Iceland's Iceberg Lagoon and Diamond Beach

 
 
Jökulsárlón is a must see in Iceland!

Jökulsárlón is a must see in Iceland!

 

After our Southern Iceland stops, we spent our second day in Kálfafell we took a road trip along the ring road to the Blue Iceberg Lagoon, known as Jökulsárlón. The trip to the glacier was fascinating - we drove through such different terrains to get there. One moment we were surrounded by mossy hills and the next moment it felt we were on the mood surrounded by vast nothingness and volcanic ash. There were a few ATV trails in the ash, but otherwise the land appeared uninhabited. We didn't see as much as a dirt road leaving the main highway - it was that desolate.

Skaftafell Glacier & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

 
Taking in the beautiful views together across generations

Taking in the beautiful views together across generations

 
 
Family photos in front of one of our favorite attractions!

Family photos in front of one of our favorite attractions!

 

After enjoying the ranging variety of landscapes we arrived at the lagoon. Like many of the sights in Iceland - it was a quick pull off and park on the side of the road. We hiked over the hill and were welcomed with a view of the massive Lagoon. The pictures do not do the size and nature of this majestic place justice. It felt like we were looking into history. This ice was a product of glaciers from 100's of years ago, and now it was floating in front of us in large, blue icebergs.

 
My boys, loving the adventures!

My boys, loving the adventures!

 

We spent a lot of time walking around the ridge and taking in the views of the icebergs from each new perspective. They had boat tours into the lagoon, but we had enough by looking from the shore. I have been to Alaska, but this collection of floating glaciers was a totally new experience.

 
Black beaches as far as you can see!

Black beaches as far as you can see!

 

You can follow the glaciers and floating ice under the bridge and out to the black sand beach across the road. The ice chunks wash up on the sand and sprinkle the beach - looking like shining diamonds. I have been to a black sand beach in Hawaii, but it was the first time seeing a black sand beach sprinkled with ice chunks. The beach was vast, long and gorgeous! The trip east to Jökulsárlón was worth it!

 
Black Diamond Beach – Small Glaciers wash up on shore on their journey to the ocean. Do you see the icebergs?!

Black Diamond Beach – Small Glaciers wash up on shore on their journey to the ocean. Do you see the icebergs?!

 
 
Skaftafell Nature Reserve! Hiking was perfect for our little boys!

Skaftafell Nature Reserve! Hiking was perfect for our little boys!

 

Svartifoss Waterfall

On our way home we stopped at the Skaftafell Nature reserve, home of the Skaftafell Glacier and famous Svartifoss waterfall. Our ride was once again eventful. My dad spotted a couple who pulled off the side of the road and their vehicle was buried in soft sand. He immediately pulled over to help and we helped them push their car out of the ditch - haha!  Iceland pro tip - stay on the main roads! :)

 
A waterfall on the way back to Svartifoss!

A waterfall on the way back to Svartifoss!

 
 
Gorgeous geometric rock waterfall in the heart of Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Gorgeous geometric rock waterfall in the heart of Skaftafell Nature Reserve

 

The Skaftafell Nature Reserve was filled with hiking trails and opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. You can camp and spend a lot of time here to enjoy the sites and all of the hiking trails!  We did the main trail 2.2km back to Svartifoss waterfall. It was a foggy, overcast day - but I was looking forward to seeing the waterfall up and close. On the hike back you wind through other smaller waterfalls, rapids and rivers along the valley. Its a beautiful walk with kids. My four-year old loved it - and my toddler came along for the ride in the carrier. It was an active hike - and you can get really close to the famous Svartifoss falls!

 
Skaftafell Nature Reserve hiking trails did not disappoint!

Skaftafell Nature Reserve hiking trails did not disappoint!

 

It was a full day of activities enjoying some of Iceland's famous, gorgeous sites. We retreated to our cozy Air BNB in Kálfafell, enjoyed some pasta, and tried to sleep despite the 2AM sunshine!

 
Preparing dinner for the family! Air BNB kitchens are so helpful when you vacation with kids!

Preparing dinner for the family! Air BNB kitchens are so helpful when you vacation with kids!

 

Iceland you do not disappoint!

 
This is why I love remote vacations, and local accommodations.

This is why I love remote vacations, and local accommodations.

 

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