How to get to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Iceland is home to thousands of amazing sights and landscapes, but one of the most popular is the glistening Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This is technically Iceland’s largest lake and by far its most famous glacier lagoon. Visit for a chance to see icebergs floating majestically in gentle, icy waters after breaking off from the nearby Vatnajokull out into the open Atlantic Ocean.
Jökulsárlón is located several hours away from Reykjavík and as such, if it’s something you want to see during your time in Iceland, you’ll need to plan accordingly. There are plenty of tours that will take you there, but to get a real feel for the wilds of Iceland and travel at your own pace, we recommend renting a car and tackling the road on your own! This way you can take your time and enjoy some of the attractions along the way if you so choose.
Since the lagoon is located along Route 1, just about any type of rental car will get you there safely, even in winter. However, depending on what else you plan to see on your adventure, you may want to hire a 4×4. Find out more about which type of car you should rent in Iceland.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Map
Jökulsárlón is located in Southeast Iceland along the coast, within Vatnajökull National Park. It takes about 5 hours to make the 236 mi (380 km) drive to the lagoon from Reykjavík.
How to get from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
While the drive from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón may be long, it’s thankfully a straightforward and easy trip.
- To begin your journey, head out of central Reykjavík on Route 49.
- As you leave the city, merge onto Route 1 (also known as the Ring Road) heading southeast.
- Stay on Route 1 for 233 mi (375 km) until you see a signpost for Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
- Exit the main road at the signpost which will take you to the car park. The lagoon will be visible from the main road, so you should have no issues finding the turn-off and car park.
Stops Worth Exploring Along the Way
5 hours is a long drive, so you may want to make a bit of a road trip out of the journey to Jökulsárlón. Why not make a 2-day road trip out of it and stop along the way (Vik is a great place to spend the night) to break up the drive? These are our top tips for stops along the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, with minimal detours required.
Detour 1: Kerid Crater
Kerid Crater is a bit of a detour, but well worth the time it takes. This volcanic crater was formed over 6,000 years ago after a volcanic explosion. The walls of the crater are well-known for the earthy red hues of the soil, and at the bottom is an aquamarine lake. You can hike all the way around the rim and even to the bottom to see the water up close. Don’t forget your camera! The views and colors are just amazing.
Detour 2: Seljalandsfoss
This awe-inspiring 200-foot waterfall is a unique experience. Visitors can hike up to the fall and venture behind it, so they can see the water flowing down in front of them. Seljalandsfoss is located just off Route 1, so it’s a quick and convenient detour – one not to miss! The falls are clearly visible from the road and car parks are posted, making it simple to find.
Detour 3: Skógafoss
Another famous Icelandic waterfall, Skógafoss is well-known for the rainbows that appear in the mist of the falls. At nearly 200 feet high, the Skógafoss is impressive and imposing, making it a must-visit stop on your way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Detour 4: Reynisfjara Beach
Located near the town of Vik, the famous black sands and basalt columns of Reynisfjara Beach are a sight you simply cannot miss. This is another convenient detour, with the beach located just off Route 1. Take photos of the amazing rock formations appearing in haunting mists, but be aware that the beach can be dangerous. Deadly “sneaker waves” that rush up without warning and dangerous undertows can be fatal to visitors who are not careful. Stay far back from the waterline and definitely stay out of the water!
Making the trek to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is more than worth it. Make it an Icelandic adventure road trip by breaking up the journey and taking in some of the sights along the way – you’ll be glad you did!