Can you get to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in one day?

The answer is yes. It is fully possible to see the lagoon with the Icebergs in only one day. But what is it like?

The Glacier Lagoon is one of the most amazing sights in Iceland. And probably one of the more well-known from the multiple Hollywood productions shot there. New icebergs constantly form and float in the Lagoon. Seals are easily seen playing around in the water. And only a short walk away, you can get close to the few icebergs stranded on the “Dimond beach”. A much safer option than to try and climb onto one of the loose icebergs in the lagoon.

Should you go there in one day or stay longer?

The Glacier Lagoon is located about 400 km (250 miles) to the East from Reykjavik. Meaning, it will be a long drive to get to the lagoon and back. There are many sights along the way. Such as the two waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. In the summer time, the sun will shine beautifully on the waterfalls. But in the wintertime, light is more scarce.

Are you short on time and want to get beyond the normal South Shore Adventure? Then a one-day tour could be for you. Maybe a good idea not to plan it as your final day. The tour could be delayed and you don´t want to miss your flight. The stops are shorter, but you will get out and stretch your legs and see the beautiful scenery.

Taking the tour in more than one day will give you more time to get close to the sights. During the drive, you pass by some of the most famous volcanoes in Iceland as well as two smaller glaciers. It is for example nice to visit Skaftafell national park. In the summertime, you can hike in the park and visit Svartifoss, or the “Black waterfall”. Given its name from the black basalt columns around it.

The Glacier Lagoon and the southern coast is a perfect place to hunt for Northern Lights in the winter. There are no big cities located nearby creating light pollution and vast open areas. Darkness is your friend when it comes to hunting northern lights. Please keep in mind that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon. Spending more days away from the city could increase your chances of seeing them.