Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most visited places and that’s no wonder. Jökulsárlón is situated at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull in southeast Iceland. Breiðamerkurjökull is one of the biggest outlet glaciers from Vatnajökull.
Glacier Lagoon and the mighty Öræfajökull glacier
According to google map, the drive from Reykavík to Jökulsárlón takes 4h and 35m or 372 km. Please note that it will most likely take longer especially during the wintertime.
The lagoon is formed because of the retreating of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Huge blocks of Ice are constantly breaking off the glacier and float in the lagoon.
Glacier Lagoon and Breiðamerkurjökull glacier
Diamond beach
Icebergs and black sand
A must-do in southeast Iceland!
The beach next to the lagoon has black sand and is called the Diamond beach or more precisely, Breiðamerkursandur. We are near Jökulsárlón. It takes only 10 minutes to drive from our meeting point at Hali to the Diamond beach.
The beach is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the parking. It´s also within a walking distance for Jökulsárlón parking, just make sure to be extra careful when you cross the Road nr 1 by food.
Jökulsá river on is only 500 m long but very powerful. It´s one of the shortest rivers in Iceland. Chunks of ice regularly float in the river into the open sea and get washed onto the Diamond beach.
Diamond Beach in a sunset
Jökulsá is a short river that connects the glacier lagoon to the open sea.
The bridge over Jökulsá
The beach is sometimes full of glistering diamonds, it´s a great spot for tourists and photographers. You can easily forget your self, taking pictures and enjoy this amazing scenery and the sound of the waves.
It´s highly recommended to be well dressed, it can get very cold by the ocean even during summertime.
You can see small and big icebergs in many shapes and colors.
Please be careful, don´t go close to the ocean, the waves are unpredictable and also, be ready to grab your gear and run because sometimes the waves are very big.
Enjoy the beautiful unspoiled nature we have here in Iceland.
Hope you have a wonderful time
Team Glacier Adventure
