12 Stunning Hotels Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Looking for the best hotels near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon? You’re in the right place! These are 12 of our top picks for a bucket list stay near this natural wonder.
Of all the places we’ve visited in Iceland, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is one of the most magical. It’s a place we’d been dreaming of visiting since my very first time in Iceland, and we were so happy to finally make it there. Safe to say, it took my breath away.
If you’re planning on visiting, please don’t do this as a day trip from Reykjavik if you can help it! It’s doable like this, but SO much better if you stay longer.
There’s a lot more to do in the area than many people think, from seeing glacier tongues to hikes to hidden waterfalls and, of course, the famous Diamond Beach and glacier lagoon boat rides.
In an ideal world, I recommend spending at least 2 days here. That will give you plenty of time to see everything without feeling rushed. But, of course, that means you need a wonderful place to stay near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
Luckily, there are plenty of great options from budget stays to more luxury options. Here are our 12 top picks.
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In a hurry?
These are my favourite places to stay NEAR JOKULSARLON GLACIER LAGOON!
- SPLURGE: FOSSHOTEL GLACIER LAGOON
- HIGH END: HOTEL JOKULSARLON
- MID-RANGE: THE POTATO STORAGE
- AFFORDABLE LUXURY: HALI COUNTRY HOTEL
- BUDGET: HOFN HOSTEL
1. Hótel Jökulsárlón
Location: Hofn
Perfect for: A luxury stay a stone’s throw from the lagoon
Budget: ££££
If you want the ultimate luxury stay near the glacier lagoon, you have got to try Hotel Jokulsarlon. It’s absolutely beautiful. The stylish rooms are very nicely designed, each has a coffee machine, the bathrooms are clean and modern, and some even have freestanding bathtubs.
You can pick either mountain or glacier-view rooms, and there is also a suite which has a spacious living area. If you’re travelling as a group, the family suite option also has a sofa bed in the living room.
You’ll be treated to wonderful views over the surrounding mountains and be located just a short 11km drive from the glacier lagoon.
There’s also free private parking, a fitness centre on-site, and an on-site restaurant where a buffet breakfast is served every morning.
2. Hali Country Hotel
Location: Hali
Perfect for: Being close to the glacier lagoon
Budget: ££££
Hali Country Hotel is a 12-minute drive from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, making it one of the closest hotels to the iconic attraction.
Located on Iceland’s Ring Road, this hotel offers easy access to other points of interest, such as Diamond Beach, Hali, and Vatnajökull Glacier.
The hotel offers four types of rooms, all of which feature a simple yet modern interior with a private bathroom, desk space, and a small seating area.
On-site facilities at Hali Country Hotel include an in-house restaurant serving locally produced Icelandic cuisine.
The hotel also offers various activities, including local cultural and hiking tours.
3. Hotel Skaftafell
Location: Freysnes
Perfect for: Views of Vatnajökull Glacier
Budget: ££££
Hotel Skaftafell is a modern 3-star hotel with spacious bedrooms in an excellent location. The hotel offers convenient access to Skaftafell National Park, Diamond Beach, and Fjallsarlon and is only a 40-minute drive from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
However, this hotel’s biggest draw is arguably its views. Behind it are Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnjukur, and the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.
Some bedrooms offer views of the mountains and glaciers. There are multiple bedrooms to choose from, and they all feature an ensuite with a shower, work desk, TV, and WiFi.
Hotel Skaftafell has a restaurant serving Icelandic cuisine, too!
4. Adventure Hotel Hof
Location: Hof
Perfect for: An affordable luxury stay
Budget: ££
Located near Hof Turf Church, Adventure Hotel Hof is ideal for those looking for an affordable luxury stay.
The rooms here are comfortable and well-equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, plenty of space, and cosy blankets and throws on the beds. Most rooms have private bathrooms, but you’ll also find cheaper options with shared facilities.
The views are incredible and some of the landscapes stretch for miles. It’s a short drive to Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – around 30 minutes – and Skaftafell National Park is just 15 minutes away.
You’ll also be able to enjoy the buffet breakfast in the restaurant each morning. They also have a great dinner menu, perfect for evenings in the hotel.
5. Lækjarhus Farm Holidays
Location: Borgarhöfn
Perfect for: Budget backpackers
Budget: £
If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, look no further than Lækjarhus Farm Holidays. This 3-star guesthouse is just a 20-minute drive from the lagoon and offers a small selection of rooms at a fantastic price.
The twin and double rooms have a simple layout, storage space for your clothes, a comfortable bed, and WiFi. You’ll also have access to a large shared bathroom and kitchen. Some rooms also have mountain views.
After you’ve visited Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, book one of the several activities Lækjarhus Farm Holidays organises. Activities you can participate in include hiking, fishing, and horse riding.
6. Höfn Hostel
Location: Höfn
Perfect for: Local amenities
Budget: ££
One of the closest towns to the glacier lagoon is Höfn, where you’ll find an array of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Höfn Hostel is right in the town centre, within a 5-minute walk of the main shops, restaurants, and harbour.
Better still, this hostel has laundry facilities and a shared kitchen, so you can prepare food and wash your clothes. It’s a one-hour drive from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and you can book glacier tours, boat trips, and snowmobile trips at the hostel.
The simple rooms offer comfortable beds and access to shared bathroom facilities and a shared lounge. There’s also a dining hall on-site.
7. Seljavellir Guesthouse
Location: Höfn
Perfect for: Seeing the Northern Lights
Budget: £££
Stay at Seljavellir Guesthouse to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights while visiting Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
Conveniently located 50 minutes from the lagoon and 7 minutes from Höfn, this guesthouse is set in a quiet location with less light pollution, hence the increased opportunity to spot the lights.
It offers single, twin, and double rooms with modern, stylish interiors. Most rooms have private bathrooms with showers, desks, seating areas, and mountain or glacier views.
Breakfast can be included in your stay, and WiFi is available across the property.
The nearest restaurant to the hotel is only 4 miles away (Osinn).
8. Guesthouse Skálafell
Location: Skálafell
Perfect for: Food and drink
Budget: £££
This charming guesthouse is set on a farm in Vatnajökull National Park. It’s less than 30 minutes from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and 600 metres from the Ring Road.
It’s an excellent place to stay if you want to enjoy panoramic mountain and glacier views and delicious food and drink without having to venture far.
The guesthouse has a bar and restaurant serving locally sourced Icelandic cuisine. The breakfast buffet features homemade pancakes, waffles, and jams, among other things.
Regarding the rooms, the guesthouse has twin and double bedrooms that have private bathrooms, WiFi, seating areas, mountain views, and access to a terrace.
9. Vagnsstadir Guesthouse
Location: Vatnajökull National Park
Perfect for: Tours
Budget: £££
Surrounded by stunning scenery, this 3-star guesthouse is in a prime location for visiting many of Iceland’s best attractions. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is only 20 minutes away, and other notable attractions, such as Skaftafell, Múlagljúfur, and Diamond Beach, are all easily reached.
As a result, this guesthouse offers a wide variety of exciting tours. Here, you can book jeep and snowmobile glacier tours, walking tours, fishing trips, kayaking tours, and horse riding excursions.
There are three types of rooms available (twin, triple, and family), and breakfast is served daily. Every room has a private bathroom, seating area, and storage space, and some rooms offer mountain views.
10. Skyrhusid HI Hostel
Location: Hali
Perfect for: Families
Budget: ££
This family-friendly hostel is a short 10-minute drive from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and close to Diamond Beach and Skaftafell National Park. It offers spacious quadruple rooms at an affordable price. Twin, double, and triple rooms are also available.
Every room features comfortable beds, a wash basin, storage space, and mountain views, but you’ll have to use a shared bathroom. The hostel has two on-site restaurants serving lunch and dinner, and you’ll have access to a shared kitchen.
Meanwhile, breakfast is served in a nearby restaurant (250 metres away). Skyrhusid HI Hostel is also home to the Thorbergssetur Historical Museum.
11. Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Location: Hnappavellir
Perfect for: Luxury stays
Budget: ££££
Stay at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon if you want to spend the night in luxury near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This beautiful 4-star boutique hotel has stylish modern rooms and suites with panoramic mountain views, luxury furnishings, and private bathrooms with walk-in showers.
Better yet, the executive suites feature king-sized beds, balconies, and private hot tubs. You’ll have access to a private spa and sauna, too! Other facilities at the hotel include two restaurants and laundry facilities.
Fosshotel is actually closer to Fjallsárlón Lagoon (20 minutes away), but Jokulsárlón is only a few minutes further away. The hotel is also close to Skaftafell National Park and Svartifoss Waterfall.
12. The Potato Storage
Location: Svínafell
Perfect for: Visiting Skaftafell National Park
Budget: £££
The Potato Storage is an excellent choice if you want to stay somewhere convenient for visiting Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park.
The Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach are less than 40 minutes away, and Skaftafell is only 10 minutes away. Svartifoss, one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Iceland, is even closer.
This vibrant, traditional, corrugated-iron Icelandic hotel features beautifully decorated modern studios and apartments fitted with private bathrooms with walk-in showers, single and double beds, kitchenettes, and dining tables.
Every studio/apartment also has mountain views and useful appliances such as hairdryers, kettles, and microwaves.
FAQ about Hotels Near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about these hotels and staying in this region of Iceland.
What are the best hotels near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
Some of the best hotels near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon include Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, Seljavellir Guesthouse, and The Potato Storage.
These places are all comfortable with stunning views and are conveniently located for visiting the lagoon. I personally love The Potato Storage as it offers a stylish and comfy stay, and it’s not too expensive.
How do you get to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?
The easiest way to get here is by hiring a car and driving yourself. Part of the drive can be a little dodgy, but, for the most part, it’s an easy drive.
You can get to the lagoon via a guided tour from Reykjavik, but this isn’t practical if you’re planning to stay in the area.
🚗 We only ever use this car hire company as they have a great range of cars and always have the best prices.
How far in advance should I book a hotel near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
Okay, this is a region that sells out QUICKLY! If you know which dates you’re travelling to Iceland, I highly recommend you get your hotel booked as soon as possible.
Not only will this ensure that you actually get a room, but it will also help keep the prices low, as they can go up quite significantly the closer you get to your travel date.
This is especially true if you plan to visit during the peak tourist season (June to August) or during the winter months (December to February) for the Northern Lights.
Are there budget-friendly accommodation options near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
Yes. While this part of Iceland isn’t known for being the cheapest (but then again, where is cheap in Iceland these days?), there are budget-friendly options such as guesthouses and hostels.
Guesthouse Skálafell and Hali Country Hotel offer affordable rates without compromising too much on comfort. While Hofn Hostel is a great choice for budget backpackers.
Is it possible to see the Northern Lights from hotels near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
Yes! One of the benefits of this region is its remoteness, which means the chances of seeing the northern lights are much higher than in more built-up parts of Iceland.
Many hotels in the area are ideally situated for viewing the Northern Lights, especially if you’re visiting Iceland in winter. Some hotels even offer wake-up calls or alerts when the lights are visible.
How far are the hotels from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
Most hotels near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are within a 10-20 minute drive from the lagoon. Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon, for instance, is approximately a 20-minute drive away, while Hali Country Hotel is about 12 minutes away by car.
Are there dining options available at the hotels near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
Yes. Once again, since the area is quite remote, there aren’t a huge number of options for nearby restaurants.
As such, many hotels near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon have their own restaurants serving a mixture of local Icelandic cuisine and international dishes.
Can I book tours to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon through my hotel?
Yes, most hotels in the area can help arrange tours to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, including glacier hikes, ice cave tours, and boat trips on the lagoon.
It’s best to inquire with your hotel directly for specific offerings and availability. I would also check online, as well as the hotels can often include a slightly hiked price.
What is the best time of year to stay near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
In my opinion, the best time of year to visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is in the off-season between March and May or in October.
This is because these are the times of year when Iceland is less busy, so you won’t have to contend with mad crowds, but also more affordable hotel prices.
Plus, since it’s the winter months, but not too wintery, you’ll have a reasonable amount of daylight.
This also depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) offers milder weather and longer days for sightseeing, and the boat tours out on the lagoon will be running (these stop running during the winter months).
Visiting Jokulsarlon in winter (December to February) provides the opportunity to see the Northern Lights and explore ice caves.
👉Check out our full guide to the best time to visit Iceland for all our tips.
Where is the Best Place to Stay Near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?
There are lots of wonderful places to stay near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and I recommend every single hotel on this list.
However, if you’re just looking for an affordable luxury stay where you’ll be treated to a comfortable bed, a stylish modern interior and not too high of a price, I recommend The Potato Storage. It’s the ideal location for both the lagoon and the glacier and it’s not too bad price-wise. Plus, because it’s self-catering, you’ll save money on food.
If you’re after a budget stay, then Hofn Hostel is a great choice and if you’re after a luxury stay, go for Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. Both of these options are close enough to explore the lagoon and are highly rated.
But, ultimately, this part of Iceland is so beautiful, I don’t recommend spending much time in the hotel at all! No matter where you stay, you’ll be in awe at all the natural beauty around you. Trust me when I say, you won’t forget this area in a hurry.
👉 For more hotel recommendations in Iceland, check out the best Golden Circle hotels and the best hotels on the South Coast.
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