Pro-glacial lakes are lakes formed naturally after the melting of a glacier. In Iceland, the Jökulsárlón is the largest, the best known and surely the most mystical due to its dark and poetic atmosphere. Discover this fabulous corner of water on the famous volcanic island through this article and these sumptuous photos.
This mystical lake is located south of the Vatnajökull glacier (which it is the origin of because of its melting), between the town of Höfn and the Vatnajökull National Park, in the south-east of Iceland. Appeared and baptized between 1934 and 1935, this large icy aquatic space of 18 km2 and 260 m deep offers an incredible and unique change of scenery in the world.
Due to the melting of the glaciers, the Vatnajökull flows into the Jökulsárlón in blocks of ice and thus drifts towards the lake or runs aground on the black sand beach which surrounds the lake. This phenomenon of glacial erosion gives these stranded pieces of iceberg mystical and beautiful colors like turquoise, very dark blue, even yellow and black due to the ash from the volcano and certain chemical compounds. These small icebergs in very large quantities therefore influence the color of the lake, giving it the same colors. The very rapid rate at which the glacier is melting suggests that the Jökulsárlón will become an even deeper fjord.
This place is frequently visited for its unique environment and its special atmosphere. Observing the degradation and transformation of a glacier gives this place a unique character, which challenges us and shows us that nature is changing on a large scale. It is even possible to be able to sail on the lake with an amphibious or inflatable boat, in order to fully enjoy this symbolic place. The lake is teeming with fish and seals, and you can easily see them lying on icebergs, swimming, or catching their meal. There are also many seabirds in Jökulsárlón such as gulls, razorbills, great skuas and arctic terns.
Here are a few more photos that will make you want to take off for Iceland!
