A Guide to Visiting Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach By Car

Things to do at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The main decision you’ll need to make when planning your visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is whether you want to get out onto the water. This is definitely recommended, as you’ll get much closer to the glacier and potentially get a better view of the icebergs and any seals that are swimming around. If you’re lucky, they’ll swim right up alongside the boat, though as with any wildlife encounter, nothing is guaranteed.

There are two boat trip options at Jökulsárlón:

Amphibian boat

This is the cheapest way to get out onto the lagoon. Tickets cost 6900 ISK per adult and tours last between 30 and 40 minutes. The boat trundles over the land beside the lake before taking to the water. An onboard guide provides the commentary, and you’ll also have the opportunity to sample glacier ice. This tour is suitable for all ages, so if you are travelling with youngsters under 10 (or less than 130cm in height), this is the one to book. It’s a good idea to wear a windproof coat, hat, and gloves, as it can get chilly out on the lake.

Zodiac boat

These are smaller boats and they are lower to the water, giving you the chance to fully appreciate the scale of the glacier and its icebergs. Tours are longer, hence the higher cost at 15700 ISK per adult. However, you’ll also see more: 75 minutes is ample time to explore the furthest reaches of the lagoon. Typically, these boat trips are offered from May to September, but depending on weather conditions can sometimes be possible earlier or later in the season. You’ll need to arrive ahead of your tour time to get kitted out with warm overalls and life jackets.

Land-based activities

Whilst in theory walk-ups are possible, in practice tours sell out, particularly in peak season, so you’ll want to book in advance. Of course, it’s possible to see the lagoon and its icebergs from the shore. In winter, when the boat tours aren’t running, you’ll only be able to visit the lagoon on foot. It’s a short walk from the parking area to the path that runs along the eastern edge of the lagoon, with plenty of room to stand and watch the icebergs drift slowly out to sea. Many visitors take a look prior to embarking on their boat trip. 

Diamond Beach

The proximity of Diamond Beach to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon means that, as far as most visitors are concerned, they come as a pair. An outlet stream connects the glacier lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean. Alongside it is a pedestrian path which hugs the eastern shore; you can walk under the bridge as vehicles travelling along the ring road pass over your head. Alternatively, you can move your rental vehicle to the car park on the opposite side of the road; it’s located close to the western side of the bridge.

Strolling along this broad beach is a must, as the waves wash icebergs up onto the black volcanic sand. On a sunny day, they glint like gemstones, giving rise to the popular nickname of this busy beach. The waves break over the ice, sculpting it into all manner of shapes. No two days are the same. The stranded icebergs are ideal for selfies, though you should remain aware of the ocean at all times, especially during inclement weather when the wind whips up the waves.

Other practical matters

Food 

There are several food options available at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The café sells a range of items including sandwiches, fast food, and hot drinks. The food trucks that frequent the lagoon are a convenient alternative. At Heimahumar, you can order lobster rolls and lobster soup, while if you prefer meat, check out the beef and the lamb burgers at the Fancy Sheep van. 

Driving conditions

Driving to Jökulsárlón is very straightforward, as this extraordinary glacial lagoon is located right beside the ring road. Even the single lane bridge on the approach to Jökulsárlón isn’t too daunting, as there’s a clear line of sight. As you wait your turn to cross, you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the icebergs that calve from the glacier, which adds to the anticipation. 

Do you need a 4x4 to visit Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach?

Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach are both located beside Route 1, which is tarmacked and well-maintained. The car parks have a gravel surface but are easily accessible to everything from the smallest compact car to the largest motorhome. However, there are other detours off the ring road for which you might prefer to have a 4x4, so it really depends on the rest of your itinerary. 

Parking charges

Since 2023, motorists have had to pay a parking tariff of 1000 ISK per car at Jökulsárlón or Diamond Beach. Whether you move the car or leave it and walk between the two visitor attractions, the fee is valid for 24 hours and doesn’t have to be paid twice. If you park somewhere else within Vatnajökull National Park the following day, you’ll qualify for a 50% discount.  

Can Jökulsárlón be done as a day trip?

Drive times from Reykjavik or from Keflavik Airport are similar; the journey takes around five hours, so many travellers plan a halfway stop in or around Vik. However, it is possible to do it as a long day trip from the capital, particularly during the summer months when there’s plenty of daylight. In winter, when it gets dark much earlier, you might prefer to shorten your daily drives.

Scheduling tips 

Jökulsárlón is as far from being a hidden gem as you can imagine, but parking is limited, so arriving earlier or later in the day is likely to make it easier for drivers to find a space during the summer months. Allow time for any traffic congestion when booking a slot for a boat tour; if you arrive earlier than planned, you can always grab a bite to eat or take a stroll along the side of the lagoon while you wait.