The Short Answer
Skaftafell is a national park known for spectacular hiking — particularly to Svartifoss waterfall and along the glacier foreland. It's free to visit and one of the most scenic areas in Iceland.
Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, boat tours, seal colonies, and the adjacent Diamond Beach. It's one of Europe's most extraordinary natural sights — and tours cost money.
They're 55 km apart on the South Coast road, typically visited together as a long day trip from Reykjavík (5 hours each way to Jökulsárlón). Most tours combine both. If you only have one day and can only do one — Jökulsárlón is the more complete experience.
| Factor | 🏔️ Skaftafell National Park | 🏔️ Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to visit | Free — no entry fee, just park your car ($8–$12 for parking) | Paid — parking $10, boat tours from $80/person |
| What you do there | Hiking, nature walks, Svartifoss waterfall, glacier views, wildlife | Boat tours among icebergs, seal watching, photography, Diamond Beach |
| Time needed | 1–3 hours (short walk) to full day (multi-hour hikes) | 1–3 hours at the lagoon + adjacent Diamond Beach |
| Best for | Hikers, photographers, nature lovers, anyone who wants to earn their views | Anyone — the lagoon is accessible to all fitness levels and ages |
| Main activities | Hiking to Svartifoss (1.5 hrs return), glacier foreland walks, birdwatching | Amphibious boat tour (45 min), kayak tour, seal colonies, iceberg photography |
| Nearby access | Near Skaftafell village; can combine with Vík, Skógafoss (1 hr each direction) | 45 mins from Höfn; can combine with Diamond Beach (5 min drive) |
| Closest major tour | Glacier hikes from Sólheimajökull (40 min away) — book glacier hike → | Boat tours and day trips from Reykjavík — book Jökulsárlón tour → |
| Photographic appeal | Svartifoss waterfall against basalt columns, glacier foreland, hiking views | Icebergs in lagoon, reflections, seals on ice, Diamond Beach ice blocks |
| Weather dependency | Moderate — trails can be muddy/wet; park closes in extreme conditions | Low for viewing; boat tours cancel in high winds/storms |
The Verdict
Do both if you can. They're 55 km apart — visiting one doesn't mean skipping the other. A full South Coast day from Reykjavík typically hits Skógafoss → Vík → Jökulsárlón → Diamond Beach → Skaftafell → back. It's a long day but the road is scenic and well-signed.
Jökulsárlón first: The lagoon is the marquee experience — floating icebergs, seal colonies, dramatic water. If weather is good, spend the extra time for a boat tour. The light at the lagoon changes dramatically throughout the day; early morning or golden hour is best.
Skaftafell as the bonus: The hike to Svartifoss is one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls — black basalt columns, 20m cascade, surrounded by volcanic terrain. It's a 1.5-hour round trip and works well combined with the Jökulsárlón area.
If you must choose: Jökulsárlón offers more variety (boat tour, Diamond Beach, seals) for the time invested. Skaftafell's 's top best require hiking — it's a reward for those who put in the effort.
Which Should You Visit?
Visit Skaftafell if:
• You're already driving the South Coast and want a free stop
• You enjoy hiking and want the classic Svartifoss photo
• You're on a tight budget — only the parking costs
• You've done Jökulsárlón before and want something different
• You're combining with glacier hikes from Sólheimajökull (40 min away)
• You have more than one day on the South Coast
Visit Jökulsárlón if:
• It's your first time on Iceland's South Coast
• You want the most visually extraordinary experience per hour
• You're combining it with Diamond Beach (5 min away, same ticket)
• You want boat tour access to the icebergs
• You're interested in wildlife (seals are regulars in the lagoon)
• You're visiting in September–March and want Northern Lights potential
🗺️ Getting to Skaftafell
Skaftafell is in Vatnajökull National Park on Route 1 (Ring Road), roughly 4.5 hours east of Reykjavík. From Jökulsárlón, it's 55 km west along Route 1. There's a large car park (currently 1,000 ISK / ~$8) and a visitor center with maps and information. No shuttle needed — it's a self-guided park.
🚤 Getting to Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is on Route 1, about 5 hours east of Reykjavík and 45 mins west of Höfn. From Skaftafell, it's 55 km east. Boat tours depart from the main dock — amphibious boat tours run year-round (~$80–$120 per adult). Book ahead in peak season (June–August) to guarantee your spot.
Tours That Combine Both
The most popular option is a guided South Coast day tour that hits both stops plus Skógafoss, Vík, and Diamond Beach. Here are verified options from Viator:
Diamond Beach & Jökulsárlón Day Tour with Boat Ride
Full South Coast day from Reykjavík with boat ride on the lagoon. Covers Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach, and major South Coast sights.
South Coast Day Tour with Glacier Hike
Combines Jökulsárlón with an active glacier experience on Sólheimajökull. Full day from Reykjavík — includes Skógafoss, glacier hike, lagoon, Diamond Beach.
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike
The closest glacier hike to Skaftafell — 40 min away. Small group experience on a real glacier with blue ice and crevasses. No experience needed.
See Both on One Trip
Most visitors do the South Coast as one long day from Reykjavík — hitting Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach, and everything in between. Book a guided tour to take the driving off your hands.
Book Jökulsárlón Tour → Jökulsárlón Guide →