The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Accommodation near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Where to stay near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

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Looking for a good reason to spend some time in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon? Joekulsárlón is Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon in the southeast on Route 1, about halfway between the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Hoefn, a popular stop for travelers along the country’s south coast or ring road.

It is the highlight of many self-drive tours and guided packages. If you rent a car, you can also reach it in the country’s southeast. Take a trip to the Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon. The lake is the meltwater of an outflowing glacier.

Uniquely, it also fills with icebergs that break off from the glacier. Find suitable accommodation near the glacier lagoon and discover all the possible activities nearby. This article presents you with the best accommodation near the lagoon.

The Location of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is on Iceland’s south coast, between the towns of Vík í Mýrdal and Höfn. That is next to Route 1, the circular road that traverses Iceland’s coast. Find a place to stay at Hofn, a nearby town to the glacier lagoon. Its surrounding area, including Jokulsarlon, composes Iceland’s largest national park, and the second-largest national park in Europe, after Yugid Va in Russia (Trek.zone).

Types of Accommodation Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Hotels

Amongst the hotels that you find close to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon are luxurious and budget-friendly hotels. The top-rated ones are Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Ekra Glacier Lagoon, Fosshotel Vatnajökull, and Hali Country Hotel.

Pros

  • You can beat the crowds
  • Multiple restaurants closeby
  • Modern and comfortable 
  • Great Mountain views
  • Breakfast included

Cons

  • Book in advance
Image by Hans from Pixabay

Hostels

Vagnsstaðir HI Hostel, Skyrhúsid Guest House, Guesthouse Gerði, and Ekra Glacier Lagoon are some of the best hostels close to the lagoon. Vagnsstadir HI Hostel is twenty-five minutes east of Jokulsarlon, a magical glacier lagoon filled with icebergs.

Pros

  • Rural setting
  • Affordable
  • Different sizes
  • Close to town
  • Modern

Cons

  • Might not be very clean

Guesthouses

Some guesthouses near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon are Guesthouse Gerði, Ekra Glacier Lagoon, Skyrhúsid Guest House, and Vagnsstadir Guesthouse. Guesthouse Kálfafellsstadur is by Route 1 Ring Road, a 17-minute drive from Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. It offers brightly decorated rooms.

Pros

  • Enjoy the countryside
  • Clean
  • Comfortable 
  • Great views
  • Breakfast

Cons

  • Shared kitchen

Campsites

The closest camping site near Jokulsarlon is Svinafell Campground, followed by Skaftafell Camping to the west and Camping Höfn to the east. The top-rated campsites closely are Skaftafell Campground, Tjaldsvæðið í Svínafelli, and Haukafell Campground.

Pros

  • Compact
  • Incredible
  • Easy reach
  • Accessible to multiple activities 
  • Beautiful views

Cons

  • Lack of cultural exchange

Best Hotels Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon offers rooms at 326. The contemporary hotel features beautiful mountain views. The wood-clad building is surrounded by mountains and the hotel is off Route 1, 29 km from Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon, 27 km from Svartifoss Waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park (Guidetoiceland.is). It offers wifi and free parking. Ekra Glacier Lagoon has rooms starting from 249.  It offers wifi in public spaces but not pools or hot tubs. 

Best Hostels Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Top-rated hostels near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon are Skyrhúsid Guest House and Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon for 326 per room. Skyrhúsid Guest House is a relaxed guesthouse off Route 1, and 14 km from Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, adjacent to Vatnajökull national park and Glacier. It is child-friendly but does not have hot pools and tubs. Mountains surround Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon.

Best Guesthouses Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Ekra Glacier Lagoon offers rooms for 249 and Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon for 326. Vagnsstadir Guest House has rooms for 148. Hotel Smyrlabjorg is the family-owned country hotel between Jökulsárlón and Höfn. It offers 52 rooms with private bathrooms. 

Triple rooms and family rooms are also available as double and single rooms. Meals are available for guests in the restaurant. Arnanes Country Hotel offers free parking, high-speed Internet, breakfast, a restaurant, a breakfast buffet, and non-smoking rooms. 

Best Campsites Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The closest camping site near Jokulsarlon is Svinafell Campground, followed by Skaftafell Camping to the west and Camping Höfn to the east. Skaftafell Camping is large and well-equipped, around 35 miles to the south. This campground serves the beautiful Skaftafell National Park where some excellent hiking can be enjoyed.

Reykjavik Campsite is 10 minutes by car from the capital, making it an ideal first stop for new arrivals. It accommodates up to 900 travellers and sports a lot of amenities. Reykjavik campsite is open all year long. The price per stay is 20 per person per night. You have an indoor kitchen and an outdoor sink with warm and cold water. You can also enjoy hot showers, free wifi, and an open BBQ area.

Vogar Campsite Near Lake Mývatn is one of the best campsites in Iceland. It offers all guests free wifi, an indoor kitchen area, toilets, and hot showers. They can also add electricity for RVs and stay open all year round.

Airbnb and Vacation Rental Options Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Farm Cabin Near Snæfellsjökull National Park is for couples or solo travelers and is pet-friendly. Two cabins for rent accommodate four guests, inside both cabins, there is a queen-size bed, minifridge, free Wi-Fi, stove, shower, and basic cooking utensils. There is also outdoor patio furniture for guests to use during summer. Guests will have access to a washer and dryer inside the main house.

Log Cabin Near Blue Lagoon is in a nature reserve and is so stunning that it qualifies as one of Iceland’s best Airbnb rentals. This two-bedroom cabin has an outdoor hot tub. The full kitchen has a microwave, wine glasses, a coffee maker, and a dishwasher. 

In the summer, guests can cook outside on the barbecue and enjoy their meal on the patio overlooking the wild Icelandic landscape. There is one entrance to the bedrooms, but the rooms are divided by a wall. 

Tips for Choosing the Best Accommodation Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Tips to help readers choose the best accommodation for their needs

  • Check Hotel reviews. Make sure the hotel you’re choosing has a good reputation. 
  • Consider location
  • Dining options
  • Consider Hotel sanitation
  • Learn about their features
  • Leisure facilities

Factors to consider

  • Location
  • Amenities
  • Pricing
  • Proximity
  • Accessibility 

Things to Do Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tours and Cafe

These are boat tours around a lake dotted with towering icebergs carved from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.

Diamond Beach

It is a striking, black-sand beach famed for the huge, glistening iceberg fragments that drift ashore.

Breiðamerkursandur

Breiðamerkursandur is a glacial outwash plain in southeast Iceland. The area is sand, although some vegetation is beginning to grow. It was formed by the glaciers Breiðamerkurjökull, Fjallsjökull, and Hrútárjökull. The glaciers are sources of muddy rivers that change their channels and carry the sediment that the weight of the glacier grinds down and across a large area. 

Transportation Options Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Driving

You can get to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon by driving a rented car or taking a guided tour. It is close to Highway 1, right on the ring road between Höfn and Skaftafell. You can rent with Hertz Iceland.

Public transport

Guided tours go to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon or take in multiple destinations depending on where your starting point is.

Dining Options Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

A list of the best restaurants and cafes in the area.

  • Nailed It Fish and Chips
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tours and Cafe
  • Cafe Vatnajökull

Food and drink options available

  • Coffee
  • Sandwiches
  • Soft drinks
  • Hot chocolate

Safety Considerations When Staying Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

  • Do not leave valuables in your car
  • Do not swim in the lake
  • Groups cannot be too big due to safety reasons

Weather Considerations When Staying Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Description of the weather conditions in the area.

Jökulsárlón is a result of a changing climate. It is at the foot of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which began melting and retreating from the Atlantic Ocean in the 1920s due to rising temperatures.

Tips for staying comfortable during different seasons.

  • Sneakers are a great pick for the glacier lagoon. 
  • Hiking boots aren’t necessary unless you’re taking a longer hike from here.
  • Bring waterproofs

Reviews of Accommodation Options Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

A selection of reviews of the different accommodation options available near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Compare great deals on over 45 Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon hotels with Expedia. What to do depends on how much time is available and what types of experiences are interesting. Ekra Glacier Lagoon is a great choice for a stay in Reynivellir. Freebies like WiFi and self-parking are added perks, and guests can keep active onsite.

Real-life experiences of visitors to the area

Jökulsárlón Lagoon draws you in with its natural beauty, tranquil silence, and overwhelming frozen figures that float throughout the chilly lagoon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Staying Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

What is the best time to visit Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon?

The best time to visit Joekulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is during the summer and early autumn, usually from June to September. During this time, icebergs calved from the surrounding glaciers drift down the lagoon’s channel and out to sea. This creates a breathtaking, ever-changing landscape of floating ice sculptures that is a must-see for any visitor to Iceland. In addition, during the summer, the weather is usually milder and invites outdoor activities, making the visit even more enjoyable. Although the summer and early fall months are the peak travel season, booking accommodations and activities in advance is advisable to ensure availability.

How is the weather?

The warmest month is August, with 10° Celsius (49° Fahrenheit). · On average, the coolest month is December, with 2° Celsius (35° Fahrenheit). 

Is it safe?

Yes, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a  safe destination, but for the best experience, there are some things you should be aware of. Do not swim in the lake.

Conclusion

In summary, the lagoon can be the best destination if you choose a cheap hotel. It must be near attractions near the lagoon, transportation and other activities. In winter, renting a 4×4 vehicle to get around the Icelandic countryside is recommended. Hike the glaciers that feed water into the glacial lagoon, book a glacier hike and explore more of the icy side of Iceland. As mentioned before, it always depends on your preferences.

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