Stokksnes Peninsula : Vestrahorn

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Diamond Beach

The morning was calm and cool, setting the tone for a peaceful and refreshing start to the day.

We drove to the Vestrahorn viewing point, eager to take in one of Iceland most dramatic landscapes.

Vestrahorn, towering 454m high, is known for its two distinctive peaks and is located on the Stokksnes Peninsula, near Höfn. Unlike most Icelandic mountains, it is composed of iron and magnesium rich gabbro rock, giving it a dark, jagged appearance. Facing the sea on its southern side, it is surrounded by a stunning black sand coastline, a striking result of Iceland volcanic activity. Its name, Vestrahorn, translates to “West Mountain” in contrast to its neighboring peak, Eystrahorn, or “East Mountain”. The howling wind added to the raw beauty of the scene, making Vestrahorn feel even more wild and untamed. Powerful gusts swept across the landscape, lifting fine black sand into the air. We could feel tiny grains stinging our faces, a humbling reminder of nature sheer force. Despite the harsh conditions, the breathtaking scenery made every moment worthwhile.

We headed back to the Viking Café for breakfast, this time treated to another breathtaking view, snow-capped mountains in the distance and a sky painted in hues of sunrise, shifting beautifully with the morning light. It was the perfect way to start the day, enjoying a warm meal while soaking in Iceland ever changing scenery.

We set off for Jökulsárlón, excited for our Crystal Ice Cave tour, but upon arrival, we were met with disappointing news, the tour had been canceled at the last minute. The likely reason was the stormy weather from the day before, which may have made conditions inside the cave unsafe. Extra precautions have been in place ever since a tragic accident last month resulted in the death of a tourist. While it was disappointing to miss out on this experience, safety always comes first in Iceland unpredictable natural landscapes.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a natural wonder, formed from the melting Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, and continues to expand as icebergs break away due to the glacier retreat. It is Iceland deepest lake, with its formation dating back to 1934, when Breiðamerkurjökull began melting and receding. Since then, rising temperatures have accelerated glacial melt at an alarming rate, causing the lagoon to grow extensively. Can you imagine that Breiðamerkurjökull glacier once reached as far as Route 1, the main highway?

The lagoon connects to the Atlantic Ocean and is composed of both seawater and freshwater, giving it its unique, striking color. At times, seals can be spotted swimming gracefully through the icy waters. As icebergs calve from the glacier, they slowly drift through the lagoon, gradually melting. Some are carried out to sea, while others wash ashore at Breiðamerkursandur, the stunning black sand beach. This shoreline, often covered in translucent, compact ice sculptures that glisten in the sunlight, has earned the name Diamond Beach.

We took a leisurely stroll along Diamond Beach, hoping to see its signature glittering ice formations. However, on the day of our visit, there weren’t as many “diamonds” scattered around perhaps blown away by the previous day storm. Nevertheless, the few icebergs that remained were mesmerizing, so crystal-clear that sunlight shone straight through them, making them look like giant, glistening diamonds set against the black sand.

Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, though smaller than Jökulsárlón, has its own unique charm. What sets it apart is its glittering icebergs, each with distinct shapes and sizes, floating lazily on the water. No two icebergs are alike, creating a mesmerizing ever-changing icy landscape. Being less well known, Fjallsárlón attracts fewer crowds, offering a quieter, more intimate experience with nature. Due to its smaller size, the icebergs here are more concentrated, making it feel as if you are surrounded by a frozen world of blue and white.

We headed back to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for a must try treat, the famous lobster sandwich and soup from Heimahumar Local Truck. This food truck is a favorite among tourists, known for serving up fresh, delicious Icelandic lobster in a warm, buttery bun, paired perfectly with a hearty soup. A comforting meal with a view of the glacier lagoon, a perfect way to experience Iceland flavors and landscapes at once.

In the afternoon, we embarked on another incredible experience : the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Tour with Arctic Adventures. We met up at the tour truck, where we geared up in red flotation suits for safety and warmth before boarding a super jeep bus that took us to the dock. Unlike larger boat tours, the small group Zodiac cruise allowed us to venture deeper into the lagoon, bringing us closer to the glacier wall of Breiðamerkurjökull and the serene, icy waters of Jökulsárlón. As we cruised near giant floating icebergs, we marveled at their stunning colors from pure white and vibrant blue to streaks of gray, formed by volcanic ash residue from past eruptions. Knowing that these ice formations have been shaped over thousands of years, slowly drifting through the lagoon, made the experience even more surreal. Getting up close to these breathtaking icebergs and the towering glacier wall was truly a memorable and humbling encounter with Iceland raw natural beauty.

After the tour, we returned to the parking area to relax and warm up. We decided to try another popular food truck, Fancy Sheep, known for its Icelandic lamb burger. The juicy, flavorful lamb paired with fresh ingredients made for a delicious and comforting meal, especially after the cold Zodiac ride. A perfect way to end our time at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, enjoying great food while soaking in the breathtaking views one last time.

Warm and refreshed, we were ready to continue our journey, though it was just a short 30mins drive to our accommodation for the night, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. Nestled in the wilderness, yet conveniently close to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, this modern and chic hotel offers a comfortable retreat amid Iceland rugged landscape. Our room was cozy and well-designed, with stunning views of the surrounding nature.

For dinner, we dined at the hotel restaurant, known for its fantastic Icelandic fusion cuisine. We were lucky to be seated by the window, where we enjoyed an endless panoramic view, vast green flatlands stretching to the ocean, bathed in the soft hues of the sunset sky. A perfect way to unwind and reflect on another unforgettable day in Iceland.

We peeked through the window and saw countless stars twinkling in the night sky. Hoping to catch another glimpse of the Northern Lights, we headed to one end of the hotel building, where we could shield ourselves from the wind and get a clearer view. Before long, the aurora began to emerge, faint at first, then gradually intensifying, stretching from left to right and illuminating the sky above the mountain ridges. It was another breathtaking, jaw-dropping display of Lady Aurora, an unforgettable moment of pure wonder.

Overnight at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon