The glacier lagoon Jokulsarlon is one of Iceland’s jewels and a must-see when visiting the country.

The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon’s frozen majesty will leave you speechless when you catch the light dance off its icy peaks. The glacier offers an otherworldly experience with its huge chunks of ice glistening in the sun like diamonds, its waters meander with different shades of blue, and its dramatic extraterrestrial scenery all around.

No visit to the glacier lagoon will be the same – depending on the season, time of day and weather conditions the glacier will show you a different side of its personality. The Jokulsarlon glacier is definitely the jewel of Iceland, and is a dream destination for both amateur and professional photographers.

The glacier is part of Vatnajokull National Park, which is the country’s largest park and the third site in Iceland to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Jokulsarlon is a massive site which covers 7 square miles and reaches more than 814 ft at its deepest point; the size of the lake has even quadrupled since the 1970s. It is considered, by far, the largest glacier by mass in Europe.

You’ve probably seen it already and haven’t realized. If you watched “Tomb Raider”, “Batman Begins”, and the James Bond movies “A View to a Kill” and “Die Another Day”, you will immediately recognize Jokulsarlon as it was among the filming locations of these movies.

Getting to Jokulsarlon

A tour to visit Jokulsarlon from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is only for those who don’t mind long drives. In fact, tours to this glacier are around 14 hours long, as Jokulsarlon is located approximately 4 to 5 hours away from Reykjavik. The way back will be much faster as the pit stops will be less than the trip out – you’ll be pretty tired so napping is a good way to cut the journey.

However, don’t get scared by the long driving hours, the tours usually stop at various interesting sights along the way – including the stunning Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls – to make the length of the trip a bit more manageable. You even stop in one of my favorite places in Iceland, the tiny beach town of Vik. Additionally, the south Icelandic coast is a dramatic landscape, full of stark cliffs and black sand beaches, and will keep you mesmerized along the way. Keep an eye out for oddly shaped rocks, as you drive through the country, which are believed by Icelanders to be the houses of elves.

We visited Iceland in April and while the weather was rainy and cold during our drive to the glacier, when we got there, the sun was in full force, and the skies shone blue – perfect weather to be outdoors and enjoy Jokulsarlon. We booked the tour through Viator and had a great experience, as always.

What to do

Book a boat tour: Take a boat ride through the drifting chunks of icebergs and marvel at naturally formed ice sculptures up close as they change colors when the light reflects on them. This tour will let you enjoy the spectacular glacial scenery from a very different perspective. Boat tours are operated daily from May 15th to September 15th.

Keep an eye out for wildlife: Have your camera ready to snap pictures of frolicking seals swimming in the freezing waters or peacefully sunbathing on the huge chunks of ice. In summer, you can also observe migratory birds making their own trip through the glacier. Both species live off of herring, salmon, trout among other fish species which populate the cold waters.

Take in the magnificence of the glacier: Upon arrival, walk around the shore to absorb these stunning surroundings. The view from the shore is unforgettable and you will find yourself snapping pictures non-stop.

Go kayaking: Glide across the surface of the calm waters of Jokulsarlon and enjoy a unique panoramic view of the landscape surrounding the lagoon. Kayak tours are available from May to September.

Diamond beach: This beach is located approximately 0.6 miles from Jokulsarlon and it’s a famous proposal spot. When large icebergs break away from the glacier, they fall into the lagoon and float towards the ocean to melt slowly away. The waves will ultimately bring some of the ice blocks to the shore of Diamond beach, offering a stark contrast with the black volcanic sand.

What to bring:

Waterproof shoes: Bring shoes or boots which will keep your feet warm and dry during the trip. The North Face Men’s Chilkat III Insulated Boot and the North Face Shellista II Mid Snow Boot for women are both a great choice since they are insulated and waterproof.

Waterproof pants: the North Face Women’s Venture 2 Half-Zip DWR Hiking Pant offers a durable, waterproof outer layer paired with a breathable, polyurethane-coated inner layer that allows water vapor to escape. For men, I recommend the North Face Men’s Venture 2 Half Zip Pant, which are ultralight, waterproof and windproof and have the added benefit of being easily packable. They can be folded into a small self-containing pouch and don’t occupy much space in your luggage – very important if you are only traveling with a carry-on.

Additionally, it may get really warm with the sun and the reflection off the ice, so half zip pants will convert into shorts for comfort.

Gloves: It will probably be cold when you visit Jokulsarlon so bring gloves that are touchscreen compatible so you can keep them on while you take pictures. I recommend The North Face Etip recycled gloves which are unisex and feature a silicone gripper palm.

Sunglasses: This is key, so don’t forget to bring your sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and the reflection on the ice. I recommend O’Neill Offshore polarized sunglasses which provide 100% UVA+B protection. My husband wore TOMS Beachmaster Wayfarer Sunglasses, they are polarized and offer UV protection.

Lightweight jacket: I recommend the North Face Women’s Metropolis Insulated Parka III. It’s water resistant and insulated. For men I recommend the ThermoBall Eco Insulated Hooded Jacket, a light, packable jacket featuring ample insulation.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

Find useful information about the Golden Circle tour in Iceland.

The Golden Circle tour encompasses three of the most popular attractions in Iceland: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. A tour to the Golden Circle gives you the opportunity to witness the tremendous power of geysers, thundering waterfalls and dramatic fissures and cliffs straight out of Game of Thrones – basically three spectacular attractions in just one tour.

The Golden Circle covers some of Iceland’s most spectacular scenery and, not surprisingly, is one of the most in-demand tours from Reykjavik. When we visited Iceland, we took tours every day – including to the Golden Circle – as we were only in the country for a couple of days and booking tours ended up being the most convenient option for this trip.

A tour to the Golden Circle is not only the ideal “Instagramable” excursion you’ll take in a short trip but you will also learn fascinating stories about the history behind the places you will be visiting.

If you are pressed for time while you are in Iceland, this tour is an absolute must. It only takes a few of hours to complete so you will have some time during the day to explore the capital city if you are staying there. There are plenty of options to book a tour to the Golden Circle. Check out the tours provided by Viator below:

Tip: I recommend you book a small group tour. Less people means that getting on and off the bus times are shorter, giving you the opportunity to spend more time at the attractions.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is the first stop of the Golden Circle tour and is located approximately 45 minutes from Reykjavik. The national park is essentially an active volcanic area where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet – you are literally standing in between Europe and North America.

This area is surrounded by mountains and grass-covered lava fields adding a geological significance to the underlaying cultural importance of this spot. Lake Thingvallavatn – the largest natural lake in Iceland – can be found at Thingvellir National Park and offers a very unique dive/snorkeling experience where visitors can swim in the glacial waters.

Several major events which are of important significance in Iceland’s history have occurred at Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir was home to the original site of Iceland’s first parliamentary assembly, the Althingi (“All-Thing”), that began in 930 and continued to convene at this location until 1798. All major laws were voted at this very spot during the Althingi, including being the first (probably only) country to vote Christianity as the state religion in the year 1000.

Have your camera ready because you will want to snap pictures of Thingvellir National Park’s stunning beauty as you will be surrounded by imposing cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and gushing waterfalls. The paths are well marked so you won’t get lost, and there are several stair cases to get you to the different park areas.

And if you are a fan of Games of Thrones, you will immediately feel right at home as Thingvellir National Park was one of the most famous filming locations!

Geysir Geothermal Area

The Geysir Geothermal Area is a famous hot spring park in the geothermal Haukadalur Valley and is the highlight of the Golden Circle tour. As you approach this area you will notice a change in landscape as it becomes more alien with the smell of sulfur floating all around. On your approach, you’ll very likely see steam rising from miles away as the park announces to incoming visitors the natural spectacle they are about to witness.

Strokkur, the most famous hot spring, throws boiling water from 20 to 40 meters high in one powerful burst. Yes, it’s a jaw dropping spectacle to witness this, and Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minute so don’t be upset if you miss it the first time. I took advantage and spent several cycles in absolute awe of the geyser. Hearing the thunderous burst the geyser makes when it erupts is one of those unexpected experiences that will be difficult to forget. Before the geyser throws water into the air, you will hear a loud thump alerting you of what’s about to happen – this is your signal to get your cameras ready.

Unfortunately, the original Geysir is mostly inactive due to the local tectonic activity combined with intrusive human intervention. Studies show that the original Geysir has been in existence for 10,000 years and it erupts in cycles. In the early 1910s, it was known to erupt every 30 minutes, however, its activity had almost ceased by 1916. Back in 2000, it erupted throwing water to a height of 122 meters – much more impressive than Strokkur. There are over 20 other sleeping geysers in the area, so with some luck you too may experience the awakening of a sleeping giant.

The Geysir Geothermal Area is not only about geysers. There are plenty of hot pools, clay pots and fumaroles sprinkled around. Take some time to stroll in this hot spring area bustling with geothermal activity and experience the powerful energy of Icelandic nature.

Gullfoss waterfall

Located only 10 minutes away from the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss is the second biggest waterfall in Iceland. The waterfall is 32 meters in height, and it has two drops giving Gulfoss a dramatic pivoting staircase effect. During the waterfall’s heaviest flow in the summer, it pours an average of 140 cubic meters of water every second, causing this effect to be even more dramatic.

While some attribute the name Gullfoss to the golden hues that shine in its glacial waters, others think that it’s because of the rainbow that appears when the sun hits the water spray thrown up by the waterfall. Don’t go chasing waterfalls or rainbows even in the summer because the water is ice cold!

Gullfoss has a compelling story behind it. In the early 20th century, foreign investors saw the potential of turning Gullfoss into a hydro-electric plant by adding a dam. However, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, a local environmentalist and farmer’s daughter, was ready to challenge these plans. Through her herculean efforts, she mounted a case against the investors’ plans, often going to Reykjavík to fight her cause. All her hard work paid off as she was persuasive enough to get laws passed which prevented foreign investors from ultimately building the dam. To commemorate her efforts, a plaque and stone statue have been built above the falls – Sigríður Tómasdóttir still protects the falls today.

The viewing platforms offer magnificent views of the thundering waterfall where you can photograph Gullfoss from several angles. If it’s a sunny day, keep an eye out for the famous rainbow that forms in the mist. But the waterfall is not a spectacle only for the eyes, keep your ears open to listen to the roaring sound of Gullfoss and be amazed by the power of raw nature.

The waterfall is open year-round, and both the pathways and viewpoints are wheelchair friendly. If you visit Gullfoss in the summer when the ice has melted, it is possible to walk to the edge of the falls to let the waterfall sprinkle water on your face.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

A visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a must when traveling to the country. Here are 5 things you should know before you visit this iconic attraction.

If you are planning a trip to Iceland, then you know the Blue Lagoon is a can’t miss stop, since it’s one of Iceland’s most popular destinations both for tourists and locals alike. This shouldn’t be a surprise: with its milky-blue water rich in nourishing minerals while surrounded by a volcanic landscape, it promises a unique and relaxing spa experience.

Why you should go:

The Blue Lagoon is a once in a lifetime experience which I highly recommend. Not only can you get the “Icelandic” spa treatment, but you can enjoy a drink while floating in the blissful waters. No matter when you hit the lagoon, you’ll get a relaxing and energizing experience in a primordial environment. Don’t be shy – put some mud on your face as it does wonders for your skin: it prevents premature aging, provides nourishment and has been known to help improve psoriasis.

It’s true that it can get packed: every popular destination does, but when in Rome… My advice is that you book your tickets for early in the morning and you avoid the weekends. We did just that and as you can see from the pictures throughout this blog it wasn’t packed. Additionally, make sure you buy your tickets with weeks in advance as it can get sold out quickly.

What you can do:

• Forget about the world while you relax in the warm milky-blue water surrounded by black lava fields and green moss



• Put on the free silica (a mineral nutrient) mud face mask and let it do its magic to protect your skin
• Enjoy a fantastic meal at one of the Blue Lagoon 3 restaurants -Lava, Moss and Spa- or grab a quick bite to eat at the café if you don’t want to miss swimming in the warm water
• Enjoy a drink – including smoothies, juices, soft drinks, beer and wine – at the bar inside the lagoon itself
• Visit the viewing deck on the second floor to admire the volcanic environment
• Before you leave, buy products from the Blue Lagoon skin care to take home with you (You can also buy them online if you can’t choose or are in a hurry)
• Get a relaxing massage while in the water (US$121 for 30 minutes I US$189 for 60 minutes)

The Blue Lagoon’s geothermal seawater is naturally renewed every 40 hours. Since the water is rich in salt, silica and other minerals, there is no need to use disinfectant to clean it because  bacteria can’t survive in this type of environment. The lagoon basically cleans itself, isn’t this amazing?

The water temperature ranges from 37°C to 40°C (98-104°F) but external factors such as the weather and the season may make it fluctuate slightly. We visited the Blue Lagoon in April on a very cold day. Within the couple of seconds that took us to get from the spa doors to the lagoon, I almost froze into a snowman, but it ended up being totally worthwhile. It was difficult to make the decision to leave the lagoon, and face that cold, however after seeing our hands turn into wrinkly prunes, we knew it was time to go.

Tip: Remember to drink plenty of liquids while you are enjoying the Blue Lagoon as you might become dehydrated due to the hot water. Make use of the complimentary drink that comes with your entrance ticket and head to the in-water bar. If you drink beer or a cocktail, keep in mind the combination of heat and alcohol will dehydrate you faster.

Getting there

The Blue Lagoon is conveniently located 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport and about 50 minutes from Reykjavik, the capital, making it a perfect pit stop on your way in or out of the airport.

In our case, we arrived at the airport early in the morning, so we decided to head straight to the Blue Lagoon. We actually got there before the doors opened, but it was nice to walk around and take some pictures of the surroundings.

Tip: Note that the Blue Lagoon offers luggage storage -it’s located in the parking area- so you will be able to safely store your bags while you enjoy the amenities. Take advantage of their locker rooms to shower and freshen up before leaving.

We bought our tickets through the official website, and arranged for transportation to take us from the airport to the Blue Lagoon then to Reykjavik when we were ready to leave. There are also plenty of tours you can book through Viator.

Upon arrival, we were given a wristband which serves as the key to your locker in the changing rooms and simultaneously functions as an in-water credit card – giving you the ability to purchase refreshments. The changing rooms, which are separated for men and women, are very robust with amenities including toiletries. Everyone needs to take a shower to rinse away any gunk you may have brought before entering the lagoon; management asks for visitors to be fully undressed when showering to ensure you are clean. There are also a few showers that have a door if you want more privacy.

Available packages

According to the official website, there are 3 different types of packages:

• Comfort (from US$45): Includes the entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, a towel, and a drink. This is the ticket we bought
• Premium (from US$68): Includes the entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, towel, 1st drink of your choice, second mask of choice, slippers, bathrobe, table reservation at Lava Restaurant, and 1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant
• Luxury (from US$ 372): Four luxurious hours at the Retreat Spa. It also includes a private changing suite and unlimited access to both the Retreat Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.

Don’t forget to bring

• Swimsuit: To enjoy the warm seawater.
• Sunglasses: Because the Blue Lagoon reflects the sunlight, it’s better to wear sunglasses so you don’t have to be squinting all the time.
• Sunscreen: Since you will be outside for a couple of hours, with little to no shade, you should protect your skin. I recommend Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 for your face and Coppertone SPF50 for the body.
• GoPro: In case you want to take photos when you are in the water.
• Flip flops: To make your way from the building to the lagoon and walk around.

Tip: The minerals in the seawater can irritate your eyes and dry out contacts, so be careful. My husband wore contacts while he bathed but made sure that he didn’t submerge his head into the water.