Glacier Lagoon, Reykjavík

Glacier Lagoon Tours & Tickets

Did you know? Glacier Lagoon

Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón) was formed only in the 1930s when Breiðamerkurjökull glacier began retreating, and it has grown dramatically—now covering roughly 18 square kilometres and reaching depths over 200 metres.

The lagoon's stunning blue colour comes from glacial flour (ultra-fine sediment) suspended in meltwater, which scatters light similar to the sky.

Icebergs in the lagoon can take 5–10 years to drift from the glacier terminus to the Atlantic Ocean via the outflow river.

The adjacent black-sand beach, Diamond Beach, is named for the ice fragments washed ashore that sparkle in sunlight like diamonds.

Glacier Lagoon sits on Iceland's southeastern coast near Skaftafell, approximately 370 km from Reykjavik, accessible year-round via Route 1 (the Ring Road).

The lagoon is home to seals that haul out on icebergs, and on rare calm days, you may spot them lounging and diving for fish.

Glacier Lagoon: frequently asked questions