Are you planning to visit the famous Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon in Iceland? This natural wonder offers a unique sight of floating icebergs, especially at sunrise and sunset. So staying nearby lets you make the most of it. Here are the accommodation and hotel options near the Jokulsarlon lagoon.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Can you stay overnight at Jökulsárlón?
Accommodations at the Jokulsarlon site
No, there is no lodging at the glacier or the beach.
You can visit at any time, but you can’t stay overnight. There’s just a parking lot and places to eat during the day.
Can you camp at Jökulsárlón?
You also can’t camp at Jökulsárlón. The site is located in a national park.
The parking lot is for visitors only. There are regular checks.
Why stay near Jökulsárlón?
Even though the selection of nearby accommodations is limited, it’s worth booking early so you can visit the lagoon and Diamond Beach several times.
The Jökulsárlón lagoon offers a variety of sights: colors, reflections, the glacier visible or shrouded in clouds…
And the beach can also look very different depending on the number of icebergs.
And if you’re traveling between September and April, you might also get a chance to see the Northern Lights over the lagoon.
It’s one of the must-see places to stay on a road trip around Iceland.
Option 1: Stay overnight in Fjallsarlon (10 minutes east)
Everyone knows Jokulsarlon, but its sister lagoon, Fjallsalron, is less frequently visited. It’s not very far away, and we really like it. Unlike Jökulsárlón, this lagoon does not flow into the sea, so there is less water movement. Only when an iceberg breaks off from the glacier.
In the summer, floating mini-cottages are set up on the Fjallsarlon lagoon.
They are small, circular cottages with a balcony and a large “window” from which to admire the icebergs and the glacier.
We haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but it’s very, very high on our list!
There are very few floating cottages, so you’ll need to book well in advance!
Check photos and availability!
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
Option 2: Hótel Jökulsárlón – Glacier Lagoon Hotel, the closest (10 min)
Why stay there?
Built of cross-laminated timber and offering sweeping views of the landscape through its floor-to-ceiling windows, the Hótel Jökulsárlón provides an exceptional stay. The rooms face either the glaciers or the surrounding mountains. The scenery is part of the comfort!
After spending the day among the icebergs and at Diamond Beach, we head to the outdoor area, which features hot tubs and a sauna, before enjoying the hotel’s restaurant, which serves local and international cuisine in a dining room designed to extend the view of Vatnajökull. In winter, the north-facing rooms even offer a chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights without leaving the hotel.
Practical information
- 10 minutes east of the lagoon
- summer and winter
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes
- Outdoor hot tub with a panoramic view
- Sauna
- Restaurant, bar
- Parking: free on site
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Option 3: Hali Country Hotel (11 minutes east)
Why stay there?
The Hali Country Hotel stands out as one of the accommodations closest to the Jokulsarlon lagoon, less than a 15-minute drive away. We were charmed by its authentic and warm atmosphere, typical of Icelandic farms. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with simple, functional decor.
The large windows offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the ocean. The on-site restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, including freshly caught fish. Its prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Practical information
- 11 minutes east of the lagoon
- summer and winter
- Restaurant
- Family rooms: yes, 2 apartments and a vacation rental with bedrooms
- Parking: free on site
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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Option 4: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (20 minutes west)
Why stay there?
Most of the nearest accommodations are east of the lagoon, but the lagoon itself is to the west. It features contemporary architecture that blends harmoniously into the Icelandic landscape. We were captivated by its large floor-to-ceiling windows, which perfectly frame the spectacular views of the glaciers and the ocean.
The hotel offers exceptional comfort with spacious rooms featuring a minimalist Scandinavian design. The spa, with its sauna and hot tub, offers a unique relaxation experience. The fine-dining restaurant, with its creative cuisine featuring local ingredients, perfectly rounds out the experience.
Practical information
- 30 minutes west of the lagoon
- summer and winter
- Gourmet restaurant
- Family rooms: yes
- Outdoor hot tub with a panoramic view
- Amenities: gym, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, room service
- Parking: free on site
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Opt-in 5: Smyrlabjorg Hotel (30 minutes east)
Why stay there?
A little further on, the Smyrlabjorg Hotel offers an authentic experience in a rural setting, 30 minutes from the lagoon. We especially appreciated its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent value for the money. The rooms, although traditional in style, are spacious and comfortable.
The on-site restaurant serves hearty, home-style meals—perfect after a day of exploring.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: East Campagne, 30 minutes from the lagoon
- Restaurant
- Family rooms: yes, up to 4 people
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, common lounge
- Parking: free on site
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Other Accommodation Options Near Jökulsárlón
If the accommodations listed above are fully booked or don’t meet your expectations, here are some interesting alternatives in the area:
Farm/Country Accommodations
- Old cottages with beautiful, large windows offering great views, 10 minutes west— check photos and availability
- Kálfafellsstadur Guesthouse – Authentic rooms with shared bathrooms, 30 minutes west – Check photos and availability
- Lækjarhus Farm Holidays – A variety of accommodations for all group sizes, 30 minutes west – Check photos and availability
Guesthouses
- Ekra Glacier Lagoon, just 10 minutes from the glacier – Check photos and availability
- Skyrhusid Guesthouse – A family-friendly atmosphere and great value, just 11 minutes from the glacier – Check photos and availability
- Vagnsstadir Guesthouse – Ideal for viewing the Northern Lights, 15 minutes away – Check photos and availability
The nearest cities
Höfn (50 min east)
Höfn is a small port town located between the southern coast and the eastern fjords. This is a logical stop if you’re touring Iceland via Route 1. The village relies on lobster (langoustine) fishing for its livelihood, and several local restaurants serve excellent lobster dishes.
We loved the authentic atmosphere and the views of the snow-capped mountains. We fell in love with the atmosphere of this little town! Höfn offers enough amenities (supermarket, gas stations, restaurants) to make it a comfortable stop, just a 50-minute drive from Jökulsárlón.
- Höfn Berjaya Iceland Hotel – conveniently located with sea and harbor views.
See photos, prices and availability - Guesthouse Dyngja – near the port, studios and apartments. A more economical option.
See photos, prices and availability - Old Airline Guesthouse – simple rooms, shared bathrooms, good value for money.
See photos, prices and availability
See directly the best rated accommodations in Höfn .
Vik (2 hours and 20 minutes west)
Vik is a coastal village in southern Iceland, strategically located for exploring the main attractions of the southern region. From this base, you can visit the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, the Myrdalsjökull glacier, and enjoy the activities available there (glacier hiking, snowmobiling).
It’s farther from Jökulsárlón, but if you’re not driving the entire Route 1 loop, you can spend two nights in Vik and make a day trip to the lagoon and back.
- Hotel Vik i Myrdal – in the village, modern rooms and quality restaurant.
See photos, prices and availability - Hotel Kria – on the edge of the village, with large windows overlooking the surrounding countryside.
See photos, prices and availability - Hotel Katla – 5min drive from Vik, in the heart of nature. We recommend the renovated rooms.
See photos, prices and availability
See Vik’s top-rated accommodations directly.
VISIT THE South Coast
- Attractions on the South Coast
- Where to sleep
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days
- How to get there
- Seljalandsfoss
- Skogafoss
- Jokulsarlon
Campgrounds near Jokulsalron
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, camping on the premises is not permitted.
The nearest campgrounds are:
Skaftafell Campground (45 minutes west)
The Skaftafell Campground is one of the main stops along the south coast for campers. The site is flat, well-maintained, and can accommodate a large number of visitors (nearly 400 campsites in total). There are areas where RVs can pull in and hook up directly. It has electricity, restrooms, and hot showers.
Svinafell Campground (40 minutes west)
The Svinafell campground is a quieter option.
For RVs, the main option is a large, open area located next to the RV service building. The ground is grassy and uneven, which is better suited for small RVs than large ones, especially in rainy weather. There you’ll find restrooms, showers, a kitchen (though basic), and a communal dining room.
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