Ultimate Day Trip – Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón and the best of South Iceland in one day

Main attractions

Jökulsárlón · Fjaðrárgljúfur · Seljalandsfoss · Skógafoss

Other attractions

Fjallsárlón · Reynisfjara · Dyrhólaey · Svínafellsjökull

This itinerary is, due to its driving intensity, really intended only for those of you whose stay is so time-limited that it does not allow for anything more than this kind of “high-speed wilderness tour.” The main destination is the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, an iconic place that is on the bucket list of almost anyone who loves raw nature.

Because the journey is demanding, the additional stops worth visiting along the way are mostly limited to places located very close to parking areas. These include the waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, the canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur, and the glacier tongue Svínafellsjökull. With just a small detour, you can also reach the beach Reynisfjara, and a bit further away, on the eastern cliffs of Dyrhólaey, you may spot nesting puffins.

The advantage of Iceland in summer is that there is daylight 24 hours a day, so you are not limited by sunset and can plan stops entirely at your own pace. If you are traveling during a time when the sun does set, plan your schedule so that you reach the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón at least an hour before sunset. That way you can fully enjoy the place, and use the following darkness only for the simple drive back to where you need to go.

If you still have a little time left on that long route, the nearby glacier lagoon Fjallsárlón is also worth a visit.