Vík to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: The Ultimate South Coast Drive

Are you planning on driving from Vik to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon? After making this trip many times, here’s our ultimate road trip guide with all the best stops!

Most people who are visiting Iceland will make this drive at some point. It’s one of the most popular drives in the country and goes between two of the most visited places along the south coast – Vik and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. 

After many, many trips to Iceland, these are still some of our favourite places to visit on the entire island. Vik is simply stunning with cute houses, a dramatic mountain backdrop, some really great coffee shops, and ocean views. 

Jokulsárlon is genuinely one of the most insane landscapes we’ve ever seen, with towering icebergs, seals, glaciers, and dramatic black sand beaches. 

On top of that, there are so many wonderful places to stop in between, from hidden glaciers to caves tucked into mountains, dramatic canyons, and so much more.

So, if you’re driving this route, here are all of our favourite stops between Vik and Jokulsaron!

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Quick Overview: Vík to Glacier Lagoon

Most people know about the drive from Reykjavik to Vik, but the journey from Vík to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is equally impressive. Although the distance isn’t huge, there are so many incredible stops along the way that it easily fills a full day. 

You could even stretch it into two days if you included a few bucket list tours. Here’s a quick overview:

• Distance: 192 km (118 miles) one way
• Driving time (non-stop): Around 2.5–3 hours
• Realistic time needed: 6–8 hours with stops
• Best time to visit: Year-round, with different highlights each season
• Road type: Fully paved (Route 1 / Ring Road)

This route is doable in both summer and winter, but conditions can be very different depending on the season. 

In summer, long daylight hours make it easy to explore at a relaxed pace. In winter, daylight is limited, and the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to plan carefully. 

You can do it as a day trip, but we actually recommend staying overnight near the Glacier Lagoon in winter rather than driving all the way back to Vík.

Alternatively, if you’re driving the entire Ring Road and continuing east, this is a great place to spend the night.

👉 Check out our full guide to the best time to visit Iceland for all our tips!

Things to Know Before You Go

Before you set off on this drive, there are a few things you should know. The weather on this route can change dramatically.

If you stayed in Vik the night before this drive, you’ll likely know that Vik is fairly sheltered by the mountains, but the part of the Ring Road you’re about to drive can be extremely open in places. 

Our drive down this route was actually one of the scariest drives we’ve ever done in Iceland, and why? Because of the wind.

The mountains here create the craziest of crosswinds, which can literally blow your car off the road if you’re not careful. During one section of this drive, the wind was so strong that we could feel it buffeting the car and had to slow down significantly. 

Several other tour buses had actually had to pull over at the side of the road and wait until the wind died down a little. So, in high wind, be extra careful when driving here. 

Furthermore, we also recommend checking your fuel before you leave Vik. There are several fuel stops along this route, but it’s always good to make sure your tank isn’t empty, especially before a long drive. 

If you’re setting off in the winter months, especially, be sure to check safe.is before you set off, and monitor road conditions and any potential closures.

This will help you stay safe and, if there are any red warnings, definitely don’t drive. Icelandic weather can change quickly, so if it doesn’t look safe, don’t risk it. 

Overall, this is mostly an easy drive, especially during the summer months. 

The route is entirely along the Ring Road (besides detours to attractions), so you’ll be on Iceland’s busiest route. Plus, the south coast is always busier than the north or the east, so the roads tend to be kept clearer in poor weather. 

But regardless, always be safe, stick to the speed limits, check the conditions, and this should be a wonderful road trip!

Best Stops Between Vík and Glacier Lagoon

As we’ve mentioned, there are lots of fantastic places you can stop between Vik and the Glacier Lagoon. You could easily turn this into a 2-day road trip if you wanted to! 

So, here are all of our favourite stops:

1. Thakgil

This is actually just past Vik, but it’s one of the most magical places we’ve ever visited in Iceland. To reach it, you’ll need a 4×4 as the drive is a long 40-minute journey on a rough and bumpy dirt track; however, it’s so worth it!

Thakgil is an absolutely beautiful part of Iceland and a pure paradise for hikers. You’ll find yourself surrounded by towering green mountains, with lots of different hiking trails, ranging from short walks to waterfalls to longer treks to glacier viewpoints. 

It’s a completely magical place and well worth a visit.

2. Katla Ice Cave

If you’re looking for one of the most bucket list experiences in Iceland, you can’t go wrong with Katla Ice Cave, plus it’s located very close to Vik. 

Unlike many ice caves that are only reachable in deep winter, Katla can be visited pretty much all year round on a guided tour. 

The cave sits beneath Kötlujökull glacier and is famous for its striking layers of black volcanic ash frozen into the ice – it looks completely different to the bright blue caves you might have seen closer to Jokulsarlon.

Visiting Katla requires booking a guided tour, and we usually recommend booking in advance as it’s popular and likely to sell out! Either way, it’s a magnificent place to visit and one of the best things to do near Vik.

❤️ We recommend this Katla Ice Cave tour – it’s one of the most magical places in Iceland!

3. Yoda Cave

Tucked behind a cliff face about 15 minutes by car from the centre of Vik, Yoda Cave is one of the quirkiest places to visit in Iceland. 

The cave is located down a dirt path just off the Ring Road and is fairly easy to find. It gets its nickname from the rock formation inside that looks uncannily like Yoda’s profile.

It’s a very short walk from the parking area, and it probably won’t take you longer than 15-20 minutes to visit.

It’s a cool little detour and one that’s especially popular with Star Wars fans.

👉 Check out our full guide to visiting Yoda Cave.

4. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur is one of the most beautiful canyons in Iceland and is absolutely worth the short detour from the Ring Road. The canyon is around two kilometres long, with a river cutting through cliffs, and it looks almost unreal.

It used to be a bit of a hidden gem in Iceland, until it was used in a music video that skyrocketed its popularity. After it got more popular, they had to add paths and walkways to stop people from trampling all over the Icelandic moss. 

Today, there’s a clearly marked walking path along the top with several viewpoints, including an incredible view over a waterfall right at the end. 

It’s easily worth a stop and is one of the most beautiful places on a Vik to Glacier Lagoon road trip.

👉 Check out our full guide to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.

5. Skeiðará Bridge Monument

This is another quick stop along the route. The Skeiðará Bridge Monument is the remains of a bridge destroyed during a powerful glacial outburst flood in 1996. 

The steel beams are left in place as a reminder of the sheer force of Iceland’s glaciers and rivers. It really highlights just how dynamic – and sometimes dangerous – Iceland’s natural environment can be.

There are several picnic benches here as well as plaques where you can read about the environment and what happened. There are also some pretty incredible glacier views, too, and this is one of my favourite parts of the drive.

6. Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is one of the largest national parks in Europe and covers a huge portion of southeast Iceland.

This area is full of glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and dramatic scenery, and it’s where many of the highlights on this drive are located.

You’ll find multiple parking areas, trailheads, and viewpoints throughout the park. It’s home to several of Iceland’s most famous sights, including Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.

7. Svartifoss

Svartifoss is one of the most distinctive waterfalls in Iceland, framed by dark basalt columns that resemble organ pipes. It was actually the waterfall that inspired the design of the famous Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik. 

To get to the waterfall, you’ll need to go on a short 45-minute hike from the car park. It’s pretty steep in parts, but it’s not too long, so it’s not too difficult. Plus, the views along the way are just as impressive as the waterfall itself.

This is a great stop if you want to break up the drive with a little hike. There are also toilets, a cafe, and several food trucks in the car park, and several of the glacier tours also start here. 

There are also a few hotels nearby, so it’s a great area to stop if you are splitting this drive into two days.

👉 Check out our full guide to the Svartifoss waterfall hike. 

8. Svínafellsjökull Glacier Tongue

Svínafellsjökull is one of the most dramatic glacier tongues in the country and a favourite spot for photography. It’s a true hidden gem in Iceland, with many people driving straight past this spot without even knowing that it’s there.

The glacier tongue is just a short walk from the car park, and you can get really close to the glacier. It’s beautiful and such an impressive place to see the power and scale of Vatnajökull up close.

9. Mulagljufur Canyon

Múlagljúfur Canyon is one of the true hidden gems of this drive and is often missed by travellers short on time. This is part of the reason we recommend spending at least two days driving this route. The hike here alone will take at least 4 hours. 

This magnificent canyon features towering cliffs, lush greenery in summer, and several waterfalls cascading into the valley below.

It’s definitely one of the most demanding stops between Vik and Jokulsarlon, but if conditions are good, it’s also one of the most rewarding stops on the route.

10. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Fjallsárlón is a smaller, quieter glacier lagoon located just before Jökulsárlón. But, despite being less visited, we actually thought it was just as impressive. 

You could get closer to the actual glacier tongue here, and the glacier itself was magnificent. Plus, it tends to be far less crowded, making it a great alternative if you want a more peaceful experience.

Just like Jokulsarlon, there are also boat tours available here in the summer months, which allow you to get much closer to the glaciers and the icebergs.

11. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón is the crown jewel of Iceland’s South Coast and the main reason many people make this drive. Watching massive icebergs drift slowly through the lagoon towards the sea is genuinely unforgettable, and no two visits ever feel the same.

You can walk along the shore, take a boat tour in summer, or simply stand and watch the icebergs drifting along and the seals playing in the water. It’s one of those places that feels otherworldly – and it’s just as magical in winter as it is in summer.

👉 Check out our full guide to visiting Jokulsarlon in winter.

12. Diamond Beach

Directly across the road from Jökulsárlón is Diamond Beach. This is one of Iceland’s most impressive beaches and is mostly known for the hundreds of chunks of ice that wash up onto the black sand shore from the glacier lagoon. 

The contrast between the sparkling ice and dark sand is stunning and makes this one of the most photogenic beaches in Iceland, and you get a lot of people coming here at sunrise to capture the glittering icebergs. 

The ice formations are constantly changing depending on tides and weather, so every visit looks different. It’s a really beautiful place.

Just be cautious near the water’s edge – the waves here can be powerful, and we saw someone get drenched by a powerful wave when we were here.

👉 Check out our full guide to visiting Diamond Beach.

Best Tours Along This Route

As well as these stops, there are actually several tours along this route that we highly recommend.

This will definitely mean you’ll need longer to drive this route, but these are some of the most beautiful places in Iceland and are well worth adding to your itinerary.

Glacier Hikes

Glacier hikes are one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Iceland. We absolutely loved our hike on Solheimajokull just before Vik.

But for your Vik to Glacier Lagoon road trip, we highly recommend a glacier hike in Skaftafell.

Tours here are available all year round and are suitable for beginners, with all equipment provided. Admittedly, they’re definitely not the cheapest experiences in the world, but they are one of the most memorable.

You’ll spend some time learning about the glaciers, walking across the ice, exploring crevices into crevasses, and learning about how the glaciers are changing. It’s a fascinating experience.

If you have time for just one guided tour on this drive, we’d honestly recommend making it this glacier hike.

❤️ This is the glacier hike tour we recommend – it’s honestly one of the most amazing things you can do in Iceland!

Ice Cave Tours (Winter Only)

In winter, this region is home to some of Iceland’s most spectacular natural ice caves. Unlike Katla further south, which you can access all year round, the ice caves in Skaftafell are only accessible in the winter months. 

You can join a guided tour which departs from near the Glacier Lagoon or Skaftafell National Park, and, as with the glacier hikes, you can only access the caves with an experienced guide due to constantly shifting ice conditions. 

The caves change every year, meaning no two visits are ever the same, and stepping inside feels like entering another world. Winter ice cave tours sell out quickly, so booking well in advance is essential.

❤️ This is the ice cave tour we recommend – it’s absolutely incredible!

Lagoon Boat Tours

During the warmer months, usually between May and October, boat tours on Jökulsárlón or Fjallsárlón offer a completely different perspective of the icebergs and glaciers. 

You’ll get up close to towering chunks of ice and learn about the formation of the lagoon itself. These last around a couple of hours and are a fantastic way to get up close and personal with the lagoon. 

We recommend booking a slot in advance, but you can sometimes find availability throughout the day if you’re happy to wait.

Where to Stay Between Vík and Glacier Lagoon

Although many people do this drive as a day trip, we actually think it’s pretty impossible to see all the sights along this route in a single day. 

The hikes alone would take at least 6 hours, plus if you want to include a glacier hike or ice cave tour, you need at least half a day for these as well.

So, if you can, we recommend staying a night in the area and continuing on your journey the following morning.

Where you stay will depend on how far you want to travel and whether you’re continuing east along the Ring Road. But here are a few options:

Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Staying near Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a great option if you want a convenient midway point between Vík and the Glacier Lagoon. This area gives you easy access to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and makes it easier to explore Skaftafell the following day. 

We spent a night here when we did our winter road trip in South Iceland, and we actually saw the northern lights from our hotel here as well!

Here are a few places to stay near Kirkjubæjarklaustur:

• Hotel Laki – A comfortable, well-located hotel with modern rooms and easy access to the main road; great for resting before your big South Coast day.

• Fosshotel Núpar – Stylish and spacious with mountain views, excellent restaurant options, and a great place to relax after exploring nearby canyons and waterfalls.
  
• Magma Hotel – Gorgeous cabins overlooking a lake. Each cabin has a comfy seating area, a large double bed, and an outdoor patio.

Near Skaftafell

If hiking and glacier experiences are high on your list, staying near Skaftafell is ideal. This puts you close to the Svartifoss trailhead and several popular glacier hike meeting points. 

It’s also a good base if you want to explore more of Vatnajökull National Park without long drives early in the morning.

Here are a few places to stay near Skaftafell:

• Adventure Hotel Hof – Simple, comfortable rooms right near Skaftafell, perfect for early starts on hikes or winter excursions.
  
• The Potato Storage – a quirky and affordable option just past the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. It’s a charming hotel with cosy rooms and a fantastic location. 

• Hotel Skaftafell – Quiet and scenic, this hotel gives you great access to the national park trails and glacier viewpoints without the crowds.

Near the Glacier Lagoon

If you want to visit the Glacier Lagoons without the crowds, staying near Jökulsárlón is the perfect choice. This means you visit the lagoon at quieter times of day, such as early morning or late evening. 

This is especially magical in winter, when you may even spot the Northern Lights reflecting over the ice. However, accommodation is limited in this area, so booking early is important.

Here are a few great places to stay near the glacier lagoon:

• Hali Country Hotel – A lodge-style option right near the lagoon with hearty breakfast and a super-convenient location for sunrise and sunset at Jökulsárlón.

• Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – One of the nicest hotels in the region with sleek, modern rooms and an excellent restaurant. It’s a really cosy spot after a full day of exploring.

• Vagnsstaðir Guesthouse – A cosy, family-run guesthouse option that’s easy on the wallet and still close enough to all of the lagoon highlights.

🏨 Check out our full guide to the best hotels near Jokulsarlon for all our recommendations!

Is Vík to Glacier Lagoon Worth It as a Day Trip?

This depends. It can be worth it if all you want to see are the highlights of the region and the glacier lagoon itself.

We did this as a day trip on our winter south coast road trip, and while it was beautiful and well worth the drive, we did end up missing quite a few things in the area. 

But then again, this depends on what you’re into. If you’re not bothered about hiking trails or exploring the glaciers, then you definitely could drive straight to the glacier lagoon and not feel like you’re missing out on anything. 

So ultimately, it depends on what kind of traveller you are. 

However, if you’re like us and enjoy hikes and outdoor adventures, we definitely recommend splitting the drive into two days. Spend a night near Skaftafell, and continue in the morning.

FAQs

How long does it take to drive from Vík to Jökulsárlón?

On average, the drive from Vik to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon takes 2.5 hours without stopping. This is also assuming reasonable driving conditions, as ice, snow, or strong wind can make this journey longer. 

Is the road paved the whole way?

Yes, the road is paved.

You’ll be on the Ring Road for the entire journey, and while you’ll encounter a few single land bridges, the drive isn’t difficult, and you can do it without a 4×4.

👉 Check out our full guide to driving in Iceland for all our top tips. 

Is this drive safe in winter?

The drive certainly becomes more challenging in winter as Iceland’s unpredictable weather can make things a little more tricky. 

You can encounter snow, blowing snow, very strong wind, and more along this route, so always check safe.is before you set off for any road closures or warnings, and be sure to drive according to the road conditions.

👉 Check out our full guide to driving in Iceland in winter for all our top tips.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this route is one of our favourite places to visit in all of Iceland. You’ll pass some of the most stunning mountain scenery along the way, see incredible glacier views, pass some of Iceland’s most breathtaking canyons, and see unique landscapes.

It’s an absolutely beautiful drive and, while it can certainly be more challenging in rough weather, the views are entirely worth it!

If you’re driving this route, we hope this guide has answered all your questions and given you plenty of road trip stops along the way!

Any further questions, feel free to ask in our Facebook Group!

👉 Need a place to stay? Check out our favourite hotels along the Ring Road!

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