MindReachGetaways

Vatnajökull National Park, Suðurland

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Europe's glacier lagoon hotel: Jökulsárlón icebergs, Vatnajökull ice caves, Diamond Beach at the door, and Iceland's most remote Ring Road overnight base

IcelandJökulsárlónglacier lagoon
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Our read

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon stands out for its stunning location near Jökulsárlón and its commitment to sustainability. The combination of modern design and access to natural wonders makes it a unique destination.

Come here for

  • Travelers seeking adventure and breathtaking natural beauty will thrive here.

Skip it if

  • If you prefer urban environments or bustling city life, this remote location may not be for you.

We’d rather send you somewhere else than send you somewhere that doesn’t suit you.

From the property

Inside Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Guests and hosts, filmed at the property.

01 - Arrive

The place itself

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a modern hotel situated at the edge of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, providing guests with breathtaking views of Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Located 370 km east of Reykjavík on the Ring Road, this hotel serves as a gateway to some of Iceland's most extraordinary natural wonders. With panoramic windows and clean Scandinavian interiors, the 104 rooms are designed to immerse guests in the surrounding glacier landscape. The hotel's exterior platform features a hot tub that faces the glacier, offering a unique opportunity to relax while taking in the stunning scenery. Guests can engage in wellness programming that includes glacier hiking with certified guides and ice cave exploration in the blue ice caves of Vatnajökull, accessible from October through March. The remote location also makes it an ideal spot for witnessing the Northern Lights, with minimal light pollution enhancing the experience. Dining at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a culinary adventure, with a restaurant that seats up to 180 guests. The menu focuses on Icelandic fusion cuisine, inspired by the surrounding landscape. The hotel also offers a complimentary wellness spa, featuring a sauna and hot tubs, ensuring that guests can unwind after a day of exploration. With its commitment to sustainability, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon has received Green Key certification, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious travelers.

02 - Feel

Why it is different

Glacier Hiking

Experience guided glacier hikes on Vatnajökull, exploring the stunning ice formations and breathtaking landscapes.

Ice Cave Exploration

Discover the mesmerizing blue ice caves of Vatnajökull, a unique adventure available from October to March.

Northern Lights Viewing

Enjoy optimal conditions for witnessing the Northern Lights, with minimal light pollution and expansive views.

Gastronomic Dining

Savor exquisite Icelandic fusion cuisine in a stunning restaurant setting, inspired by the natural surroundings.

Relaxation at the Spa

Unwind in the hotel's wellness spa, featuring hot tubs and a sauna, all with views of the glacier.

03 · Live here

How the days go

  1. Arrive at the lagoon

    The Ring Road approach to Jökulsárlón. The first view of the lagoon is a shock: ice blue icebergs floating on dark water with the glacier wall behind, clearly visible from the road. Nothing prepares you for the scale.

  2. Zodiac boat among the icebergs

    The rubber inflatable among icebergs of 500–1,000 years old, with the glacier face calving occasionally in the distance. The ice tour guide paddles past bergs larger than houses.

  3. Diamond Beach at sunset

    The 5-minute walk from the hotel to the black sand shore, where the same icebergs that were floating in the lagoon this morning have washed ashore by afternoon. Iceland's horizontal winter light through translucent ice.

  4. Vatnajökull ice cave

    The guide headlamps reveal a chamber of compressed blue ice. Thousands of years old, translucent, with light filtering through from the glacier surface above. The most extraordinary enclosed space in Iceland.

  5. Hotel hot tub at dusk

    The exterior hot tub with Vatnajökull glacier facing directly ahead. Watching for northern lights as the sky darkens over the ice cap and the valley quiets for the evening.

04 - Stay

Ways to stay

Glacier View Room (breakfast included)

From ~ISK 30,000/night — confirm at islandshotel.is

Contemporary room with Vatnajökull or lagoon views and full Icelandic breakfast.

Book this package

05 - Know

Before you go

Written from what the property publishes. Not yet checked by hand. Confirm on their site before you book.

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is at Hnappavellir, Öræfi, 785, approximately 370 km from Reykjavík on Ring Road (Route 1). Drive east from Reykjavík via the South Coast: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Vík, Eldhraun lava field, Skaftafell, then Jökulsárlón. A full day's drive with stops. Car rental required. Confirm winter driving conditions before travel. Route 1 in the southeast can be affected by glacial river flooding and winter conditions.

Find it in Maps

Stay for

1-night minimum. Confirm at islandshotel.is.

Children

Children welcome. Glacier hiking and ice cave tours have minimum age requirements. Confirm with guides.

If plans change

See islandshotel.is for current cancellation terms.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out is at 12 PM local time.

Is parking available at the hotel?

Yes, guests can enjoy free parking at the hotel.

Are pets allowed at the hotel?

Yes, dogs are allowed in restricted areas. Please inform the hotel when booking.

Does the hotel offer breakfast?

Yes, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon offers a continental breakfast for guests.

Is the hotel open year-round?

Yes, the hotel is open all year, providing opportunities to see the Northern Lights in winter.

06 · Go

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Vatnajökull National Park, Suðurland

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon stands out for its stunning location near Jökulsárlón and its commitment to sustainability. The combination of modern design and access to natural wonders makes it a unique destination.

Season
Winter (October–March) for blue ice caves, northern lights, and the glacier in maximum snow
Getting there
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is at Hnappavellir, Öræfi, 785, approximately 370 km from Reykjavík on Ring Road (Route 1).
From where you are
Distance appears once we know where you are.
Included
Icelandic breakfast buffet · Hotel hot tub access (glacier view) · Diamond Beach walking access (5 minutes from hotel)

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