Jökulsárlón
Floating icebergs and large colonies of seals have made Jökulrsárlón, on the southern coast of Iceland, one of the most visited places in the country.
Jökulsárlón is Iceland's most famous and largest glacial lake, with an area of around 18 square kilometres (almost 7 square miles) and with a depth of almost 250 metres (814 feet). The lagoon is an must-see destination on any trip Iceland not just for its sheer size, but also thanks to the mesmerising phenomena of numerous icebergs floating in its waters.
It may be surprising, but this glacial lagoon is very new. Less than 100 years ago, Jökulsárlón did not exist, as the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier (part of the Vatnajökull Glacier) extended even beyond the Ring Road. Sadly, the increasing temperature of the planet has caused the glacier to retreat, creating this massive lake in its place. You can learn more about Iceland's glaciers at the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik.
Jökulsárlón is also home to large numbers of seals that gather to catch fish in winter, and if you're lucky, you might be able to see them swimming in the lagoon or lying on icebergs.
Diamond Beach
Just across the Ring Road near Jökulsárlón is the so-called Diamond Beach. Its name comes from the icebergs that float down the Jökulsá River towards the sea, which at low tide get trapped on the black sand of the coastline, making it possible to stroll amongst the giant glittering ice "diamonds".
How to get to Jökulsárlón?
The easiest way to visit Jökulsárlón is to book a guided tour of the southern coast of Iceland, as this glacial lagoon is one of its most outstanding stops. Our South Coast Tour: Glaciers and Waterfalls also takes you to see Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss and more.
If you're renting a car in Iceland, Jökulsárlón is easy to reach as it's right on the edge of the Ring Road.
