Southern Iceland Road-Trip in Winter in 10 Days – Day 6
Vatnajokull National Park, including Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, is Europe’s largest glacier, Iceland’s largest national park, and the second-largest national park in Europe. Richie and I got a chance to get up close to the glacier by a super jeep ride during the ice cave tour in Vatnajokull that I booked with a renowned tour operator. The incredible shades of icy blue amazed us we walked into the depths of the glacier. We had the experience of a lifetime as we witnessed the crystal black ice inside the cave. We also got the chance to visit few of Iceland’s natural crown jewels – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the nearby stunning Diamond Beach, as the ice chunks lying on the black beach resemble diamonds sparkling under the sun. I got the chance to take fantastic photos to make this wonderful adventure last a lifetime!
Highlights of the Day
- Vatnajokull National Park
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- The Barn Hostel Vik
Vatnajokull National Park
Richie and I had breakfast in Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon that was included with the stay, and checked out from the hotel at around 9 AM. We drove to the parking area of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which is just 30 min away from the hotel. The visibility was not bright as the sun was yet to rise, so we parked the car and decided to check out the Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach after our Ice Cave tour. We had booked the Crystal Ice Cave Tour with Arctic Adventures who picked us from the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Parking Area at 10 AM sharp. Basically, the ice cave that we would be visiting is located inside the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. It is an outlet glacier of the Vatnajokull National Park located in its southern part. The glacier emerges as a tongue of the Vatnajokull, and it ends in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
Blue Crystal Ice
The drive via super jeep was super adventurous. We were literally driving over the frozen glacier. Soon we stopped by an area on the glacier full of blue crystal ice. Thor gave us detailed instructions of how to walk on glacial ice. Following his instructions, we walked carefully to the blue crystal ice. I was left in complete awe looking at the blue ice.
Crystal Ice Cave in Breidamerkurjokull
After spending around half an hour there, we again got inside the super jeep. After few minutes of driving, we reached the edge of the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, ready to explore the crystal ice cave. Ice caves are ever-changing natural phenomena that are only accessible during winter. When the cold season comes and the temperature drops well below zero, the water from the rivers that run underneath the glacier freeze completely. Hence the caves become stable and safe to visit. New unique caves are formed each year in different locations. Thor assured us that we would visit one such naturally formed ice cave during this tour. The cave is chosen based on conditions and safety each time, and this time it was a Crystal Black Ice Cave for us. We took around an hour and a bit more to explore the ice cave in detail.
Do bring warm and waterproof jacket and pants, hiking boots, headwear and gloves during this tour.
The Beauty Of the Crystal Ice Cave
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
After the ice cave tour, the super jeep brought us back to the meeting point in front of the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. We were so thankful to Thor, our guide, to create such a memorable tour for us. Before getting to our car, we took some time out to visit Jokulsarlon. It is a large glacial lagoon – the deepest lake in Iceland – at the foot of the Vatnajokull National Park. As the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier reaches the lowland areas, it retreats from the edge of the Atlantic creating a depression, and melts creating a lagoon. That is how the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon has been formed.
What’s For Lunch?
It was around 2 PM. After taking some good photographs of the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, we started heading toward our car. At the same time, we were feeling pretty hungry. However, we did not carry any food today, and were not hoping to get any vegan food around. I found few food trucks at the parking area. To our surprise, we found one of the food trucks selling vegan hotdogs. We could not resist but grabbed each one of those happily and got inside our car. We finally drove to the Diamond Beach just after crossing the bridge, very close to the lagoon, and parked our car at the parking area.
Diamond Beach
The Diamond Beach is a strip of black sand, which is actually a part of Breidamerkursandur glacial plain, located close to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. The name “Diamond Beach” thus comes from the white ice that comes floating from the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon on the black sand appearing like gemstones or diamonds, as they often glisten in the sun.
Back To The Barn Hostel Close To Vik
The Barn Hostel located close to the picturesque village of Vik is just 200 km away from the Diamond Beach. We drove back there in around 3 h with a stop at Krona supermarket in Vik. We picked up rice, pulses, veggies and spices as I was in a mood to cook Indian food for us in the hostel. Last time we were at The Barn, I was impressed with the kitchen they have in the hostel. We made good use of it this time.
Total Distance Traveled: 240 km
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN USD)
Let us have a look at the shared expenses of Day 6 in Iceland – Vatnajokull National Park, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
- Vatnajokull Ice Cave Tour: 150
- The Barn Hostel (1 night): 30
- Food and Miscellaneous: 30
Total expense (roughly): 210 USD
For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.
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I was there. One of my coolest trips with this amazing girl. Iceland is everything you dream of and more. We headed to Germany after this but Iceland had our hearts. I love how you capture the whole feeling with you pictures and write up. Keep sharing.
Thank you so much Richie. Loads of love.
I missed seeing this when we were in Iceland. Both the Vatnajokulla National Park and the Jokulsarlon Lagoon are on my list. The landscape is so mesmerising!
You can visit them next time, Lisa.
I can see why you recommend the cave tour – what an incredible experience. And, to have experienced it not on your own but with the tour guide makes it extra special to hear about the interesting information. But the real hidden gem is that lagoon glacier at the end of your tour, how incredible is that! Great photography, I can only imagine what it looks like in person.
In person, you would go speechless!
We saw a lot when we visited Iceland but now know there is much to add for a return visit. We saw no glaciers at all so we would definitely plan to visit Vatnajokull National Park. Taking a super jeep is a great way to explore. Fascinating to visit the black glacial ice caves. That that colorful view of the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon would convince me to visit for sure.
Try Iceland during winter now.
Great pictures of the Jokulsarlon glacier and the ice cave. We visited in summer and opted for a Zodiac tour to get up close to the icebergs. But we also considered the ice cave tour. I bet it was super-interesting.
Yes, it was indeed.
So many surreal things here for me, starting with the sun not being up by 10AM! The super jeep is pretty cool with the big tires and high-suspension. It looks very safe to drive across the glacier in that. And jeez, so much beauty all around! The ice cave is quite interesting, too – I had no idea they were so dynamic. The drone photo really gives me a sense of the scale of the “diamonds” on the beach. I actually had to do a double take to see if you guys had shrunk! LOL Such a cool place. Hope I get there myself someday.
Yes Jackie, it was so marvelous.
The Vatnajokull national park is one of the most fascinating destinations, with it’s glacial Jokulsarlon ice lagoon, the blue crystal ice and the surreal black crystal ice cave. The tour guide has an interesting name Thor fro marvel comics! And loved the diamond beach really similar to diamonds sitting on beach. Truly icelandic adventure, one of the most otherworldly destinations on the planet.
Otherworldly is the word.
I was in Iceland, but I dream of coming back because I haven’t had a chance to see Crystal Ice Cave. Your article and photos convinced me that I just have to go back there and add this cave to the mandatory plan. You had an extraordinary trip and great weather to explore the cave. I would love to use your tips and recommendations. The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon also impressed me. Exciting and inspiring article!
Crystal Ice Cave tour is a must!
This cave looks absolutely amazing! When I return to Iceland I definitely want to experience this. I was there more than ten years ago and I don’t think this tour was there then. But it looks so much fun. I do remember them always saying that Iceland has the best hot dogs.. ha ha, and they were for sure delicious.
Yes Paula, during your next visit to Iceland, you must explore the caves.
Your trip to Iceland is really magical. You gave me lots of inspirational itinerary. The blue glacier and ice cave are such a fantastic experience. The Diamond Beach looks incredible. I’m sure this trip will stay forever in your memory.
True Umiko, Iceland will stay forever in my memories.