Luxuriate in Bond-esque lodgings close to Iceland's Glacier Fjord
Hit the road through Iceland's South-East coast, where the scenic splendors dazzle visitors! From mystical waterfalls to dark, enchanting beaches, the area offers a host of unmissable sights.
Embrace the allure of the stunning black beaches at Reynisfjara, the awe-inspiring basalt rock pillars at Dyrhólaey, and the breathtaking vistas of Skaftafell National Park. Don't forget to capture the splendor of Vatnajökull glacier and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon on camera.
Kick from Reykjavik to the Glacial Lagoon in around 5 to 6 hours with fascinating stops along the way. As you near the lagoon, consider staying at the Fosshótel Glacial Lagoon, a contemporary four-star hotel just off the number one road.
Inspired by the air around it, the hotel boasts a grey stone and wood construction at the foot of hills. Inside, you'll find sleek, chic interiors with dark walls and trendy '60s-inspired lighting—evoking a cool James Bond vibe.
The hotel houses 104 stylish rooms offering breathtaking panoramic views—nearly resembling framed paintings of the natural landscape. Each room is designed with a modern minimalist aesthetic, featuring coveted tartan woolen blankets from the Geysir stores. Step into immense, spacious bathrooms and enjoy free internet connectivity.
The restaurant at Fosshótel Glacial Lagoon is noteworthy, with exceptional cuisine that's hard to skip. The eatery boasts warm and elegant wood and metal touches, along with inviting leather sofas. The menu highlights delectable Icelandic ingredients with a fresh twist, especially their enticing set menus that deliver a mouthwatering culinary journey.
Outside the restaurant, gaze at the sky for the Northern Lights or star-gaze during winter evenings—just make sure to bring a couple of blankets and a warming drink. Meanwhile, a sunny day provides a perfect opportunity to relax on the deck.
Start your morning with a delicious buffet breakfast, a mix of healthy and indulgent dishes. After fueling up, head out for a day of exploration—Skaftafell National Park promises an array of easy to challenging hikes.
Beginners can follow short trails to stunning waterfalls like Svartifoss and explore the Skaftafellsjökull glacier. For more experienced hikers, longer hikes in Morsárdalur valley and to the Kristínartindar mountain peaks present exciting challenges.
The dazzling area also welcomes private travel companies that operate guided hikes on nearby glaciers and mountains. In addition, sightseeing flights over Vatnajökull glacier and other incredible attractions are available for those seeking a bird's-eye view.
The Glacier Lagoon, located near highway number one and about 370 km (230 miles) east from Reykjavík, is a relatively new wonder of nature in Iceland. As the climate warms, huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, and form impressive icebergs that float on the lake. The lagoon is notable for being Iceland's deepest lake at 250 meters.
Book your stay at Fosshótel Glacial Lagoon HERE. Embark on a breathtaking adventure through Iceland's South-East coast—the memories made here will last a lifetime!
*(Note: For further exploration, don’t miss out on some of the highly recommended activities and trails nearby Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón:
- Svartifoss Waterfall: A 1.5–2 km (round-trip) hike to a captivating waterfall surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns[2][3].
- Skaftafellsjökull Glacier Viewpoint: A 3.7 km (round-trip) trail offering breathtaking panoramic views of the glacier tongue and icebergs[2].
- Glacier Hikes:
- Glacier Wonders Tour: A 4-hour small-group hike on Falljökull glacier (part of Vatnajökull), including stunning ice formations and crevasses. Suitable for ages 8+[1][5].
- Custom Full-Day Adventures: Guided hikes tailored to conditions, covering glaciers, peaks, or ice caves[4].
- Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon Highlights:
- Boat Tours: Zodiac or amphibian boat tours among icebergs (seasonal).
- Diamond Beach: Fascinating black-sand beach where icebergs wash ashore from the lagoon.
- Ice Cave Tours: Winter-only excursions into crystal-blue ice caves (often combined with glacier hikes).
Practical Tips:
- Camping: The campground at Skaftafell provides easy access to trails and glacier tours[2].
- Guided Tours: Essential for glacier hikes—includes crampons, ice axes, and certified guides[1][4][5].
- Parking Fees: ISK 1,000 for standard cars at Skaftafell[1].
- Seasonal Considerations: Glacier hikes operate year-round; ice caves are accessible November–March.)*
- After capturing the splendor of the Vatnajökull glacier and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, consider staying at the Fosshótel Glacial Lagoon, a contemporary four-star hotel near the lagoon.
- The restaurant at Fosshótel Glacial Lagoon serves exceptional cuisine that's hard to skip, with a focus on delectable Icelandic ingredients presented with a fresh twist.
- Beginners can explore Skaftafell National Park with short trails to stunning waterfalls like Svartifoss and the Skaftafellsjökull glacier.
- For more experienced hikers, longer hikes in Morsárdalur valley and to the Kristínartindar mountain peaks offer exciting challenges in Skaftafell National Park.
- Private travel companies operate guided hikes on nearby glaciers and mountains, and sightseeing flights over Vatnajökull glacier and other incredible attractions are available for those seeking a bird's-eye view of the stunning South-East coast of Iceland.
