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Jökulsárlón (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈjœːkʏlsˌaurˌloun̥]); literally "glacial river lagoon") is a large glacial lake in southeast Iceland, on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. Situated at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, it developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake has grown since then at varying rates because of melting of the glaciers. It is now 1.5 km (0.93 mi) away from the ocean's edge and covers an area of about 18 km2 (6.9 sq mi). In 2009 it was reported to be the deepest lake in Iceland, at over 248 m (814 ft), as glacial retreat extended its boundaries. The size of the lake has increased fourfold since the 1970s. It is considered as one of the natural wonders of Iceland.

The lake can be seen from Route 1 between Höfn and Skaftafell. It appears as "a ghostly procession of luminous blue icebergs".

Jökulsárlón has been a setting for four Hollywood movies: A View to a Kill, Die Another Day, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins, as well as the reality TV series Amazing Race. In 1991, Iceland issued a postage stamp, with a face value of 26 kronur, depicting Jökulsárlón.

The tongue of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier is a major attraction for tourists.

Jökulsárlón is today one of Iceland's best known and most popular natural wonders, and for a good reason. A magnificent view welcomes you as you arrive there and it's almost like stepping into a fairy tale landscape. On a big glacial lagoon that Vatnajökull touches, enormous icebergs float around, but the landscape is otherwise dominated by black sands and rocks. The lagoon is effected by flood and ebb, making the lagoon a mix of sea and freshwater lake. This leads to feed being carried into the lagoon, that seals and common eider both eat, and this adds colour to the area. The lagoon is situated on Breiðamerkursandur, between the Skaftafell National Park and Höfn í Hornafirði.

Jökulsárlón started to form in 1934-1935. Jökulsá on Breiðamerkursandur then ran straight down from underneath Vatnajökull, approx. 1½ km to the ocean. Since 1950 the glacier has pulled back steadily and an ever-growing lagoon has formed. In 1975 it was 7.9 km² but has grown to be 18 km² today because of the heavy melting of the glacier. The medium flow rate of the river is 250-300 m³/sec. and big as well as small icebergs regularly break from the edge of the glacier, that floats in the water. Icebergs of all shapes and sizes therefore float on the lagoon, which is very deep, or around 190 m. Frozen water is a little bit heavier than water in liquid form, which means that only 1/10 of the icebergs is above water. What is above water is often so big that it's difficult to imagine what lies beneath.

There is much more to do at Jökulsárlón than simply ogle at its beauty and say hello to some doe-eyed seals. Given that Jökulsárlón is a partially aquatic attraction, there is certainly no shortage of boating tours operating year-round. In the active summer seasons of July and August, The Glacier Lagoon runs its tours up to forty times per day! There are two options for boating on the glacial lake. You can either opt for the Amphibian boat tour, which takes place on a medium-sized, flat-bottomed cruiser and takes place for about thirty-to-forty minutes, or the Zodiac boat tour, which uses a smaller, lightweight vessel that allows visitors to get even closer to the icebergs. If you’re lucky, you might cruise right past some seals! The tour guides are also known for breaking off hunks of iceberg (when safe) so that tour-goers can feel the weight and texture for themselves. As you settle into the vessels, you will be suited up in weather- and wind-resistant red over-suits and lifejackets.

These boats have an interesting history associated with them. Glacier Lagoon Tours actually uses the same types of amphibious vessels that were employed in combat during the war in Vietnam. Those boats have certainly proved themselves to be versatile. They were designed to navigate Vietnam’s tepid, jungle-like atmosphere and tropical waters, but they also traverse Iceland’s freezing glacial lakes just as adeptly.

Ice caving is also a very highly sought-after activity on the Vatnajökull area in general. An ice caving tour is essentially an explorative journey through the icy tunnels and caverns morphed by Iceland’s glaciers. The interior of these caves is truly mesmerizing, and the Jökulsárlón area is a particular favourite for fans of this winter activity. Its caves are often referred to as “Crystal Caves,” due to the sleek, glassy aquamarine ice that makes its cavernous walls look like works of modern art. Typically, ice-caving tours run for forty-five minutes at the least, and your guides will make sure you enter equipped with flashlights, hard hats, and even ice axes if necessary. Your job is just to come prepared in warm, waterproof attire and durable hiking shoes (preferably water-resistant). Note that ice-caving tours only operate in the wintertime, as it is unsafe to enter during the warmer months, when ice melts and caves collapse unpredictably. Furthermore, you definitely want to witness these caves at their most beautiful, when the winter air has only just sculpted the Earth into crystal blue cathedrals.

Jökulsárlón is a very popular location for travelers who want to catch a glimpse of the elusive, ethereal Northern Lights as well. The glacial lagoon itself is host to an array of luminous colours, and the aurora borealis cuts a rather striking figure against Jökulsárlón’s glassy, reflective icebergs and clear waters. You can even take a boat tour in the evening and watch the lights dancing overhead in the middle of the lagoon!

Jökulsárlón also has your refreshments covered. In the Glacier Lagoon Café, you can enjoy fresh, daily-made sandwiches and other snacks, coffee, hot chocolate, and an assortment of soft drinks, not to mention their famous seafood soup. Jökulsárlón has its own website, where you can learn more about its history, associated activities, amenities, and more.

As for my personal opinion why Jökulsárlón is it appealing to me? Because of It’s wonderful and amazing glaciers. Jökulsárlón is also known as “One of the Best Place in the world! I agree with that with the natural Glaciers and wildlife. You can do anything here, like ice caving, boating and you can do helicopter as well to look above the glaciers. It’s a beautiful peaceful and natural tourist attraction, it is also a natural wonder. I’m so impressed to Jökulsárlónbecause of it’s dates back to billions of years ago and is still here today, but the icebergs that evolves billions of years ago because of climate change and global warming. For some people the Jökulsárlón can be seen as a boring place to visit but I don’t believe that is that case you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery the animals and the iceberg. I do admit that the Jökulsárlón isn’t for everyone but when given the chance the Jökulsárlón can really be a fun and beautiful place to be.

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REFERENCE:

https://www.icelandbuddy.com/a-beginners-tour-guide-to-jokulsarlon/

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