Glacier Lagoon, Iceland: A Stunning Glacial Wonderland of Icebergs and Serenity

History of the Breathtaking ‘Glacier Lagoon’ location in Iceland

Iceland becomes very famous for unbelievable sceneries that include mountains of volcanoes, hot sceneries such as pools of hot water, cliffs, waterfalls and icy sceneries of glaciers. Among all breathtaking views, Glacier Lagoon is worth to be highlighted, it is situated in southeast Iceland near the village Höfn. This lagoon presents a splendid view of the face value and capacity of glaciers to change the landscape of the environment. 

About the Glacier Lagoon

Breiðamerkurjökull extends from the largest ice cap ever observed on Earth, Vatnajökull, and is continually melting to generate the glacier lagoon. When the glacier melts and begins its movement backward, the cabin is floating amid meltwater which is light-blue, as clear as ice. There is a narrow inlet through which the water mixes with seawater and some of it, especially the part that visitors will see, is from the melting of glaciers. 

It was initially created in the 1930s and has been more recently growing rapidly as global warming increases the rate of glacier melting. Currently it has an area of over 7,00 sq.km and more than 30 m3 of water in the lagoon. There are daily melting icebergs at the glacier that break off above the lagoon to strew the ground thus changing its physical appearance frequently.

Getting to the Glacier Lagoon 

Hmm I remember seeing this lagoon right beside the belt road of Iceland better known as route 1- the ring road. It is from here that most visitors get to the lagoon; the small town of Hofn is 4 hours’ drive east of Reykjavik. The town of Höfn is well suitable to use as a starting point to visit almost the whole southeastern part of Iceland as well as the Vatnajökull National Park area where the lagoon is situated.

If driving yourself, use Route 99 just slightly north of Höfn which brings you directly into the parking lot and interpretive center for the Glacier Lagoon. It is also possible to book day trips to the lagoon from many of the places in Iceland including Reykjavik. Touring is also an option as there are bus tours, the so-called ‘super jeeps’ for small groups, as well as private tours if one does not want to drive on the dangerous icy roads. 

When visiting during summer, it means that this is also the rainy season and you will come across hundreds of visitors to the lagoon during the day. Avoid the largest crowds, which will mass in the morning or during the evening. It has beautiful settings especially in the winter time under the spectacular northern lights but getting to the site requires joining a glacier walking excursion.

Activities Carried out at the Glacier Lagoon

Take in the views 

Of course the most interesting thing is the magnificent view. The lagoon floats in front of the glacier; it has rather high blue walls composed of ice at the forefront of the Breiðamerkurjökull. On the right side there is the great Jökulsárlón glacier lying in the ice cap of this island country, Iceland. One can also see further portions of the ice, as smaller chunks, beyond the lagoon, move towards the sea. There are many formations and it is constantly melting and changing so I know it would be different each time therefore I did not plan on revisiting this location for photography. 

Many photographers come here attempting to get these mystical shots. It is great seeing it in different light or weather, in the sun, in the sort of grayish gloom you get in some climates or even rain or snow for dramatic perspective. The experience only becomes special if you don’t have to look, just standing still in front of such a colossal natural phenomenon.

 Go for a boat tour

A boat trip on the Glacier Lagoon might provide a closer view —- of the icebergs. The 40 minute trips going through these all day take visitors as close as possible to the floating sculptures of ice that are white, blue or black. What to listen for are the crackling and popping noises, as the ice engages with other ice. From this one still gets another stunning viewpoint of the glaciers and the mountains that are also very close. 

See the Diamond Beach

Diamond beach is just opposite the parking area of the Glacier Lagoon in the South of Iceland. Here, vast quantities of some of the small pieces of ice float out gradually towards the sea, which is then brought back towards the shore, using the black sand spread across it. It makes such a cool contrast like shining diamonds on the sand of Ocean beach! Do make sure to take the half an hour walk over to take a look at and perhaps photograph this beauty.

Try local foods

Eat in Höfn after your visit to the lagoon: try traditional and fresh Icelandic food. Langoustine lobster is the local speciality, found just offshore and frequently featured as the main part of bisque, or as a secret ingredient in pasta or risotto. The other local specialty ice cream of Höfn is also to be had, though it’s even creamier, and served more often in cafes and restaurants as a local specialty. What better way to celebrate than to have it alongside a beer of your choice from the region?

Useful Advice for the Glacier Lagoon

To make the most of your trip to this stunning natural site, keep these tips in mind:

1. Get ready for switching weather – It’s Iceland, right? Annual temperatures range from the low 40’s to low 60’s Fahrenheit and will seldom rise above 15 degrees celsius even during the hottest months of the year. Rain, wind and fog is also experienced in this area. Wear warm base layers and wear a waterproof outer layer so you can be outside no matter the iffy weather.
2.  Mind the floor – There is more to watch on the ground than on the ice – it’s often wet and rough and best to wear boots when near the lagoon and glacier edges. Do not go near drops or swiftly flowing streams with persons and to supervise children it is necessary to be behind safety lines marked off.
3. Early birds – During the summer the lagoon is most crowded in the morning and early afternoon when the groups with bus tours arrive. To avoid the biggest crowds one should try to arrive right in the morning or later in the afternoon. Or better yet try and visit during low season if possible.
4.  BYOF – No Food – You cannot buy food at the concession where some things can be rented. The nearest café is in Höfn which means people must bring their own food and refreshment for the day’s activities.  
5.  Book the tour – When it comes to the lagoon, or walking on the glacier, it is suggested to book the tours at a time and if possible a few days ahead at all. Many of these activities are relatively popular and often people book all seats available particularly during busy summer travel periods.

Check Out: Grindavik, Iceland: Gateway to the Blue Lagoon and Volcanic Adventures.

The Glacier Lagoon and Its Impermanent Existence

Let me tell you one quite scary thing about the breathtaking Glacier Lagoon – it might not be there forever. Since climate change is a reality in the modern world coupled with a belief that glacier melt will rise drastically in the future decades, researchers believe that the glacier itself of Breiðamerkurjökull may disappear within the next 100-200 years. The lagoon needs the ice chunks breaking off the glacier so as to maintain that frozen water and enchanting view that tourists from all over the world flock to see.  

If the glacier retreats even more from the water margin the lagoon may cease to form and lose the glacial ice characteristics afterward. Therefore the beauty of this incredible destination should be on the traveler’s wish list next while it still looks this appealing! The state of the Glacier Lagoon also serves as a sobering example of how much and in how short a time span human activities are changing the environment.

Conclusion

Here on Glacier Lagoon in southeast Iceland, and everyone should visit, there are wonders and excitement for those who visit. Home to meltwater which contains huge bergs floating along, tourists are able to view the gigantic formations from the coastline or, better still, take a boat ride to a closer view. Another excellent view can be observed on the Diamond Beach where smaller ice pieces come to the coast. This zone is completely ideal for tourists due to the chance to taste seafood, which is unique to the country and is considered uniquely Icelandic. 

But, on another note, it is also a perfect example of the effects of climate change that happen in a short span of time. If the current warming trends continue to promote the melting of glaciers, then the physical geography might change dramatically within a couple of decades. Thus fly to Iceland soon to marvel at Glacier Lagoon that authentic icy blue – and get more motivation to cease such alterations of other marvelous fragile wonders on our planet.

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