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Where to stay near Jokulsarlon (Iceland): best hotels

Last updated on March 4, 2023 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

Jokuksarlon is one of the icons of South Iceland: a lagoon filled with icebergs floating to the sea.
It is worth seeing it at sunrise, sunsets and under the norther, lights.
Therefore, you may be asking  where to stay near Jokulsarlon?
On this page, I am sharing with you all my accommodation tips:

  • Map and areas to stay
  • Best hotels near Jokulsarlon
  • Alternative options
  • ...
Where to stay near Jokulsarlon hotels Pin

Table Of Contents
Best Jokulsarlon hotels - quick answers
Where to stay near Jokulsarlon & Diamond Beach - map + tips
Option 1 - Countryside East, less than 30min away
Option 2 - Countryside West, less than 30min away
Option 3 - Town of Höfn, 1h away
Option 4 - Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Eldhraun area (1h40 away)
Option 5 - Town of Vik, 2h30 away
FAQs

// In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).


Best Jokulsarlon hotels - quick answers

If you don't want to read the entire article, here are my short answers.
This selection is completely independent, based on my experiences and research. I visited the region anonymously, making my own choices, and paying all my bills in full.

Can you stay at Jokulsarlon?

No. There is no accommodations right at Jokulsarlon.
No Hotel, no hostel, no B&B, no campsite.
There is just a carpark and food places during the day.

Jokulsarlon in Summer

Best hotels near Jokulsarlon

There are 3 hotels within 30min drive of Jokulsarlon:

  • Hali Country hotel - the closest, 15min drive away
    - see photos and availability
  • Hotel Smyrlabjorg - 30min away on the East - dated, but clean and practical, I enjoyed my stay
    - see photos and availability
  • Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon - 30min away on the West
    - see photos and availability

All 3 are opened Summer and Winter.

Foodtrucks at Jokulsarlon

Foodtrucks at Jokulsarlon

Other accommodations near Jokulsarlon

But close to Jokulsarlon, you can also find guesthouses and farmstays.
They are all located East of Jokulsarlon. Consider:

  • Ekra Glacier Lagoon - guesthouse with several rooms and nice decorations
    - see photos and availability
  • Skyrhusid hostels - rooms with shared bathrooms
    - see photos and availability
  • Guesthouse Kálfafellsstadur - rooms in a house with shared bathrooms
    - see photos and availability
  • Vagnsstadir Guesthouse - quiet and without light pollution
    - see photos and availability
  • Lækjarhus Farm Holidays - with a range of different accommodations (including for larger groups)
    - see photos and availability
driving on the South Coast

driving on the South Coast

Closest town near Jokulsarlon

The closest "large" town near Jokulsarlon is Höfn.
If you want to stay in a place with several restaurant option and the feel of a town, this is your best choice.
I have stayed at Höfn Berjaya Iceland Hotel. Right by the harbor it was clean and practical - see photos and availability
Otherwise, check out the best rated accommodations in Höfn

Icebergs on black sand

Diamond Beach

And for an article more general about where to stay on the Iceland South Coast, check out this one.


Need to rent a car in Iceland?

directly see the best deals on my favorite platform

How to rent a car in Iceland 2

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+ read tips
+ Car + Deals

Where to stay near Jokulsarlon & Diamond Beach - map + tips

Map of best areas to stay to visit the lagoon or beach with icebergs

map where to stay near Jokulsarlon Iceland

map - where to stay near Jokulsarlon Iceland

There are 5 main options to stay not too far from Jokulsarlon:

  1. The country side East of Jokulsalron (less than 30min away)
  2. The countryside West of Jokulsalron (less than 30min away)
  3. The town of Höfn, 1h away - The closest town near Jokulsarlon
  4. The Edrhaun lava field area, 1h40 away - Surrounded by lava, with expansive views, close to Skaftafell
  5. The town of Vik - 2h30 drive away - It is far away, but it is the main hub to explore south Iceland

I telling you more about each in the rest of the article.

Is it worth staying near Jokulsarlon? 

sunrise at Jokulsarlon

pink sunrise at Jokulsarlon

I think it is worth visiting Jokulsarlon lagoon and Diamond beach several times with different conditions of light, tide, clouds...
Therefore it is better ot stay as close as possible to limit driving times.
And if staying in Winter, you can have a chance to see the northern lights above it!

If staying in the area, you can enjoy:

  • Visiting the Jokuksarlon lagoon under different conditions - learn more
  • Admiring the icebergs on the black sand (blue, white and black) at Diamond Beach - learn more
  • Visit the neighboor Fjallsarlon, another stunning lagoon with glacier (just west of Jokulsarlon) - learn more
  • Take a boat tour or kayak on the lagoon to get closer to the glacier: Book your seat on an amphibian vehicle  or choose the classic Zodiac boat
  • In Winter, visit an ice caves departing from Jokulsarlon - the best ice caves to visit require a strong 4WD vehicle departing from the lagoon. This is a great experience you should not miss! - see options
ice cave with stairs

Ice cave near Jokulsarlon


Plan your ideal Summer road trip!

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  • 100+ pre-selected scenic locations
  • Planning Tips to make the most of your time
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
  • 130+ original photos to get inspired

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Plan your ideal Winter road trip!

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LEARN MORE


Option 1 - Countryside East, less than 30min away

To the East of Jokulsarlon, towards the town of Höfn is where you can find the most accommodation options close to Jokulsarlon.
You can find hotels, guesthouses and farmstays.
The closest are 10 to 15 min away from Jokulsarlon.

road leading to black and white mountains

Area in Winter

Hotel Smyrlabjorg

I am sorry, I forgot to take pictures of accommodations during my stay...
This hotel is 30 min away from the lagoon.
It is a really practical option with family room accommodating up to 4 adults.
Plus there is a restaurant on side, open in the evening with a large choice of food
The design is very countryside and a bit dated. But it is clean, spacious and smooth-running.
I enjoyed my stay here.
- see photos and availability - and book!

Other best rated accommodations options are

  • Hali Country hotel - the closest, 15min drive away
    - see photos and availability
  • Ekra Glacier Lagoon - guesthouse with several rooms and nice decorations
    - see photos and availability
  • Skyrhusid hostels - rooms with shared bathrooms
    - see photos and availability
  • Guesthouse Kálfafellsstadur - rooms in a house with shared bathrooms
    - see photos and availability
  • Vagnsstadir Guesthouse - quiet and without light pollution
    - see photos and availability
  • Lækjarhus Farm Holidays - with a range of different accommodations (including for larger groups)
    - see photos and availability

Option 2 - Countryside West, less than 30min away

glacier in South Iceland

West of Jokulsarlon, the glacier leaves less space along the road for buildings.
You can consider:

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

It you enjoy beautiful design, this is the best option around Jokulsarlon.
It also has a spa, a restaurant and a bar with smaller food items
it is quite central between Skaftafell and Jokulsaron
- see photos and availability

Litla-Hof Gueshouse

with stand-alone cottages and rooms with shared bathrooms
- see photos and availability


I don't drink coffee

But I like other drinks and foods!
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Claire ZigZag
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Option 3 - Town of Höfn, 1h away

sunrise around boats

Sunrise in Höfn in Winter

If you are looking for more restaurant options and a more lively ambiance, you should consider the town of Höfn.
It is 1h away East of Jokulsarlon.
It is a great location to stop before heading to the East fjords.

In town, you can enjoy the harbor and its fishing boats.
And head to see the sculptures by the sea.
You can find different types of accommodations in town and around.

chambre in Edda Höfn Hotel

Hotels in Höfn

  • Höfn Berjaya Iceland Hotel
    I have stayed at Berjaya Iceland Hotels (before called Edda Höfn) and spent a great night.
    The hotel is right by the harbor. It is clean and practical.
    - see more photos and availability
  • Hotel Jökull
    Outside of town, with modern and warm design
    - see more photos and availability
Höfn Berjaya Iceland Hotel

Other accommodations in Höfn

But you can also find guesthouses, apartments and hostels such as

  • Guesthouse Dyngja, also right by the harbour
    It has studio, apartment and rooms with shared bathrooms
    - see photos and availability
  • Old Airline Guesthouse
    Rooms with shared bathrooms
    - see photos and availability
  • Höfn Hostel
    - see photos and availability
  • Apartment to rent by the sea with simple yet practical design
    - see photos and availability

--> Otherwise, check out the best rated accommodations in Höfn


Option 4 - Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Eldhraun area (1h40 away)

Between Jokulsarlon and Vik (but closer to Vik) is a large lava area.
The field is the result of one of the greatest eruptions in recorded history: the eruption named Skaftareldar lasted several months over 1783 and 1784.
It is one of the largest filed with a size of 564km2
As it is almost 250 years old, vegetation has come back. Moss is covering the lava and trees have grown in the middle.
Its name means "Fire lava"
The area also has lava tubes and caves.
When people mention "the lava field in Iceland", they normally mean this one.

lava covered with moss

Around it you can find small settlements such as Kirkjubæjarklaustur with accommodations. They are mostly guesthouses and farmstays.
You can consider:

  • Hotel Klaustur
    a modern hotel with large windows to enjoy nature!
    Bar and restaurant on site.
    - see photos and availability
  • Magma Hotel
    Rooms with Nordic design in peaceful surroundings, with small oustide areas.
    - see photos and availability
  • Dalshöfdi Guesthouse
    Along a river, you can stay in apartments or rooms with shared bathroom. 
    - see photos and availability
  • Lækjaborgir Guesthouse
    Bungalows and studios that are very charming, to feel almost alone in nature
    - see photos and availability

Where to stay in Iceland?

Iceland Accommodations

See my selection of all the best areas to stay to enjoy the beautiful regions of Iceland...
+ fantastic accommodation options

+ read more

Option 5 - Town of Vik, 2h30 away

Hotel Vik i Myrdal

Hotel Vik i Myrdal

Vik is way further away, but it is the main hub along the South Coast.
This is a very central locations to explore all the area.
If you are not going on a road trip and want to stay several nights in one place, this can be a great option.
You can find a large choice of accommodations with hotels, guesthouses, hostels, apartments...

Hotel room with view

Hotel Katla in Winter

Hotels in Vik

  • Hotel Katla
    I had the chance to stay in this hotel in Summer and in Winter. And they have added some stunning rooms.
    Good restaurant on site.
    Not all rooms have the modern design you can see below. Make sure to check the pictures relating to the room you are booking.
    See more photos and availabilities
  • Hotel Vik i Myrdal
    I also had the chance to stay there during a Summer trip.
    This is a stunning hotel with modern design.
    It has a restaurant and you can walk to town.
    - See photos and availabilities
  • Hotel Kria
    Modern design with large windows to enjoy nature
    Restaurant on site
    - See photos and availabilities
Hotel Katla in Summer

Hotel Katla in Summer

Other accommodations in Vik

And you can also consider:

  • Guesthouse Galleri Vík
    Mostly rooms with shared bathrooms, in the heart of town.
    - See photos and availabilities
  • Guesthouse Carina
    In a beautiful house with great views
    - See photos and availabilities
  • Guesthouse Reynir
    Outside town, more isolated. Great stay in Nature.
    - See photos and availabilities

--> Otherwise check out the best rated accommodations in Vik


FAQs

Camping near Jokulsarlon

Wild camping near Jokulsarlon is not allowed. Don't look at forums that date back! It used to be allowed but not anymore.
There is no campsite by the lagoon.
The closest campings near Jokulsarlon are:

  • Svinafell Campground (45min)
  • Skaftafell Camping to the west (50min)
  • Camping Höfn to the east (1h)

How much time do you need in Jokulsarlon

If you just want to see the icebergs floating on the lagoon towards the sea, and have a look at Diamond beach, you can plan 2h.
But you could really stay the day:

  • Watching the shapes and colors of the icebergs
  • Taking a boat tour
  • Taking an ice cave tour in Winter
  • Listing for the cracks in the glacier
  • Walking on the black sand beach to discover all the crazy icebergs
  • Seeing it under the sun, in the fog, at sunrise, at sunset, under the stars
  • ...

Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?

  • All my favorite things to do in North Iceland - read article
  • Tips to plan your Iceland road trip - read article
  • Tips to rent a car in Iceland - read article
  • Tips to drive around Iceland - read article
  • Itinerary suggestions - read article
  • 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures - read article
  • The best stops on the Ring Road - read article
  • The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland - read article
  • 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - read article
  • Top 5 places to see around Myvatn - read article
  • 5 best Lava Fields in Iceland - read article
  • The 10 best lava caves in Iceland - read article
  • The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland - read article
  • The Golden Circle - read article
  • The Snaefellsnes peninsula - read article

Planning a trip to Iceland?

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