Luxurious James Bond-esque lodgings sit close to Iceland's enchanting Glacial Lagoon
Venture along the South-East coast of Iceland, a magnet for tourists yearning for awe-inspiring sights. This region offers an incredible smorgasbord of attractions — from the mesmerizing waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, to the striking black beaches at Reynisfjara, the jaw-dropping basalt rock formations at Dyrhólaey, the majestic Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, the sprawling vistas of Skaftafell National Park, and the mighty Vatnajökull glacier.
Embark on a self-drive journey from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón, taking about five or six hours, with plenty of must-see stops along the way. As the New Year dawned in 2016, the Fosshótel chain added a contemporary gem — Fosshótel Glacial Lagoon — to the region's hospitality landscape. Nestled just off Route 1 about 29 kilometers from Jökulsárlón and 27 kilometers from Svartifoss in Skaftafell, this chic hotel reflects the hues of its breathtaking surroundings in grey stone and wooden construction, ensuring an eco-friendly experience. The minimalist interior exudes a sleek sixties' vibe with dim, stylish lighting and dark walls, giving the hotel a distinct James Bond ambiance.
Fosshótel Glacial Lagoon boasts 104 beautifully appointed rooms with panoramic views that almost resemble a framed painting of the landscape. Each room showcases a modern, minimalistic design with added hip touches like luxurious tartan woolen blankets, and spacious bathrooms. Best of all, internet access is free. The restaurant at Fosshótel Glacial Lagoon is regarded for its exceptional cuisine, offering a mouthwatering blend of traditional Icelandic ingredients with a modern twist. Savor their set menus, a true culinary adventure, and unwind on the exquisite sundeck — perfect for winter star-gazing or Northern Lights viewing, as long as you’ve brought some warm blankets and a warm beverage. The buffet breakfast is also noteworthy, offering a tantalizing selection of healthy and hearty dishes to kickstart an adventurous day.
Skaftafell National Park is a paradise for hikers, featuring easy to challenging trails. Short, easy routes lead to waterfall Svartifoss and glacier Skaftafellsjökull, while those yearning for a longer journey can explore the Morsárdalur valley and the Kristínartindar mountain peaks. The park serves as an excellent base camp for mountaineers aiming to summit Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur.
Local travel companies in Skaftafell offer guided hikes on nearby glaciers and mountains, as well as sightseeing flights over Vatnajökull glacier and other renowned attractions. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is close to Route 1, approximately 230 miles east of Reykjavik. A notable feature of the lagoon is the fact that it is a relatively recent addition to Iceland's landscape, caused by climate warming. The surface is at sea level, and sea water flows in during high tide. Gargantuan chunks of ice frequently break off Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float on the lagoon, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty. The lagoon is quite deep, making it the deepest lake in Iceland, and companies operating the lagoon offer tours on amphibious vehicles, allowing visitors to experience the lagoon firsthand.
For those seeking accommodation in the heart of the action, look no further than Fosshótel Glacial Lagoon. Book your stay today and immerse yourself in the unparalleled wonders of South-East Iceland.
- Boat excursions among icebergs in Jökulsárlón [1]
- Encounter the black sand beach studded with ice chunks known as Diamond Beach [4]
- Explore ice caves within Vatnajökull National Park [3]
- Get close to the breathtaking glaciers and mountain peaks while embarking on guided hikes in Skaftafell National Park [2]
- Experience quaint Icelandic villages like Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík [1][1] https://www.icelandguide.is/[2] https://www.guidetoiceland.is/[3] https://ičelandi독※ibaldur.is/[4] https://www.naturs.is/
- After visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, consider a boat excursion among the colossal icebergs floating within it.
- From Fosshótel Glacial Lagoon, embark on guided hikes in Skaftafell National Park to get close to the breathtaking glaciers and mountain peaks.
- For an unforgettable adventure, explore the intricate ice caves hidden within Vatnajökull National Park, only accessible with local travel companies' assistance.
- On your trip from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón, plan a stop at the black sand beach known as Diamond Beach, studded with ice chunks that sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight.
- Complement your sightseeing journey by immersing yourself in the unique lifestyle of quaint Icelandic villages like Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík as you explore the South-East region's home-and-garden scenes and travel experiences offered by websites like [1], [2], [3], and [4].
