Glacial Lagoon Iceland: Experience the Majestic Beauty of Nature

Iceland is an island full of wonders, but one of its greatest treasures is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon – located along Iceland’s Ring Road just a few hours’ drive from Reykjavik and growing rapidly ever since it first appeared in 1944.

Breidamerkurjokull glacier’s outlet produces many floating icebergs that head out towards the sea.

Breidamerkurjokull glacier

Breidamerkurjokull glacier is an outlet from the Vatnajokull ice cap in Iceland’s south, responsible for creating Jokulsarlon’s iconic icebergs and retreating, breaking, and melting regularly, increasing the size of Jokulsarlon as it recedes.

As such, Iceland continues to experience more and more stunning natural phenomena and unique destinations, including Breidamerkurjokull’s contribution.

The glacier tongue extends directly into a glacier lagoon, and new icebergs break off at regular intervals to float within it until small enough to enter the sea and eventually wash up on Diamond Beach, creating spectacular blue glitter in its waters.

They were even featured prominently in James Bond’s A View to Kill’s opening sequence and Lara Croft’s Tomb Raider filmed here as well.

Scientists are studying Breidamerkurjokull using terrestrial radar interferometry (TRI).

The technique employs radar waves to map the movement of ice, and researchers are using it to ascertain the surface velocity of marine-terminating glaciers and compare these against nearby land-based ones.

Glacier lagoon icebergs are constantly breaking and melting, so their appearance changes throughout the day.

Keep in mind that what you see are only their visible tips; 90% of their mass lies below the waterline and can pose a danger if an iceberg tips over.

Jokulsarlon lake

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland’s premier attractions, situated within Vatnajokull National Park and offering stunning iceberg formations that mesmerize and mesmerizing mountain slopes with crevasses – no wonder it has become such a highly photographed location!

Not only is Lake Baikal an amazing spectacle to behold, but it is also a powerful symbol of climate change.

The lake was formed as a result of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier’s retreat and melting, since 1935.

Since then, its size has decreased and as a result, has seen more than double in 15 years!

The glacial lagoon is also home to an amazing array of wildlife. Seals can often be seen playing around in the waters, while fish from all around can come rushing in from seaward. You might even spot some nesting arctic terns along its shorelines!

Visit Jokulsarlon in the evening, when the Northern Lights may appear, to increase your chances of seeing them.

Stay in the Hofn or Skaftafell area for several nights to increase chances of spotting these lights; giving yourself enough time to hunt down that perfect show!

For an enhanced experience, use a wide-angle lens with smaller pieces of ice closer to shorelines that might otherwise escape detection.

Northern Lights

Iceland is an amazing land of natural wonders, from thundering waterfalls and rushing geysers to glaciers and volcanoes.

But one of Iceland’s most captivating features is the glacial lagoon: these gorgeous formations form when glaciers retreat, leaving behind an indentation in the earth which fills up with melted water from glacier melt, as well as icebergs that move.

Size, color and appearance may differ greatly depending on season or air temperature; both factors also affect how fast glaciers melt or move and also how fast icebergs in a glacial lagoon move.

Glacial lagoons offer visitors many activities they can enjoy during their time there, including kayak tours that allow visitors to witness its serene blue-green color and spectacular ice formations up close.

Meanwhile, hikes on nearby glaciers like Breidamerkurjokull and Vatnajokull provide incredible views and insight into nature’s splendor.

Although some visitors choose to climb onto the floating ice in these lakes, this activity can be dangerous.

Even though the ice may appear solid at first glance, it can suddenly flip or collapse leaving visitors trapped in cold waters.

Furthermore, some icebergs contain hidden cracks and crevices; therefore visitors must observe all safety measures when visiting glacier lagoons.

Safety

Iceland is home to amazing natural wonders ranging from volcanoes and glaciers, rushing waterfalls, geysers and breathtaking geyser vents – each providing something spectacular! However, one of Iceland’s most jaw-dropping sights is without question the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

At the foot of Breidamerkurjokull Glacier lies an icy blue lagoon whose serene waters host an astounding variety of ice formations.

Just off Iceland’s famed Ring Road, its breathtaking view will leave visitors truly speechless.

Be mindful when visiting a glacial lagoon of safety when walking around it.

Do not try to step on the ice as it is far thinner than it appears and may tip at any moment, and try not to disturb any icebergs as walking too closely may cause them to fall into the water and disappear into it altogether.

Visitors to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon can explore its stunning beauty by taking one of several tours available here.

Kayaking provides a fantastic personal experience with its calm waters and majestic ice formations.

Glacier hikes lead through stunning landscapes to uncover more geological history.

Thrill-seekers may wish to try ice climbing near the glaciers for an exhilarating adventure.

Alternatively, an amphibious boat cruise can travel both on land and water for a relaxing tour experience of this natural oasis.