Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón is a deep lagoon at the foot of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, an outlet of the vast Vatnajökull ice cap. Icebergs break from the glacier and drift slowly across the water, glowing white and blue, before floating out to sea.

In the warmer months, boat tours weave among the icebergs, and seals often swim in the lagoon. Across the road, chunks of ice wash up on the black sand of the Diamond Beach, glittering in the light.

Jökulsárlón is about five hours’ drive from Reykjavík, so we plan an overnight stay along the south coast. In winter, it is also the base for guided ice-cave tours on the glacier. Look out for icebergs of startling blue, the oldest and densest ice, which glows most vividly on overcast days.