Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Day Trip from Reykjavik

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón is the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland and the deepest lake in the country. It formed in the twentieth century as the Breiðamerkurjökull outlet glacier, part of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier by area, retreated and left a basin that filled with meltwater and icebergs. Blocks of ice in shades of blue, white and black float across the surface before drifting through a short channel to the sea.

On this Jökulsárlón tour from Reykjavik you have around an hour and a half at the lagoon. Seals are often seen resting on the ice. In season, from May to October, some options include a boat cruise that takes you close to the icebergs, and it is worth pre-booking because places are limited. Weather and ice conditions affect how close boats can go.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach lies just across the road from the lagoon, where the icebergs that leave through the channel are washed onto black volcanic sand by the Atlantic waves. The ice blocks polished by the sea look like clear gems on a dark background, which explains the name and makes this one of the most photographed beaches in Iceland.

Walk along the shore for the best pictures, but stay away from the water because waves can be strong. The best time to visit Diamond Beach depends on the season: in winter the light is soft and low, and in summer the days are long, so the tour offers good conditions all year, though the number of icebergs on the beach varies.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

On the way back you stop at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall of about sixty metres that falls over an old sea cliff. A path leads behind the curtain of water, so you can see the countryside through the falls when conditions permit. In winter the path can be icy and closed, and in spring and summer you may get wet, so bring a waterproof jacket.

The waterfall stands close to Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano whose 2010 eruption stopped air traffic across Europe, and on a clear day you can see the glacier above. It is a popular photo stop for a good reason, and your guide gives you time to explore.

Vík and the south coast drive

The route runs along Iceland's Ring Road through lava fields, black sand plains and glacial rivers. You stop in Vík í Mýrdal, the country's southernmost village, known for its black sand beach, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and its small church on the hill. Vík is also a convenient place for a meal, though food is not included in the price.

The drive is long, more than three hundred and seventy kilometres each way, so this is a demanding day, but the coach is comfortable and the guide explains the landscape and Icelandic folklore along the way. The tour can run longer in bad weather or if roads are affected.