When you’re driving Iceland’s south coast, there’s a moment that almost everyone looks forward to: the first glimpse of icebergs drifting across the water at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. It’s one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype.
But what many travellers don’t realise is that Jökulsárlón isn’t just a quick photo stop. It sits at the heart of one of the most exciting parts of our country, surrounded by glacier tongues, black sand beaches, hiking trails, and thrilling Iceland adventure activities.
So if you’re planning to explore the best things to do in southeast Iceland, this guide will help you get the most out of Jökulsárlón during your Ring Road journey. Scroll down to find out how!
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: One of the Jewels in Iceland’s Crown
The star of the show is, of course, the lagoon itself. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier by volume. When huge chunks of ice break off the glacier, they pass through this lagoon on their journey towards the sea, rotating and cracking as they go.
However, the passage between the lagoon and the open Atlantic Ocean is narrow, so the lagoon fills with slowly melting icy giants. When they are small enough to pass, they eventually drift out into the sea. Seals often swim between the ice, popping their heads up like curious spectators.
Due to the constantly changing size, shape, and position of the ice in the lagoon, every visit feels different. And if you’re lucky, you may see (and hear) one of the icebergs split in two. The loud crunching sound of ice calving is unmistakable, and the subsequent splash brings the short show to an abrupt end!
Boat tours run during the warmer months and let you get close to the ice, but even from the shore, there’s plenty to see. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Iceland for good reason, and a must for anyone interested in unmissable Jökulsárlón activities.
If you’re travelling the south coast, you’ll find Jökulsárlón featured in our blog South Coast Iceland: 7 Must-Visit Places, which shows how naturally it fits into a wider Ring Road adventure.
Diamond Beach: Where Glacier Ice Meets Iceland’s Black Sand
Just across the road from the lagoon is one of Iceland’s most striking contrasts. Some of the smaller pieces of ice that float out to sea from Jökulsárlón get washed back onto the shore, scattered across the black sand like crystal jewellery. That’s why it’s known as Diamond Beach.
The best time to visit depends on light and tides, but early morning and late evening often bring softer colours and fewer people. In winter, when the ice is clearer and the air colder, the beach takes on an otherworldly feel.
Diamond Beach is also a great reminder of how dynamic this coastline is. What you see today won’t be the same tomorrow. If you’re interested in exploring more coastal landscapes like this, make our blog 5 Magical Black Sand Beaches in Iceland and How to Find Them your next read.
Fjallsárlón: South Iceland’s Quieter Glacier Lagoon
If Jökulsárlón is the headline act, Fjallsárlón is the underrated support band. Located a short distance west of its more famous cousin, this smaller lagoon sits right beneath the Fjallsjökull glacier tongue and has a much more intimate feel.
The ice here tends to be closer to the glacier itself, and the atmosphere is noticeably calmer. There are fewer crowds, fewer tour buses, and more time to enjoy the serene scenery. Fjallsárlón is ideal if you want the beauty of a glacier lagoon without the busy feel of Jökulsárlón. It’s also a great place to slow down if you’re staying nearby overnight. Given their proximity to one another, we recommend visiting both!
We included a visit to Fjallsárlón in our picks for the best underrated things to do in Iceland. Be sure to check out the full list if you enjoy finding quieter spots on your travels.
Adventure Tours in Vatnajökull National Park with Ice Guardians
Seeing the ice from a distance is one thing. Stepping onto it is something else entirely. At Ice Guardians, we’re based right here in southeast Iceland, working on and around Vatnajökull Glacier every day. We run a range of adrenaline-pumping tours in Vatnajökull National Park that take you beyond the viewpoints and into the heart of the glacier environment.
Our Iceland glacier hikes and Vatnajökull Glacier ice cave tours are designed for people who want to understand the landscape and connect with it, as well as take incredible photos, of course! Under the guidance of our local expert guides, you’ll learn how these ancient ice formations were created, how they move, how features like crevasses form, and how this frozen world is constantly changing.
Our tours and our partner experiences depart from various locations across the southeast, including Skaftafell, Haukafell Camp, and Jökulsárlón. You can find all of our experiences on the Iceland Adventure Activities page. And if you’re still building your itinerary, our guide to the most exciting things to do in Iceland offers even more inspiration for the rest of your trip.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve: Hiking, Waterfalls, and Glacier Views
Part of Vatnajökull National Park and located a short drive west of Jökulsárlón, Skaftafell is a brilliant base for exploring on foot. The trails here range from short, gentle walks to more demanding hikes with big rewards. And as you can see in our Complete Guide to a Skaftafell Glacier Hike, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the ice, too.
One of the most popular hiking routes leads to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by breathtaking basalt columns. Other paths in the area, such as the S1 Skaftafellsjökull Glacier Trail, climb to viewpoints overlooking glacier tongues spilling down from Vatnajökull into the valley below.
Skaftafell is perfect if you want to combine hiking with glacier scenery. It adds another layer to your time in the region and shows how varied the landscape is beyond the lagoon itself. And if you plan to hike elsewhere in the Land of Fire and Ice, be sure to add our blog Top 10 Hiking Trails in Iceland to your pre-trip reading list!
Make Jökulsárlón Part of a Bigger Adventure in Iceland
Jökulsárlón is unforgettable, but it’s even better when you give yourself time to explore what’s around it. From glacier lagoons and black sand beaches to hiking trails and glacier hikes, this part of our country delivers unforgettable experiences.
If you’re driving the Ring Road, don’t rush through. Southeast Iceland rewards travellers who slow down and dig a little deeper. And if you want to experience the ice properly, not just admire it from afar, we’d love to take you out onto a glacier.
Explore our full range of Iceland adventure activities and see what catches your eye. And if you have any questions about anything you see, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
