Question 1

How to pronounce Jökulsárlón?

Accepted Answer

Don’t be intimidated by the accents and umlauts, Jökulsárlón is actually quite an easy Icelandic word. It is pronounced, Yol-kuhl-sar-lon with an emphasis on the first syllable.

Question 2

How long do you need at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?

Accepted Answer

If you are only stopping for a few photos of the icebergs floating in the glacier lagoon, you only need twenty minutes or so at Jökulsárlón, and perhaps an additional twenty minutes at the neighbouring Diamond Beach where crystalline orbs of ice litter the black sand.

However, most people spend much longer at Jökulsárlón, especially if you want to embark on a boat tour of the icebergs and really experience the glowing blue ice and Arctic-looking landscape. If you’re taking a Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon boat tour, allow between two and three hours here

Question 3

How to dress for Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?

Accepted Answer

Like most outdoor sights in Iceland, you’ll want to prepare for cold and unpredictable weather at Jökulsárlón, no matter what time of year you visit. It is on an exposed part of the south coast and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon weather can be unpredictable.

In winter, you’ll want to bring waterproofs, a sturdy pair of hiking shoes and woolly hats, thermal gloves and scarves. Even in summer, the chill from the icebergs can keep the area cool and a fleece or woolly jumper is a good idea.

Question 4

Can you walk around Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon?

Accepted Answer

From the car park, there is a short walking trail around the lagoon where you can set up a tripod for photographs and admire the icebergs from the shoreline.

There walking trails around Jökulsárlón which show off the lagoon from all different angles. This is a great option if you want to get away from the crowds and stretch your legs after a long drive.

The lagoon is fed by the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, and it is possible to take a glacier trip and explore the ice caves of Breiðamerkurjökull.

Question 5

Is the Glacier Lagoon worth it?

Accepted Answer

This natural wonder is one of the few places in Iceland where you can feel as though you’re in the Arctic with huge, glowing blue icebergs floating in the water.

Just across the road, you’ll find the Diamond Beach – a black-sanded beach where shimmering shards of ice are lapped by the Atlantic Ocean. So, even though it is a long way from Reykjavík, there is plenty to see in and around Jökulsárlón

Question 6

Can you drive from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón in October?

Accepted Answer

While it is possible to drive from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón in October, if you are going there and back in a single day, you will probably have to drive in the dark. It is a five-hour journey to Jökulsárlón and stopping at various south shore attractions along the way means it takes around fourteen or fifteen hours to drive there and back.

At the beginning of October, the daylight periods are 11 hours long, while at the end of that month, daylight periods shorten to 8 hours. So, if you’d like to avoid driving in the dark for long hours and missing out on the beautiful sights and landscapes, from October, it’s advisable to break this trip into two days with an overnight stop.

Question 7

How much does it cost to go to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon?

Accepted Answer

As it is a public space, there is no fee to visit Jökulsárlón and if you’re just stopping to admire the icebergs from the shoreline, you won’t have to pay anything. However, if you are driving there yourself, please bear in mind that you’ll have to pay to use the car park.

A lot of people opt to take a boat tour on the glacier lagoon, which costs between $45 and $100 depending on whether you go by amphibious boat or with a smaller group by Zodiac. There is also a small visitor centre with a gift shop and café at Jökulsárlón.

Question 8

Can I swim in the Glacier Lagoon?

Accepted Answer

There is no law or rule against swimming in the glacier lagoon, but the huge, floating blocks of ice should offer a clue as to how cold the water is. It is definitely not recommended that you swim at Jökulsárlón since the water is freezing cold, between -3°C and 3°C (26°F to 37°F), cold enough to be extremely dangerous and you risk hypothermia not to mention the hazard of floating icebergs which frequently break up unexpectedly, flipping over.

There are plenty of naturally heated geothermal lagoons in Iceland that offer a much nicer bathing experience.

Question 9

How do you get to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?

Accepted Answer

The glacier lagoon sits just off the Route One ring road that loops around the entire circumference of Iceland. So, it’s easy to navigate here if you are driving yourself. All you need to do is follow Route One along the south coast until you see the sign for Jökulsárlón, between Skaftafell and Höfn.

Question 10

Why is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon famous?

Accepted Answer

Jökulsárlón is not Iceland’s only glacier lagoon, but its proximity to the Route One road along the south shore makes it the most visited of the glacier lakes.

From the road, you can see the blue and white icebergs rising up out of the water like jagged crowns. The majesty of this sight has attracted location scouts from Hollywood blockbusters and popular TV shows alike.

You might recognise Jökulsárlón as the backdrop to a couple of James Bond films, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Batman Begins

Question 11

What is the age limit for the Glacier Lagoon tours?

Accepted Answer

There is no age limit for glacier lagoon amphibian boat tours as the boat ride onto the water is perfectly safe and comfortable. It is suitable for all ages. In fact, a trip to spot the icebergs at Jökulsárlón is an excellent family day out.

Question 12

Best time to visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?

Accepted Answer

As it is such a long drive from Reykjavík, if you want to see Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in a single day from the city, it is best to visit in the summer months. Between June, July and August, Iceland sees incredibly long hours of daylight and the sun barely sets beneath the horizon.

You require between fourteen and fifteen hours to reach Jökulsárlón and make the return journey to the capital and can only return to Reykjavík in daylight during summer.

The icebergs remain throughout the year and photographers tend to favour the shoulder months of April, May and September (known as the months of the long shadow) when the light across the landscape makes it feel as though someone has turned up the contrast.

Question 13

Where is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?

Accepted Answer

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is on the south coast of Iceland, and it sits within the Vatnajökull National Park. 374 kilometres (around 232 miles) from Reykjavík, it takes approximately five hours to drive to Jökulsárlón from the capital. It can be done as a very long day trip, but most people include it as part of a larger road trip or multi-day tour along the south coast.

Question 14

How to get from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón?

Accepted Answer

It is a long drive from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón, but as we’ve mentioned, the directions are not complicated. If you don’t want the stress of driving such a long distance yourself, consider joining a Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tour from Reykjavík.

There are many different options, from single-day trips that last around fifteen hours and return to Reykjavík in the evening to two, three or six-day adventures taking in the entire south coast or whole island of Iceland. Each tour comes with a local, experienced driver and guide.

Question 15

Is Reynisfjara beach closed?

Accepted Answer

Most of Reynisfjara beach is open to the public. However, there is a section at the east end of the shore which is permanently closed due to a rockfall in 2019.

As it is a public space, there are no opening hours for the beach. Reynisfjara Beach parking is free and lasts all day, but it is worth noting that parking overnight is not permitted.

Question 16

What are the sneaker waves at Reynisfjara?

Accepted Answer

Also known as sleeper, king, or rogue waves, sneaker waves are huge, powerful waves that appear out of nowhere on Reynisfjara beach. They can appear after nine or ten smaller waves, making it impossible to tell how far up the beach they will sweep. They are powerful enough to carry an adult out to sea and can form even when the weather is calm.

Question 17

Can you walk on Reynisfjara beach?

Accepted Answer

Spanning miles and miles of the south coast, you can walk along Reynisfjara beach as long as you stay well away from the waves. Of course, there’s more room to walk on the sand during low tide, but it is still possible to take a stroll at high tide. Apart from short walks in the beach itself, there are hiking trails along the cliffs above Reynisfjara which lead to the Dyrhólaey peninsula where you can spot puffins.

Question 18

How to be safe at Reynisfjara beach?

Accepted Answer

It is important to keep well back from the sea at Reynisfjara. Sneaker waves rush up the beach in an instant and pull people out to sea, too far out for a safe rescue by the coast guard. Pay attention to all the warning signs at Reynisfjara, note where the waterline is in the sand and keep as far back from it as possible.

Sadly, there have been fatalities at the beach when visitors have not heeded the warnings, climbing on the rocks near the shore. Huge, unexpected waves have crashed against the cliffs, or sneaker waves have swept up and taken people out to sea. Never climb on the rocks near the sea, even if it does look like a good photo opportunity. It’s not worth your life.

Question 19

Can you swim in Reynisfjara?

Accepted Answer

It is absolutely not possible to swim in the sea at Reynisfjara beach. Firstly, the water is freezing-cold throughout the year. But the main reason is the danger of the waves.

Powerful swells crash against the coast with extreme force and even the strongest swimmers can’t tackle the current here. Paddling is not possible either as frequent sneaker waves sweep up the sand and have been known to pull people out to sea in an instant.

Question 20

Is Reynisfjara beach worth it?

Accepted Answer

Reynisfjara beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so a visit is definitely worth it. The sweep of black sand shimmers in the sunlight and two towering sea stacks off the coast makes it a photographer’s dream. At one end of the beach, Hálsanefshellir cave looks like something from another planet – formed by twisting stacks of basalt. People visit just to admire the cave and wild waves crashing against the black sand.

Question 21

How to get to Reynisfjara Beach?

Accepted Answer

Just off the Route One ring road that loops around the entire island of Iceland, it’s easy to navigate from Reykjavík to Reynisfjara. Following Route One along the south coast from Reykjavík, you simply turn off at Reynishverfisvegur road after approximately 185 kilometres and you’ll find the carpark for Reynisfjara at the end of the paved road.

It’s around a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the black-sand beach from the capital. Reynisfjara also features on the itinerary of most organised south shore tours from Reykjavík and joining a day trip with a professional guide and driver is an easy way to visit the beach.

Question 22

Is Reynisfjara a world-famous black sand beach?

Accepted Answer

Reynisfjara has been featured on many “best beaches in the world” lists and has been made famous as the backdrop in award-winning TV shows and blockbuster films. It has featured in films in the Star Trek and Star Wars franchises, the modern epic Noah, and the TV series Game of Thrones and Vikings.

Question 23

Where is Reynisfjara Beach Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Reynisfjara beach is on the south shore of Iceland, to the southwest of the country. It stretches between the charming coastal village of Vík and the puffin-filled cliffs of the Dyrhólaey peninsula.

Question 24

How to dress for Reynisfjara Beach?

Accepted Answer

Like most outdoor activities in Iceland, you’ll want to dress in layers for Reynisfjara beach. A sports T-shirt, light jumper and waterproof jacket in summer to account for the Reynisfjara beach weather taking a turn.

In winter, you’ll need to wrap up warm as a biting wind whips off the coast. Hats, woolly jumpers or fleeces, scarves and insulated gloves are essential alongside a waterproof coat. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes to explore the south coast – waterproof hiking boots are the best option.

Question 25

Is it safe to swim at black sand beach Iceland?

Accepted Answer

It is definitely not safe to swim at Reynisfjara black sand beach due to the power of the waves and the freezing-cold temperature of the water. Most of Iceland’s black-sand beaches are too dangerous and too cold to swim. However, if you want to swim in the ocean in Iceland, you can head to Reykjavík’s Nauthólsvík beach.

Question 26

Can you buy black sand from Iceland?

Accepted Answer

While you may find bottles of Icelandic black sand for sale on eBay or Etsy, you should think twice before buying it. Taking a piece of the country home with you is a nice idea, but removing sand from Iceland’s protected beaches and cliffs is not permitted.

In keeping with the sustainable travel motto “take only photos, leave only footprints,” it is generally accepted that tourists shouldn’t mess with the country’s nature.

Question 27

How much time do you need at Reynisfjara?

Accepted Answer

Most people spend around an hour here – enough time to snap some photographs of the cave and walk along the sandy shore. Of course, you’ll need longer if you embark on an ATV adventure to the famous plane wreck.

Question 28

Best time to visit Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

The beach is open to the public throughout the year and it can be just as beautiful in winter when the cliffs are dusted with snow as the long days of summer when the jet-black sand shimmers in the sunlight.

Between May and August is prime puffin-watching season, so those heading to the Dyrhólaey peninsula should visit in summer. The biggest crowds tend to descend in the middle of the day. So, if you want to experience Reynisfjara at its quietest, consider beating the crowds and getting there before 10am, or hanging on until late afternoon.

Question 29

Is Seljalandsfoss worth it?

Accepted Answer

Because it sits along the south coast, where you’ll find loads of other natural wonders, it is definitely worth a stop at Seljalandsfoss. The towering waterfall is a beautiful sight in itself, but because it is the only waterfall in Iceland where you can walk behind the water, it is also a unique sight.

Question 30

How far is Seljalandsfoss waterfall from Reykjavík?

Accepted Answer

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is 129 kilometres (around 166 miles) from Reykjavík. If you’re embarking on a Seljalandsfoss waterfall self-drive adventure, it takes around two hours to get here by car.

Question 31

Can you walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Accepted Answer

Seljalandsfoss is one of the few waterfalls in the world you can walk behind and the only one in Iceland that allows you behind the curtain of white water cascading over the cliffs.

The path to reach the back of the waterfall is easy to follow but can be slippery. From behind the waterfall, you can see Iceland’s mossy-green landscape.

Question 32

How to get to Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Accepted Answer

From Reykjavík, you follow the Route One main road out of the city and along the south coast. You can see Seljalandsfoss waterfall from the road, so you won’t miss it.

There is a dedicated car park a short walk away from the falls themselves. Although it is easy to navigate to Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavík, road conditions in the colder months can be challenging so many visitors to Iceland opt for a guided day tour along the south coast wonders, which includes a stop at the waterfall.

On organised Seljalandsfoss tours, an experienced and professional driver and guide navigates for you and provides a little context to the sights along the way.

Question 33

Where is Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Accepted Answer

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the majestic wonders of Iceland’s south coast, and it sits just off the Route One ring road that loops around the entire island. It is a part of the Seljalandsá River which is formed by glacial meltwater from the famous Eyjafjallajökull ice cap.

Question 34

How long do you spend at Seljalandsfoss?

Accepted Answer

On organised tours and self-drive days out, visitors to Seljalandsfoss tend to spend around 30-60 minutes at the waterfall.

This includes the short walk from the car park to the falls andthe walk behind the cascade if the weather is not too bad and the trail is not too slippery.

Most people stop here to stretch their legs, take in the unique Icelandic scene and snap a few photographs before heading off to the other natural wonders along the south coast.

Question 35

Does Seljalandsfoss waterfall freeze in winter?

Accepted Answer

The powerful flow of water over Seljalandsfoss means that it does not freeze in winter. Parts of the river may freeze around it and you can often spot spiky icicles in the coldest months, but the water keeps flowing over the cliffs even in the deepest, coldest winter. Seljalandsfoss, with a backdrop of snow, is a sight to behold in winter.

Question 36

How to pronounce Seljalandsfoss?

Accepted Answer

It is pronounced sal-ya-lands-foss and the meaning of the name is a bit of a mystery. It would roughly translates into English as “seller of the land of waterfalls” which doesn’t make much sense, but there we go.

Question 37

When is the best time to visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Accepted Answer

In terms of time of year, the best time to visit Seljalandsfoss is in the shoulder season – in April, May or September. During these months, the crowds of summer have dissipated but you can still take advantage of relatively long hours of daylight.

These months are also known as the time of “the long shadows” in Iceland as the landscape is bathed in a sepia-toned light throughout the day. This is the best time of year for photography in Iceland.

Question 38

Is Seljalandsfoss waterfall free?

Accepted Answer

There is no fee to visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall as it is on public land. There is, however, a small parking fee to use the car park. The fee to park is 800 ISK (about $5), and there is no time limit to how long you can park.

Question 39

How to dress for visiting Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Accepted Answer

The spray of Seljalandsfoss waterfall is pretty powerful, so if you are getting close to admire this natural wonder, you will definitely want to dress in waterproof clothing. If you plan to walk behind the waterfall, plan to get wet.

Waterproof boots, a waterproof jacket and even waterproof trousers are a good idea. If you’re going to bring woolly hats, scarves and gloves on your south coast adventure, it might be an idea to leave them in the car or bus as you visit Seljalandsfoss (unless it is really cold) as wool takes a long time to dry off.

Question 40

What time of day is best for Seljalandsfoss?

Accepted Answer

The best time of day to visit the waterfall depends on what time of year it is. Keen photographers like to catch the falls in the golden light of near-sunset.

So, during the summer, this is between 8 pm and 11 pm and in the winter, it is any time throughout the day as the sun hovers low to the horizon from 9 am to 4 pm. If you want to avoid the main crowds of the day, it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.

Question 41

How tall is Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

Accepted Answer

Seljalandsfoss waterfall’s height is around the same as its south coast counterpart, Skógafoss. Both waterfalls stand at 60 metres tall (197 feet), so the splash from the cascade is rather powerful. As the water hits the plunge pool from so high up, water spray can reach the viewing point and path behind the waterfall, so be prepared to get wet when you visit.

Private Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach Tour – Iceland’s Ultimate South Coast Experience

Need to know

Requirements

Tour itinerary

Skógafoss

Seljalandsfoss

Reynisfjara

Jökulsárlón

What’s included and what to bring on this tour

Included

Not included

Tour highlights

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