a ticket valid for the day.
To pay for parking in Iceland, it’s easiest to download parka.app, which is valid in Reykjavik, Akureyri and the most popular parking lots.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
We advise you to plan your trip so that you can go to Jokulsarlon at least twice at different times.
It’s a magnificent place to see at sunrise, sunset and under the Northern Lights.
The appearance is constantly changing, as conditions affect the number of icebergs. You may have just a few floating around, or the lagoon may be full after a storm, as in our photos.
Don’t hesitate to go there, it’s fascinating in all conditions, even in fog.
Free access, except for parking.
It’s one of the most visited places in Iceland, so it’s very busy during the day.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow at least 30 minutes, but more likely 1 hour (as you’ll be fascinated), for the lagoon side.
Plus 30min to 1h for the diamond beach.
Plus an excursion to see the ice caves (allow 4 hours).
The edge of the lagoon is easily accessible from the parking lot.
If you’re exploring around the glacier, the ground can be a little frozen, especially if you arrive early before all the tourists have walked and melted the ice.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
At the lagoon parking lot, you’ll find..:
- a tourist office
- toilets
- food-trucks
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Lagoon and icebergs
The glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón lies at the foot of the mighty Vatnajökull glacier.
This vast lagoon is filled with icebergs of all shapes and sizes that have broken away from the glacier tongue you can see in the background.
The lagoon’s icebergs come in a fascinating array of colors, from brilliant blues to whites and grays.
Some icebergs are opaque, while others are translucent and sculpted.
The deep blues are created by the immense pressure exerted on the ancient glacial ice, compacting it and expelling air bubbles.
The black lines are trails of trapped volcanic ash.
These frozen giants drift slowly across the lagoon, creating a surreal, ever-changing landscape.
Stroll along the lagoon
You can stay at the edge of the lagoon next to the parking lot and already see a lot.
But if you want to stretch your legs, you can also walk a little to the north, to see more icebergs and other views of the lagoon.
Glacier tongue
In addition to the lagoon and icebergs, if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you’ll see the glacier tongue in the background. Vatnajokull, Iceland’s largest glacier.
Above, we’ve zoomed in to show you the details.
The lagoon is quite large and the glacier is far away. As the boat tours don’t take place in winter, you can’t go near them.
If you want a better view of a glacier tongue, we recommend a visit to the nearby lagoon, Fjallsarlon. Few icebergs in winter, but a smaller lagoon. See photos in our article.
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River and bridge
The Jökulsá River flows from the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon into the Atlantic Ocean. It transports icebergs from the lagoon, causing the landscape to change constantly.
It’s because of this river that you cross a bridge to get to Jokulsarlon.
The bridge itself has become an iconic location for photographers, who capture icebergs as they pass beneath it. Visitors can stroll along the bridge and watch the icebergs move slowly by.
Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach, located directly opposite the famous glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón, is a natural wonder. This expanse of black volcanic sand is adorned with glistening icebergs that have washed ashore after drifting from the lagoon, creating a surreal landscape.
Icebergs, sculpted by nature into intricate shapes and blue hues, appear like sparkling diamonds scattered across the dark sand. Some icebergs are small and delicate, while others are massive and imposing.
We can’t guarantee the number of icerbergs as it depends on the weather the days before and the tides, but give it a try!
>> See our full article on Diamond Beach in winter
Ice cave tours
One of the highlights of a winter trip to Iceland is a visit to a natural ice cave. These ephemeral cavities, formed by the freezing of glacial meltwater, are only accessible between mid-November and early March, before melting in the heat.
Every year, new and unique caves are created, offering shapes, tunnels and sculptures created by nature. The most famous are on the Vatnajökull and Kötlujökull glacier tongues. Some cellars are blue, others black.
Please note that you’ll be setting off in a 4xX on bumpy roads. Not recommended for people with back problems.
For an unforgettable experience, it’s essential to book an expertly guided tour in advance. They are filling up, as this is the most popular activity in Iceland!
>> See availability on different tour options
>> Read more in our article on ice caves (coming soon).
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk on the ice at Jökulsárlón in winter?
In winter, some parts of the Jökulsárlón lagoon freeze over. But it’s a big lagoon with a current, because the river allows the water to escape to the sea. So, unlike Fjallsarlon, the lagoon freezes much less.
We didn’t see any conditions where it was possible to walk on the lagoon.
Can you visit the jokulsalron ice caves yourself?
No, there are no signs indicating the ice caves from Jokulsarlon….
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
