Jökulsárlón
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Jökulsárlón and why does everyone go there?
This is a glacial lagoon in the south of Iceland, in Vatnajökull National Park, and at the same time the deepest lake in the country - more than 284 meters. Icebergs up to 30 meters high that have broken off from the Breidamerkurjökull glacier float on the water.
Where did this lake come from - is it ancient?
Not at all. The lagoon was formed around 1934-35 when the glacier began to retreat, and since the 1970s its area has quadrupled. That is, the lake is even younger than some of your relatives.
How to get there?
The lagoon lies in the southeast of the island just off the ring road (Route 1), somewhere between Hebn and Skaftafedl. There is a parking lot near the track, so you won't have to scramble through the glacier on foot.
What to see besides the icebergs themselves?
Across the road - Diamond Beach, black sand with scattered pieces of ice glistening in the sun. There are enough seals, terns and terns around. They ride on amphibians and kayaks on the water almost all year round, and in winter they take them to ice caves.
Has anything famous been filmed here?
More and how. Scenes for two Bond films (A View to a Kill, Die Another Day), as well as Batman Begins and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider were filmed here. So the landscape may seem strangely familiar to you.
