This is the photographers paradise, the one and only Jökulsárlón (translated: glacial river lagoon) also known as The Glacier Lagoon. The Lagoon beeing a large glacial lake on southeast coast of Iceland, approx. 330 km from Reykjavik.
Main attractions: travel along South Coast, Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon), Breiðamerkursandur (Diamond Beach) and the sister lagoon Fjallsárlón.
The lagoon is close to the beautiful Skaftafell, on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. When a part of glacier Vatnajökull called Breiðamerkurjökull started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in 1948 the lake developed and since then the glacier has been retreating fast and the lake has actually doubled in size in the last 15 years.
We travel from Reykjavík along the famous South Coast. As it´s a 330 km travel we´ll stretch our legs for a very short time at 2 locations on our way east on this famous path, and 2 other locations on our way back.
When we arrive in the National Park Vatnajokull we´ll check in to a hotel and prepare for an afternoon by the lagoon and hopefully a magical sunset.
From the glacier icebergs or large chunks of ice fall into to the lagoon frequently and float around until they melt or are small enough to be carried by the river running from the lagoon (under a bridge on the highway nr. 1) and towards sea. This makes a magnificent sight and a brilliant photo opportunity on the black sand beach Breiðamerkursandur (also known as Diamond Beach).
Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon) is considered one of the natural wonders of Iceland and it´s definitely one of the country´s most romantic and magical place, especially during a bright summer night. Frequently seals can be seen on the coast swimming between icebergs or enjoying the sun on the beach, seabirds are also a common sight and easy to photograph.
Icebergs on a black Beach
This is one of our favorite places to photograph! Many are drawn to Breiðamerkursandur, the Jökulsárlón beach or like some call it “Diamond Beach” where icebergs of varying size, shape and color are washed ashore on the black velvet sand, having floated into the sea from the glacial lagoon.
In autumn each year ice caves begin to take shape and last throughout the winter. Caves can be found in several different locations on the south side of glacier Vatnajökull. These trips are somewhat temperature dependent as Ice-caves must be treated with the utmost respect in regards to the ceiling being supportive. These as well as other security factors are constantly evaluated by our specialized local guide.
Please note Ice Cave visits are only available during winter, from approx. Nov-March.
Price from 200 USD per. person (not included).
During the winter months we´ll be on the look out for Northern Lights after dark if the forecast is promising. Be prepared to stay up late and experience magic. No extra charge added.
Highly recommended:
Add a day or two and properly enjoy the travel along the famous South Coast, this area is the best known part of Iceland and the photo opportunities on the way are endless. To ensure best Time & Cost Efficiency these two tours should be combined for the perfect 3-4 day stay in Iceland. Contact us for more information and a quote, enroute@enroute.is
What´s included in Glacier Lagoon tour:
What´s not included in Glacier Lagoon tour:
Please read TERMS and conditions here.
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