Jökulsárlón -The glacier lagoon

Departing from Reykjavík early morning, we have a long way ahead of us following the southern coastline passing the villages of Selfoss, Vik and Kirkjubaejarklaustur as well as Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss two much-photographed waterfalls.

Continue through the vast desert of Skeidararsandur, an area which can be prone to sandstorms. Many of Iceland‘s biggest glacial rivers run into the Atlantic Ocean off the south shore and each year they carry millions of tons of black volcanic sand, constantly altering the shape of the coastline and creating vast black deserts.

Just before reaching the lagoon, the drive passes Oraefajokull glacier, home to Iceland‘s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjukur, at 2119 m. Jokulsarlon is a stunning glacial lagoon that is constantly changing as the massive glacier tongue retreats. Icebergs of all shapes, sizes and in many hues of blue, turquoise and white, break off from the glacier and float around the lagoon.

You will have time to walk the shores of the lagoon to admire the surreal shapes and take time to photograph the lagoon‘s wonderful, mirror-like reflections. For an even closer view, you can go on a cruise aboard an amphibious vessel and sail amongst the oddly-shaped ice formations. Jokulsarlon is a natural wonder that has to be seen to be believed.

This may be one of the longest day tours from Reykjavik but it is also one of the most highly recommended.