Main lagoon viewpoint (north car park, free, accessible to all). Photograph the floating icebergs from the promontory above the bank. Observe seals with binoculars. Walk along the shore for different viewing angles. 30-60 min recommended.
Amphibious zodiac tour (€60-90/person, 45 min, May to October, operators Glacier Lagoon Boat Tours, Ice Lagoon). Board a former amphibious military vehicle that descends directly from the bank into the water. Slow navigation between icebergs with guide commentary. Accessible to all levels, including 4+ year-old children and people with reduced mobility. Booking recommended 1-2 weeks ahead in high season.
Inflatable zodiac tour (€110-130/person, 1 h, May to October, operator Ice Lagoon Zodiac). Faster and further than amphibians: allows approaching the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier front. Age restriction 10+. Drysuit provided. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead recommended.
Diamond Beach (other side of the bridge, free south car park). Cross the bridge on foot from the north car park (200 m pedestrian path). Black sand beach studded with stranded ice blocks glittering like diamonds. Particularly spectacular at sunrise or sunset. Don't climb on the ice blocks (unstable, can capsize). Watch for sneaker waves (unusually powerful waves).
Blue ice cave (€150-200/person, 3-4 h, November to March only, mandatory supervision). Booking 1-2 months ahead with specialised operators: Local Guide of Vatnajökull, Glacier Adventure, Arctic Adventures. Super-jeep departure from Jökulsárlón car park, glacier moraine crossing (15-20 min off-road), descent into the cave with helmet + headlamp + crampons. World-unique experience, to be done at least once in a lifetime.
Breiðamerkurjökull glacier hike (€90-150/person, 3-4 h, May to October). Walk on the glacier tongue with crampons + ice axe + helmet. Mandatory professional supervision (Local Guide of Vatnajökull, Glacier Adventure). Accessible to people in good physical condition.
Cafeteria and toilets (north car park, open 10am-6pm in season). Sandwiches, soups, drinks (€12-20/person, average quality). For a decent meal, head instead to Höfn (80 km east, local langoustine restaurants — Pakkhús, Humarhöfnin) or to Hali Country Hotel (30 min east).
Read also
- The South Coast — Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss waterfalls and Reynisfjara black beach: Route 1 to Jökulsárlón.
- Seljalandsfoss — The waterfall you can walk behind, on the route to Jökulsárlón.
- Vík and Reynisfjara black beach — Black basalt sand beach, mandatory stop before Jökulsárlón.
- Iceland — Complete country guide: Schengen entry, budget, when to go.