Glacial Lake Jokulsarlon in Iceland: photo, description, location
“Ice Age” is not the name of another series of a popular cartoon about the adventures of funny animals, and an unloved project with the participation of pop stars. This is a static reality that exists in Iceland. The boundless expanses of glaciers amaze the imagination with their frantic scale. Thanks to this, the northern country can almost compete on equal terms with the Arctic itself for the title of “Miss Snow Queen”!
Glacier in the middle of the lagoon
Iceland has long won recognition among fans of tourist holidays in unusual places. It can truly give one of the most vivid impressions of your life. The glacial lake Jokulsarlon deserves special attention, which spread its possessions in the eastern part of the “land of ice”.
Even the most eloquent speaker will not be able to find the right words to describe all the splendor of the view. “Divine”, “beautiful”, “picturesque”, “unique” – these are just a few of the epithets that are the best suited to describe this amazing place. This is another corner of our wonderful planet, in which the “Chief Architect” – nature – has created its next masterpiece. Here the mind and soul rest, here hitherto unknown internal sources of energy are opened, here the real adventure begins …
Where is
The very name of Lake Jokulsaarlon is translated literally as “the lagoon of the ice river.” The valley is considered the largest glacial valley. The attraction is located 400 km from the main city of Iceland, and only 60 km from the world-famous Skaftafel Park. The special climatic conditions of the area make the territory the least inhabited corner of the country.
The main inhabitant, creator and beholder here is nature, which scrupulously, inch by inch, carves various sculptures and sculptures out of ice, gives each of them bizarre shapes and gives a unique color scheme. The lagoon looks especially beautiful in the bright rays of the summer sun, when small ice floes and huge blocks, like a marvelous colored mosaic, shimmer with a thousand shades.
The glacial lagoon is located at the very foot of the largest glacier that can be found in Europe. And its name is Vatnajokull.
A bit of history
The first historical mention of the valley dates back to 1903. Then the glacier was not less than 200 meters from the sea coast. The direct formation of the ice valley began in 1934. It was from this year that the glacier began to thaw. And now, today, a huge glacial valley opens before us. According to the most conservative estimates, its area reaches 20 sq. km. It is interesting that back in 1975 the valley occupied only 8 sq. km. Now Lake Jokursarlon is considered to be the deepest body of water in Iceland. In some places, the depth of the lake reaches 200 meters.
Do you want an unforgettable cascade of impressions? Or maybe you are looking for inspiration that has not visited you for a long time? Then you should definitely think about seeing the lake with your own eyes. Just imagine what kind of picture will open to your eyes! Millions of pieces of ice slowly drift in the icy water, now and then “looking back” at the massive Vatnajökull. It was there that they originated and grew, and now they are splashing in the waters of the lake at its foot. Truly a mesmerizing picture!
According to historians, the first settlers who arrived in Iceland encountered glaciers a little further north. Record low temperatures in this place date back to 1600-1900. It was a real “ice age”, after which in 1910 there was a significant warming, which until 1970 will slowly destroy the huge ice masses.
The lagoon appeared a little later, when the glacier thawed and exposed a huge gorge. It is here that one of the most exotic and unique lakes will begin to emerge.
Who can you meet here
It is believed that the gorge is the lowest point in Iceland, as a result of which the fresh waters of the melted glacier are diluted with salty sea water. This is especially clear at high tides.
Due to such unusual conditions, both marine representatives of the fauna and freshwater are found in the lake. Huge seal rookeries, which are attracted by salmon, add a special flavor to this place. They are considered incorrigible gourmets, and salmon is a real delicacy for them. You won't find a better place! Having had a delicious lunch, the seals settle down on the ice ledges and enthusiastically take sunbaths, imposingly waddling from one side to the other and exposing their stomachs to the gentle sun.
Numerous tourists who admire these clumsy animals from the outside do not distract them at all. Rather, on the contrary. They are so accustomed to close proximity to people that they seem to be happy to pose in front of the lenses of their cameras. And this causes sincere tenderness from the outside.
Best time to visit
If you decide to go to the shore of a marvelous lake, know that the best period for this is in the summer months, as well as at the beginning of spring. Everyone will be able to dilute the vivid impressions of what he saw with fascinating boat trips right on Lake Jokursarlon. Where else can you slowly swim past an iceberg, and even so close that it seems you can reach out with your hand to its cold silhouette? Ice water, massive white ice floes emerging here and there from under the water surface, harbor seals watching the next group of tourists with their mouths open – all this is an integral part of the journey to the most famous lake in Iceland.
When setting off on a journey, it is better to take care of booking a hotel room in advance. Hotels in Hofn are especially popular among tourists. There are comfortable living conditions, and getting to the shore of the lake will not be difficult.
True gourmets and connoisseurs of European cuisine will be able to add dishes from traditional Icelandic cuisine to their collection. For them, a wonderful restaurant will open its warm embrace, which is located right on the shore of Jokulsarlon. But remember that it does not work all year round, but only in warm seasons.
In the summer months, under the influence of high temperatures, the glaciers from the lagoon move along the river to the sea. In winter, this passage freezes over, glaciers accumulate in the waters of the lake and slowly drift, waiting for their turn to come into contact with the sea waves. Here you can also find full-fledged icebergs, which sometimes reach a height of more than 30 meters. Ice floes are also not uncommon, the caps of which have preserved rare information about eruptions that once occurred here. This is reminiscent of centuries-old volcanic ash.
An incomparable picture opens up to everyone who is lucky enough to see with their own eyes the unusual play of colors and modulations that fill the lagoon. The glacier is unique – starting from the form, and ending with the unique colorful content. Some ice floes even allow you to see, as if in a mirror, the reflection of the blue sky of Iceland.
No wonder the lake is considered the main attraction of the northern country. Every year, these picturesque places are visited by millions of tourists who take a piece of Iceland with them forever. From now on, a small corner will live in their hearts, where, like rare exhibits, memories of the landscapes of the icy lagoon will be placed, and on the “walls” the best photographs of ice floes flickering in the sun will hang.
On the shore of the lake you can see several single tents, near which photographers are patiently waiting for their “finest hour”. The thirst for a high-quality and unique picture plays a cruel joke with them. They are ready to sit for hours on the cold shore, in the middle of icy ledges, every now and then, warming themselves with strong coffee or tea from a huge thermos. And all for the sake of one moment, a moment when they take a rare shot.
An impressive picture is the lagoon at sunrise, when the first rays of the sun gently touch the frozen icebergs, as if waking them up from sleep. No less picturesque picture opens before those present at sunset. The glacier and the sun, like two lovers who part forever, cannot say goodbye in any way. The last rays glide over the slopes of a giant mass of frozen water, causing sincere delight among tourists.
Intrigued? Then pack warm clothes that will come in handy during a tour of the ice miracle on planet Earth and book a place in one of the hotels located nearby. We're going to Iceland!
In addition to the glacial lake Jokulsarlon, there is a lot to see in Iceland. I recommend that you familiarize yourself with another popular attraction – the Strokkur geyser.