Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour)

Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Svinafellsjokull Glacier Lagoon

Blue Lagoon, check.  Icelandic waterfalls, check!  Next on our list are the breathtaking glaciers of Iceland. Our Iceland adventure would not be complete without a self-drive tour of the glaciers in Iceland. The next 5 items on the list are locations where we saw beautiful glaciers, icebergs, and ice crystals.  This will give you a whole new understanding of ICEland.

Renting a 4×4 or a regular car

First of all, let’s clarify if you need to rent a 4×4 or if a regular car is enough.  If you’re going to Iceland on summer (or at least not during winter) and you only plan to drive around the Ring Road, 4×4 is not needed.  We drove a car on October and we were able to drive the Ring Road.  However, your destinations will be limited to this area only. There are many gorgeous spots outside the Ring Road and most of them have to be driven using a 4×4.

If you are the adventurous type and would like to explore random areas, I highly recommend using a 4×4!  During winter, a 4×4 is also highly recommended.  It will put you at ease because it is safer and the roads in Iceland could get really challenging during winter season.  Remember, it’s for your safety, convenience and freedom to drive at F-roads.  You don’t have to worry about getting stuck or damaging your car because of the potholes and gravels!

Tip:  For convenience, rent a car from Reykjavik airport.  Find a car to rent here.  

1 – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is easily accessible from the Ring Road.  It is one of the most popular tourist spots for glaciers in Iceland.  They offer 30-40 min boat tours that will bring you close to the icebergs.Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Amphibian boat tour

Driving to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

This is the farthest location in our list.  We drove for 4.5 hours from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to see the glaciers and ride the Amphibian Boat Tour.

Tip: You can stay at hotels near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon like Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon to avoid the long drive.

Amphibian Boat Tour

We paid 5,000 ISK (Icelandic Krona) each for the Amphibian Boat Tour.  We originally wanted to join the Zodiac Boat Tour which will get you closer to the icebergs and glacier but it was already closed for the season.

It was utterly amazing to see the huge icebergs up close!  They looked so pure with their lovely bright blue hue.  Some were bigger than others and some had dark stains from sediments.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

During the tour, our guide explained some interesting facts about the lagoon and the icebergs.  He also showed us a 1,000-year old ice – prettiest I have ever seen!

Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon amphibian boat tour iceDiscover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon amphibian boat tour ice

The ice was passed around the boat.  Unlike ordinary ice, it was very smooth, clear and had minimal air inside.

Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon amphibian boat tour ice
The first one was really heavy so I carried this one instead! 🙂

Before returning to the land, the tour guide served us pieces of the 1,000 year-old ice to try.  I’m not sure what I should have tasted in a 1,000-year old ice but it tasted clean, pure, and fresh. Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon amphibian boat tour ice

2 – Diamond Beach

Right across the Ring Road from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is an easily accessible black sand beach called the Diamond Beach.  Here, we saw large beautiful ice crystals washed up at the shore.  The ice crystals were similar to the ice that was passed around the Amphibian Boat Tour.Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Diamond Beach Black Sand Beach Ice Crystal

Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Diamond Beach Black Sand Beach Ice Crystal

Surprisingly, it wasn’t as cold as it looks in the photos.  It was still cold enough, though, for the ice not to melt.  The ice crystals were too pretty and unique that everyone took their opportunity to take photos with their favorite ice crystal.  The one below was a common favorite because it was the largest ice crystal on the shore.Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Diamond Beach Black Sand Beach Ice Crystal

Here is a comparison to see its enormous size.Driving Around Iceland - A Vacation Like No Other Plus 5-Day Itinerary Diamond Beach

It was incredible seeing ice crystals as large as this had ended up at the shore.  Before this experience, I couldn’t have imagined seeing huge chunks of ice scattered on a beach.  Iceland is just full of surprises, don’t you agree? ♥Driving Around Iceland - A Vacation Like No Other Plus 5-Day Itinerary Diamond Beach

3 – Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

If I have to choose the most beautiful glacier lagoon we have seen during our trip, it would have to be a tie between Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Svinafellsjokull Glacier.  They are not as popular as Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon but, in my opinion, their views are more phenomenal.  We didn’t know anything about Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon until we passed it.  The striking view of the glacier from the road made us return. It is a 10-min drive from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and also near the Ring Road.

A short hike from parking and you get to see this wonder. We chanced upon seeing it with the lake so still that a flawless reflection of the glacier and mountains appeared.Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The beauty of this landscape is unbelievable!  The enormous glacier is surrounded by picturesque lake and mountains.  A story to tell: Everything was calm and peaceful until we heard a loud, thunderous roar.  At first we thought it was thunder but it was sunny.  Then, we realized that a part of a glacier broke off.  In a matter of minutes, we noticed that the lake started to have ripples and the water was slowly rising.  We began climbing back to the higher ground before the water could reach us.  Listen for those thunderous sounds and you might chance upon hearing a breaking glacier too!Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

4 – Kviamyrarkambur

Several minutes from Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a small road entrance to Kviamyrarkambur. This one is not in the Google Maps.  We discovered this as we were heading back from Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

GPS Coordinates to the Parking
Latitude: N +63.937455 (63°56’14.8″N)
Longitude: W -16.435809 (16°26’08.9″W)

This is not a popular tourist spot but it has a great view of the glacier and mountains. More hiking is needed compared to Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon.  From the parking, the glacier can hardly be seen. This might be the reason why most people skip this location.  Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Kviamyrarkambur Glacier Lagoon

Unless you hike towards the glacier, you wouldn’t know that there is one inside the area.  At some point, we had the glacier all to ourselves.Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Kviamyrarkambur Glacier LagoonDiscover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Kviamyrarkambur Glacier Lagoon

5 – Svinafellsjokull Glacier

Svinafellsjokull Glacier is also one of my favorite glaciers in Iceland.  It was the closest we got to a glacier and its view is exceptional!  You have to be extra careful if you are not driving a 4×4.  Driving to the parking is difficult for small vehicles because of the gravel road.

You could immediately see the glacier with just a short hike from the parking.  We haven’t gone far at this point, but we already have this incredible view of the glaciers and the mountains.  You could also continue hiking through the trail but at your own risk.  We met some hikers who just returned from their hike and they said that the trail goes on and on.Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Svinafellsjokull Glacier Lagoon

Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Svinafellsjokull Glacier Lagoon

Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Svinafellsjokull Glacier Lagoon

A little further on the trail and we were able to get a closer look of the glacier on top of the mountain. This was as far as we could get because the trail became difficult.  The view in Svinafellsjokull Glacier is certainly one-of-a-kind.  If you want a closer look at a glacier, this is a must!Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Svinafellsjokull Glacier Lagoon

Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour) Svinafellsjokull Glacier Lagoon

Video: Glaciers in Iceland (Self-Drive Tour)

Looking for a place to stay near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?



Booking.com

If you enjoyed reading this post, share or save “Glaciers in Iceland” to your Pinterest travel board! ♥
Can’t get enough of Iceland?  Click the photos for more Iceland posts!

Where to Stay in IcelandIce Cave Tour in Iceland - Exploring Vatnajokull GlacierUntold Tips for Iceland TouristsExploring the Beautiful Waterfalls of IcelandThe Blue Lagoon Experience in Iceland Tips and What to Expect5-Day Itinerary For An Epic Iceland Self-Drive Tour

21 Replies to “Discover the Glaciers in Iceland (A Self-Drive Tour)”

  1. I am in love with the glaciers. I have seen amazing green landscapes of Iceland before and I always thought if not a land of ice how did Iceland get its name. I am so glad to find this read. The glaciers look out of the world. My favorite is the Diamond beach and Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Amazing landscapes!

    1. businesstravelerswife says: Reply

      Thanks Sahar, I’m glad you liked it! The glaciers are my favorite part of Iceland. They are just too beautiful and unreal! Yeah, the Diamond Beach is really unique and Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the absolute perfection.

  2. I didn’t know there were boat tours at Jokulsarlon! Do you know if they only operate in the summer months? We went at the end of November last year and didn’t see any. And I hadn’t heard about the two lesser known glaciers but would love to visit because they look amazing.

    1. businesstravelerswife says: Reply

      Hey, Diana! Oh, they operate from May-October only. We were actually lucky to have joined the boat tour because it was the last timeslot of the day. Now you have another reason to go back to Iceland! 🙂

      1. Good to know, thank you! Yep, looks like I’ll have to go back in the summer months 🙂

      2. Wow, the nature is need 1000 years to create the ice, and you consume it with a single bite. nice one Lol
        Lucky you to see the Iceland Blue Lagoon. the pictures is awesome.

  3. Oh wow those ice crystals are amazing! Visited Iceland in February but we didn’t manage to visit any glaciers, definitely planning to go back once I can drive and visit some of these lovely places.

    1. businesstravelerswife says: Reply

      The ice crystals are unbelievable! Which part of Iceland did you visit last February? We’re planning to go back too, maybe in summer or winter.

  4. Your photos are gorgeous! I always wanted to see those blue icebergs and didn’t know we could see them in Iceland. My parents had seen something similar in Argentina, but looks I don’t have to go that far. I would have been as excited as you if I tasted a 1000 year old ice piece too lol. And I agree with you about Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, it looks like a postcard! Adding this to my bucketlist!

    1. businesstravelerswife says: Reply

      Thank you so much, Delaine! You should book a trip to Iceland. You will definitely enjoy it!

  5. Iceland is so beautiful. I was lucky enough to do a glacier hike when I was there. I would love to go down to Diamond Beach too. I didn’t get to see most of those glaciers when I was there, I will just have to visit again 🙂

    1. businesstravelerswife says: Reply

      Oh, I want to do a glacier hike too but we didn’t have enough time! Did you join a tour for that? We’re planning to return as well! Just can’t get enough of Iceland.

  6. Iceland looks amazing! I’ve been wanting to go for the longest time but haven’t had the chance yet. Glaciers are magnificent and I hope to make it there before they disappear because of climate change

  7. What a facinating place to visit. My family and I have been traveling for the past 8 years. We love it!

    Keep up the great work here and live unstoppable!

    1. businesstravelerswife says: Reply

      Wow, 8 years is a lot! Thank you so much, Rhonda. Same to you!

  8. This looks such a magical experience! I don’t know which one is my favorite but one thing’s for sure, I would definitely love to see the glaciers breaking. Must’ve been a scary and breathtaking experience.

  9. That just looks sooooo fun! I would love to visit Iceland one day. the glaciers and ice crystals look so stunning.

  10. Wow I didn’t realise there was so much to do in Iceland! I really want to go to Diamond beach now, it looks fantastic! Your pictures really do capture the beauty of the place!

    1. businesstravelerswife says: Reply

      Thank you so much!! I’m happy the photos resonate the beauty of Iceland!

  11. valisesetgourmandises says: Reply

    Everything looks so peaceful there. The contrast bewteen the glaciers and the landscapes is stunning. I would love to visit someday!

  12. My 9-yr-old really enjoyed this. And that’s cool the 1000-yr-old ice tasted fresh. =)

Leave a Reply