Breiðárlón Glacier Lagoon

Basic Information

Breiðárlón Glacier Lagoon is an ice mass lake at the south end of Icelandic glacier Vatnajökull. It is a part of the Vatnajökull National Park and the famous Jökulsárlón. Although the better known Jökulsárlón is just five minutes’ drive away, Breiðárlón glacier lagoon is never too thronged. Also, the icebergs do not reach the gargantuan size as in Jökulsárlón, further providing spectacular views of surrounding scenery. The beautiful glacier tongue, Breiðamerkurjökull can also be seen very well. From the glacier lagoon, a small river flows into the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon. Thus, it is a perfect destination for landscape photographers. The tranquil atmosphere and view are what also makes it the a favorite spot among travelers.

A trip to Iceland would be incomplete without paying a visit to the glacier lagoons. These ice-filled wonders will force you to lose yourself in the beauty of nature. The Breiðárlón glacier lagoon is larger than its neighbor Fjallsárlón. However, it is much more difficult to access. To see this beautiful lagoon, one either has to hike or drive a 4X4 vehicle on a gravel road. During the winters, although the boat trips do not operate, the place has even more charm with the color of the lower winter sun. For all those who like to explore the less crowded spots, Breiðárlón is where you need to go.

History of Breiðárlón Glacier Lagoon

Breiðamerkurjökull is an outlet glacier of the larger glacier Vatnajökull. It emerges as a tongue of Vatnajökull and ends in a small lagoon named Jökulsárlón. Over the years, because of the temperature variations, the glacier has been breaking down. The icebergs generally break away from the tongue of the glacier, then drift to the mouth of the lagoon and eventually join the ocean. They further float in the deep lagoon for 5 years. As per the records, it was near the ring road until 35 years ago before being withdrawn and forming the famous Jökulsárlón lagoon. Breiðamerkurfjall was 752 high and surrounded by the Breiðamerkurjökull and Fjallsárlón before the drifting, which eventually formed the Breiðárlón glacier lagoon.

Getting To Breiðárlón Glacier Lagoon

Breiðárlón glacier lagoon is located on the south coast of Iceland. It is directly between about 3 kilometers off the ring road. If you enjoy hiking, then you can easily hike between the lagoons as well. However, a drive to Fjallsárlón is also ideal. The roads from Fjallsárlón to Breiðárlón are pretty bumpy on the way so a 4WD is advisable. While coming from Reykjavik or the west, Fjallsárlón will be the first lagoon you will encounter. You can further visit the other glacier lagoons easily from there.

Jökulsárlón

Breiðárlón glacier lagoon is just five minutes away from this “Crown Jewel of Iceland” called Jökulsárlón. Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon; Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is the highlight of many guided packages and self-drive tours. It is also a popular spot amongst the people traveling along the south coast or ring road of the country. Moreover, the fact that it fills with icebergs breaking from the glacier is what makes it stand out. It promises a spectacular view with some of the iceberg towers several stories high. The icebergs are majorly white, but most of them are also dyed electric blue in part with black streaks of ash from eruptions.