Few places on this earth have the power to bring onlookers to a revered silence, struck in awe by the unspoiled beauty of nature.

Jökulsárlón is one of those places. Driving east along Route 1, the large glacier lake emerges after an endless expanse of moss strewn lava fields, an impossibly blue blip along Iceland’s dramatic landscape. Large chunks of glacier ice float quietly in the space that global warming has carved out between Vatnajökull and the sea.

Chelsea spotted it first – a seal breaking the stillness of the lagoon as it glided from one iceberg to another.  We stifled our squeals, the serenity of the scene making too much noise feel invasive despite only sharing the shore with a handful of other visitors. Of course, sometimes the seals made outrageously funny grunting noises making composure impossible. Time slowly slipped by as we wandered the shores, thoroughly entertained by the curious creatures who seemed to relish being the centre of attention.

Words have continued to fail me in capturing all that Iceland has to offer, and doing justice to Jökulsárlón has been harder than most. Instead, we put our cameras to work in hopes of storing a little piece of this special place in our minds and hearts forever.

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Brown

Moments after a seal broke the silence with a giant, gurgling grunt

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Brown

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Brown

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THE WANDERING SOUL

 A four and a half hour drive from Reykjavik, a trip to Jökulsárlón is well worth the journey.

Renting a car gives you the flexibility and freedom to explore Iceland’s coastline the way it deserves. Bonus: A few nights away from the city lights may increase your chances at watching the night come to life through the Northern Lights.