Jökulsárlón: Sailing Among the Icebergs

Depending on the time of year, it may be challenging to find actual ice in Iceland.

Photos of floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón remind people that despite the rolling lava fields and lush green landscapes in the summer months, there is in fact quite a bit of ice around the island. A few Nordic Visitor employees (i.e., those nice people below) recently went on a Ring Road inspection trip and stopped off at the gorgeous glacier lagoon.

• Visit natural gems on one of these classic Iceland holidays

Icelandic travel experts Þór (aka Thor), Linda Ýr and Alex. While Nordic Visitor provides the detailed itinerary, emergency travel helpline and road map with all Iceland self-drive tours, the flag is completely up to you.

At Jökulsárlón you can view glacial landscapes up close with chunks of ice scattered about and towering walls of ice jutting up from the sea. It's a unique and spectacular sight that begs to be photographed.

The picturesque glacial lagoon is situated at the southern edge of the Vatnajökull glacier and is regarded as one of Iceland’s greatest natural wonders. The lagoon is not very wide, but it is up to 250 metres (820 feet) deep, which makes it the deepest in Iceland.

Jökulsárlón ice, photographed by NV traveller Linda Chandler. The blue colour of glacial ice is the result of oxygen compression over many years.

Huge chunks of ice regularly calve off the glacier and make their way to the sea via the glacier lagoon. The icebergs vary in size, shape and color and float along the icy water. Some ice makes it to shore and the images are striking-clear ice resting atop black sand and stones.

Pro tip: Go across the highway from the lagoon to meander between large icebergs on the beach. (Photo by NV traveller Michael Howe)

If you would like a closer look at the icebergs, there are tours available on amphibious boats from May to October. The view from the shore is special, but boat tours onto the lagoon to navigate the maze of icebergs is unforgettable.

It takes a special vehicle to ferry passengers from land to lagoon at Jökulsárlón. Hence the amphibian boat.

During the excursion, you sail among the huge icebergs, get to taste the 1,000-year old ice as a guide breaks off a piece of an iceberg, and if you are lucky, you may even spot some seals bobbing in the lagoon.

Seals take a break from swimming in the glacier lagoon. (Photo by NV traveller Michael Howe)

Jökulsárlón is a popular destination throughout the year and a memorable one. A word about safety, though, the water in Jökulsárlón is frigid and the icebergs flip and roll on their own without warning, so please do not wade into the water or attempt to climb on the ice. Enjoy from a safe distance!

Regardless of whether you take a boat tour, plan to spend a good amount time at Jökulsárlón. (Photo by NV traveller Susanne Frei)

 

So, you want to experience these icebergs?

We don’t blame you. While making your way to Jökulsárlón you can see some gorgeous South Iceland scenery on the side!

Check out one of Nordic Visitor's most popular Iceland vacations to experience jaw-dropping natural attractions, including the famous glaciers. 

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