Where to Stay Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most captivating attractions on the South coast of Iceland, with its stunning icy landscapes, black sand beach, and floating icebergs.  From the convenience of exploring the lagoon at different times of the day to witnessing the mesmerizing colors of Diamond Beach during sunrise and sunset, staying nearby allows you to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere.

If you plan to visit this famous attraction and are wondering where is the best place to stay near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon—we’ve got you. In this article, we will recommend the closest to Jokulsarlon hotels, towns, and guesthouses, highlighting their unique features and attractions.

Nearby towns offer various options for accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, allowing you to select based on your preferences and desired experiences. Whether you want a selection of restaurants, convenient amenities, or a calm and peaceful nature atmosphere, the towns near Jokulsarlon provide many opportunities to enhance your visit.

Located just 1 hour east of Jokulsarlon, Hofn is the nearest town to the lagoon. If you are interested in a wide selection of restaurants and a city-like atmosphere, Hofn is the perfect option. While in Hofn, be sure to explore the charming harbor and its fishing boats, and take advantage of the opportunity to see the outdoor art by the sea. Additionally, Hofn is a convenient place to stop before heading to the East fjords.

Located approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Jokulsarlon, the village Vík í Mýrdal is another exciting option. Vik offers a range of accommodations and is known for its beautiful black sand beaches and iconic rock formations, such as the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. While there, you can also visit the picturesque Vikurkirkja church on the hill and explore the surrounding natural landscapes, including waterfalls and cliffs.

Situated around 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Jokulsarlon, Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a beautiful small town known for its proximity to the Eldhraun lava field. Located between the picturesque black sand beach at Vík and the renowned Jökulsarlón, Kirkjubæjarklaustur occupies a strategic location connecting these two attractions. This area is characterized by its moss-covered lava landscape, which creates a unique and otherworldly atmosphere. Kirkjubæjarklaustur offers a few accommodation options, and nearby attractions include Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and Systrafoss Waterfall.

Most hotels in Iceland will have stunning views as a backdrop, and accommodation in the south of Iceland is no exception. If you choose the Southern region as a base for your adventures, prepare to have natural wonders, including majestic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and awe-inspiring glaciers just around the corner.

This luxurious villa is in Gerdi, with seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Besides the great location, the property offers various rental options, allowing you to choose from a single room, a grand apartment, or a two-story villa based on your needs. The villa is conveniently located 12 km (7 miles) from the Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach. This property offers access to a patio and free private parking. The guest house features mountain views and a picnic area.

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a luxurious accommodation in Hnappavellir, between Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The hotel offers a range of deluxe rooms and suites with various options, such as a large panoramic window, a bathroom with a luxurious bathtub or a hot tub, a private balcony, or a walk-in shower. WiFi, a bar, a restaurant, and a SPA are on site. Fjallsárlón Lagoon is just 20 km (12 miles) away, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is 29 km (18 miles) away. Svartifoss Waterfall and Skaftafell National Park are also within close proximity, so you won’t have to limit yourself to just one attraction.

Adventure Hotel Hof is a highly-rated 3-star country hotel in Iceland's Öræfasveit region. You will enjoy its great location alongside the historic turf church Hofskirkja; the hotel offers 45 comfortable rooms with modern touches. While staying at Adventure Hotel Hof, it’s convenient to participate in popular activities such as hiking, ice caving, and glacier tours. Jökulsárlón Lagoon is just 37 km (23 miles) away, while the majestic Svartifoss waterfall is a mere 21 km (13 miles) away. The hotel has a restaurant where you can enjoy meals from pure and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Hotel Hof also offers packed lunches upon request, perfect for your hiking and sightseeing adventures.

Adventure Hotel Geirland is a cozy 3-star hotel nestled in the countryside of South Iceland. Hótel Geirland offers 40 cozy and comfortable rooms with great views over the mountains, where the northern lights shine on winter nights. This unique hotel, conveniently located just 3 km off Route 1 (Ring Road) and a quick 3-minute drive from Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, offers easy access to attractions. There are also rooms set up in individual cottages within the garden. Free Wi-Fi is available in the main building and the restaurant. Guests enjoy a good breakfast and can even request packed lunches for takeaway. It takes only 50 minutes from the hotel to drive to Skaftafell National Park and 1.5 hours to Jökulsárlón.

Hali Country Hotel is a charming 3-star hotel located in Reynivellir. Situated within 1 km (half a mile) of The Thorbergur Center and only 15 km (9 miles) from the captivating Jökulsárlón, this hotel offers easy access to some of Iceland's most breathtaking attractions. The stunning Fjallsárlón lagoon is also just 24.2 km (15 miles) away. In addition to the hotel restaurant and cozy bar/lounge, guests can enjoy free parking, WiFi, the picnic area, and concierge services.

The family-run 3-star Hotel Smyrlabjörg is convenient for a calm stay in South Iceland. It is located in Suðursveit, a 30-minute drive from the Glacier Lagoon. Just 46 km (28 miles) away from the bustling town of Höfn and 34 km (21 miles) from Jökulsárlón, this hotel is conveniently situated right off Highway 1. The rooms have a TV and free Wi-Fi, and some offer views of the surrounding countryside. Larger rooms are also available that can accommodate people traveling with children. The hotel has a restaurant on-site, so your accommodation comes with breakfast included. There is also a farm with horses and sheep for guests to visit.

• Skyrhúsid Guest House - Only a 14-minute drive from Jökulsárlón, this is a clean, comfortable hostel offering various rooms with shared facilities
  
  
• Guesthouse Kálfafellsstadur - A guest house within a 17-minute drive from Jökulsárlón; rooms with shared facilities, free Wi-Fi, and garden views
  
  
• Vagnsstadir Guesthouse - Basic and inexpensive accommodation with and without private facilities, a 22-minute drive from Jökulsárlón
  
  
• Lækjarhus Farm Holidays - A family-owned farm in South East near the town of Höfn, a 24-minute drive from Jökulsárlón
  
  
• Litla-Hof Guest House - Basic accommodation at the farmhouse offering rooms with shared bathrooms and in two separate cottages, a 32-minute drive from Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón is a protected area, so camping near the lagoon is prohibited. There are, however, campgrounds located in the area.

• Svinafell Campground - 51 km (31 miles), 40-minute drive 
• Skaftafell Camping -  57 km (35 miles), 40-minute drive
• Camping Höfn - 79 km (49 miles), 1-hour drive

Absolutely! With the stunning pink sunrises and golden sunsets at Jokulsarlon, you'll want to visit this lagoon and Diamond Beach multiple times to witness the ever-changing lighting, tides, and icebergs. You can maximize your time at these incredible locations by staying close without excessive driving. Plus, if you're there during winter, you might even have a chance to catch the enchanting Northern Lights. And remember the ice caves and glacier hiking near Jokulsarlon—a must for a truly unique and unforgettable experience. So, take advantage of all these fantastic opportunities, and plan your stay around Jokulsarlon.

Well, if you're the type who just wants a quick glimpse of the icebergs and a stroll on Diamond Beach, you can get away with a mere 2 hours. But you could really make a whole day of it! Spend hours mesmerized by the ever-changing shapes and colors of the icebergs, hop on a boat tour, and even embark on an epic ice cave expedition during winter. And trust us, you will want to witness Jökulsárlón in all its glory: under the sun, in the fog, at sunrise, at sunset, and even under the stars (or the Northern Lights!).

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is located on Iceland's South coast, with the towns of Höfn, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and Vík situated nearby.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is located in an area travelers like for its icy landscapes. Picture yourself surrounded by breathtaking glaciers, enchanting icebergs, and a black sand beach sprinkled with sparkling “diamonds.”

The best time of day to visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is during sunrise or sunset for the most magical views. When the sun decides to put on its most flattering spotlight, the icebergs strike their most photogenic poses, and the mystical ambiance reaches its peak—you can capture that perfect Instagrammable moment and make all your followers green with envy!

Absolutely! You can embark on an exciting road trip from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon via the famous Ring Road, Route 1. Along the way, you'll pass iconic landmarks like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the black sand beaches of Vík. So, hit the road and enjoy the scenic route to Jökulsárlón to make unforgettable memories along the way!