| Jökulsárlón Jökulsárlón | |
 | |
| Area type | The needle |
|---|---|
| State | Iceland |
| Region | Austurland |
| Surface | 18 km² |
Jökulsárlón is located in Iceland.
To know
It is the largest and best known glacial lake in Iceland. Located south of the glacier Vatnajökull, between Skaftafell National Park and the city of Höfn. One of its most striking features is the presence of numerous icebergs that arise from the glacier tongue of the Breiðamerkurjökull. Near the Jokulsarlon, there are two other glacial lakes, the Fjallsárlón and the Breiðárlón.
Geographical notes
The lake is 250 kilometers from Reykjavík, 75 kilometers west of the city of Höfn, and 60 kilometers east of the Skaftafell National Park. There Road 1 which takes us, passes near a dozen other glaciers, which also retreat, and includes a bridge that passes over the mouth of the lake, in its southern part. Parking lots have been built to facilitate access for visitors.
Lake Jokulsarlon offers an exceptional view of the ice cap, a large ice dome that rises to a height of 910 meters. It begins to slide 19 kilometers before reaching the lagoon. In the summer, icebergs can drift into the lake for years, up to its mouth, where they gradually melt before disappearing into the sea. In winter, the lake freezes and blocks icebergs. Huge blocks of ice detach from Vatnajökull: they can reach 30 m in height.
When to go
The climate is quite temperate all year round around Jökulsárlón, but you must bring a waterproof winter coat and waterproof shoes. During the winter it can be cold, with wind, rain and so winter clothing is recommended. During the summer, a lightly padded jacket can be more pleasant to see the lagoon.
Territories and tourist destinations
Jökulsárlón: full screen map.How to get
By plane
International airport of Reykjavík.
By car
Jökulsárlón is accessible by car and is located on Ring Road 1 between Höfn and the Skaftafell National Park in southeast Iceland. The lagoon is about 50km from Skaftafell (but it can take an hour) or 60km from Höfn.Jökulsárlón is on the edge of the National Highway 1 very accessible if you stop by the roadside. The small office that offers boat trips is located on the east side of the arch bridge that crosses the lagoon.
How to get around
Getting around Iceland is pretty easy, as there are few roads. Because Jokulsarlon is located along the main road it is easily accessible.
What see
As with all natural attractions in Iceland, there is no entrance fee.
- 1 Frozen lagoon. The lagoon is easily accessible from the large parking area on the east side. A small hill from the office offers a nice view of the lagoon. Another viewpoint, with a smaller parking lot, is on the west side of the lagoon. This viewpoint is somewhat elevated above the lagoon.
- 2 Ice on the beach. In addition to viewing the lagoon, consider visiting the beach to see the ice on the shore. On both sides, east and west, of the bridge over the lagoon there are traces. During the winter, the beach on the east side of the bridge provides the best vantage point during sunrise. The beach on the west side of the bridge is southwest oriented and lines up well for sunset.
Flora and fauna
Various species of birds and with a little luck you can also see seals. The vegetation consists mainly of scattered grasses and mosses.
What to do
- In addition to taking in the incredible place, there are also boat trips available on amphibious vehicles. There is a small office next to the lagoon that organizes excursions in the lagoon and among the icebergs from June 15th to September 15th.
- Travel by car "Jeep" on the ice cap.
Shopping
No purchases except postcards and small souvenirs.
Where to eat
The small office next to the lagoon offers coffee, hot chocolate, soup, hot dogs and sweets.
Where stay
There is no accommodation at the lagoon, but there are many hostels and other facilities in the surrounding area. There is also accommodation in Höfn, 60 km east.
Safety
How to keep in touch
Around
After visiting Jökulsárlón, you can travel to the Skaftafell National Park and hiking on glaciers.
Itineraries
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Jökulsárlón
Commons contains images or other files on Jökulsárlón
