About
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon lies in south-east Iceland, a body of water filled with icebergs that have broken away from the glacier at its edge. It is one of the country's best-known natural sights, and a visit here is as much about watching the ice as about the lagoon itself.
What to expect
The lagoon is a lake, and the icebergs drifting across it give the scene a changing, sculptural look. Their shapes shift as they move and melt, so the view is rarely the same twice. Many visitors spend time simply walking the shoreline and taking in the contrast between the dark water and the pale, glowing ice.
Photography and the northern lights
The lagoon is often mentioned by photographers for its strong foregrounds. Icebergs close to the shore make a dramatic subject, and on clear nights they can catch the northern lights, which may also be reflected in the water. Because the lights depend on weather and solar activity, a visit after dark is never guaranteed to show them, but the setting gives a fine backdrop when they do appear.
Planning your visit
- Bring warm, windproof clothing, as the air off the ice is cold even in summer.
- Allow time for both daylight viewing and, if you are interested, an evening visit for aurora photography.
- Take care near the water and the ice, which can shift and break.
Jökulsárlón makes a good stop on a journey along Iceland's south-east coast, where the wider landscape of glaciers, black sand and open country surrounds it. It suits visitors who want a quiet, striking scene shaped by nature rather than buildings.