Exploring Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Reykjavik

Europe is home to some amazing places, and Reykjavik is one of them. Divided into four sections – capital, urban, recreational and cultural — Reykjavík is a beautiful city with a great deal to explore. One of the most incredible destinations of Reykjavík is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, located on the southeast coast of Iceland.

The area is very popular among tourists visiting Iceland, as it contains one of the most impressive glacial lagoons in the entire country – Jökulsárlón. It is situated between the glacier Vatnajökull and the sea, connected to the latter by a short river. The lagoon is full of icebergs, with some of them reaching up to 80 meters high, and is dotted by thousands of large and small chunks of ice from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Furthermore, large floating pieces of ice move from the glacier to the open sea, where they quickly melt and add to the river of glittering blue waters which makes up the lake. This lake is certainly an incredible sight to behold.

Beside Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, on its black sand beach Diamond Beach you’ll find chunks of ice washed up from the lake. These crystal clear chunks look amazing in the sunlight and make for a great photo spot — especially when blue sky meets their glistening shape. The beach’s name isn’t by chance either. From a distance, you can see each piece of diamond-like ice reflecting in the sunlight, making a great experience that’s worth capturing on camera. The shore of the lake is also great for taking photos and making beautiful memories, like spotting walruses, seals and other animals.

In addition to these natural beauty spots and unique experiences, there are other activities which are worth doing around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, such as one-of-a-kind boat tours. These open-boat tours take visitors into the tranquil center of Jökulsárlón for a close-up tour of the giant icebergs and see them from breathtaking views. While on the boat tours visitors will have the opportunity to watch seabirds and look for arctic foxes that often roam nearby beaches. All boat tours operate experienced captains and crew, plus full safety equipment, who will give you an even greater look at magnificent glaciers.

If you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience, check out “Exploring Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon”, an interactive guided tour which gives visitors a first-hand experience of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach and surroundings with a knowledgeable guide. Here, you can get up close and personal with these incredible achievements of nature, with the help of your expert guide along the way.

To make your tour all the more unique, you also get to visit Selvogur – an unspoiled and secluded spot, where you can relax far away from any tourist crowds. You will be able to appreciate the wonders of Icelandic nature with your own eyes — soaring mountains, wide seashore and majestic icebergs — and enjoy some lunch while overlooking spectacular landscapes surrounded by glaciers.

For those who choose to explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach on their own (which we wouldn’t recommend), be sure to take precautionary measures and stay safe. Always bring an emergency kit with you, since Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. You should also make sure to wear proper hiking gear, including waterproof boots and clothing as well as plenty of food and water. Even if you are experienced hikers, don’t forget to download safety maps from apps such as Earthmate or Gaia GPS that will help you with navigation in case your cell phone signal disappears in an emergency.

So if you’re visiting Reykjavik, be sure to check out Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach for an unforgettable adventure! For those looking for an extraordinary experience with local experts who can tell you all about the natural wonders here — book Exploring Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tour now!

An Insider’s Guide to Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a quaint little city that’s full of surprises. From its unique cuisine to its vibrant culture, Reykjavik has a lot to offer. As you plan your trip, go beyond the typical tourist stops and get ready to discover some offbeat experiences that only insiders know about. Here’s an insider’s guide to Reykjavik that will help you make unforgettable memories.

Local Attractions

While Reykjavik is well-known for its well-trodden tourist destinations such as the Reykjavik Harbor and the National Museum of Iceland, there are plenty of hidden gems that only locals know about. For starters, visit the Reykjavik Botanic Garden that’s home to several species of plants and flowers, including some of Iceland’s flora. If you’re a history buff, you can visit the Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum that showcases the traditional Icelandic way of life between the 18th and 19th centuries. You should also take a stroll through the Grandi harbor area, which is a vibrant and artistic neighborhood with lots of street art, independent shops, and cafes.

Dining Spots

The Icelandic cuisine is worth exploring, and Reykjavik is the perfect place to do so. Skip the fancy restaurants and try some local street food that’s both delicious and budget-friendly. One popular item is the Icelandic hot dog, try it with all the toppings including fried onions, crispy onions, and various sauces. Don’t miss a chance to try their traditional fish, that’s a must-try dish in Reykjavik. Another staple of Icelandic cuisine is the Skyr, a type of yogurt. Visit the Skyr company to celebrate this healthy Icelandic snack, where you can create your own Skyr with a variety of toppings.

Cultural Experiences

Reykjavik is a city full of art, music and cultural festivals. Check out the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, which performs regularly and makes the city’s cultural scene all the more vibrant. If you’re interested in history, visit the National Gallery of Iceland and discover the rich artistic heritage of the country. If you’re lucky enough to be there during the summer, make sure to attend the Secret Solstice Festival, which showcases Icelandic and international artists and is an unforgettable experience.

Local History

Reykjavik has a rich history, and there are fascinating stories that are worth exploring. For instance, did you know that the Icelandic sagas were written in the 13th century and are part of the country’s oral tradition? Visit the Saga Museum to learn more about this fascinating history. You can also visit the Viðey Island, where John Lennon and Yoko Ono lived in the 1970s, and see the Imagine Peace Tower as a tribute to his life.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re an adventurous traveler, then you must check out the Silfra Fissure, a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and a diver’s paradise. You can also hike up to the top of Mount Esja; it’s a challenging climb, but the view from the peak is jaw-dropping. Lastly, drive up to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and take a boat tour of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach; where icebergs and dazzling ice chunks wash ashore.

Explore these hidden gems of Reykjavik and soak up the unique culture and experiences. With this insider’s guide to Reykjavik, we hope that your trip will become unforgettable and set you apart from the usual tourist traps.