Fjallsárlón

Overview

Fjallsárlón is a glacial lagoon formed by the retreating Fjallsjökull glacier, an outlet of the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap in southeast Iceland. Located approximately 10 kilometres west of the famous Jökulsárlón, this lesser-known lagoon offers visitors a more intimate encounter with Iceland's glacial phenomena, often without the crowds that characterise its more celebrated neighbour. The lagoon sits at the foot of towering peaks, creating a dramatic amphitheatre of ice, water, and stone that exemplifies Iceland's raw glacial landscape.

What distinguishes Fjallsárlón is its remarkable accessibility to the glacier terminus and its distinctive topographical setting. Unlike Jökulsárlón's expansive openness, Fjallsárlón feels enclosed and protected, surrounded by steep mountainsides that create exceptional acoustic properties—the sound of cracking ice reverberates dramatically across the water. The lagoon's icebergs, calved directly from Fjallsjökull, display the characteristic blue hues and sculpted forms that make glacial lagoons so compelling, whilst the proximity to the glacier face allows visitors to witness the active process of glacial retreat in real time.

The lagoon has expanded significantly since the 1990s as Fjallsjökull has retreated, creating deeper waters that now host increasingly large icebergs. This ongoing transformation makes Fjallsárlón not merely a scenic destination but an active demonstration of climate change impacts on Iceland's glacial systems, offering visitors insight into geological processes that have shaped Iceland for millennia.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 64.0340°N, 16.4340°W

**Entry Fee:** Free

**Opening Hours:** Accessible 24 hours (weather permitting)

**Best Time to Visit:** June to September for optimal access; February to March for ice cave tours

**Difficulty Level:** Easy to moderate (short walk on uneven terrain)

**Nearest Town:** Höfn (45 km east)

**Elevation:** 15 metres above sea level

**Depth:** Approximately 35 metres at deepest point

**Formation:** Proglacial lagoon formed by retreating Fjallsjökull glacier

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, follow Route 1 (Ring Road) eastbound for approximately 380 kilometres to reach Fjallsárlón—a journey of roughly 4 hours and 45 minutes under normal conditions. The route passes through Selfoss, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and Skaftafell National Park before reaching the glacial lagoon area. From Höfn, drive 45 kilometres west on Route 1. The turn-off to Fjallsárlón is clearly signposted on the right (north) side of the Ring Road, approximately 10 kilometres before reaching Jökulsárlón when approaching from the west.

Take the gravel access road (Route F985) for 1.5 kilometres from the Ring Road turn-off. This road is suitable for standard vehicles during summer months but requires caution during wet conditions as it can become muddy and rutted.

Parking

A gravel car park accommodates approximately 30-40 vehicles near the lagoon shore. Parking is free but spaces can fill during peak summer afternoons (2-6 PM). The car park surface is uneven and can become muddy after rain. Larger vehicles and campervans can park but should arrive early during high season to secure suitable spaces.

Access

The walk from the car park to optimal viewing points ranges from 50-200 metres depending on chosen vantage point. Paths are informal and cross uneven moraine terrain with loose rocks and occasional boggy sections. Sturdy walking boots are recommended. The terrain immediately around the lagoon edge can be unstable, requiring careful footing.

What to See and Do

Fjallsárlón's primary attraction is its spectacular collection of icebergs in various stages of melt, ranging from house-sized formations to smaller sculptural pieces. The lagoon's sheltered position means icebergs often remain stationary for extended periods, allowing detailed observation of their intricate forms and deep blue colouration caused by compressed glacial ice.

Zodiac boat tours operate during summer months (June-September), offering close encounters with icebergs and the glacier terminus. These 45-minute tours, priced at approximately 6,500 ISK for adults, provide unique perspectives impossible to achieve from shore and often include encounters with Arctic seals that frequent the lagoon.

Photography opportunities abound, particularly during golden hour when warm light contrasts dramatically with blue ice tones. The surrounding peaks—including Hrútárjökull and Fjallsjökull—create compelling compositional elements, whilst the glacier's terminus provides a dramatic backdrop demonstrating active geological processes.

Ice cave tours originate from Fjallsárlón during winter months (November-March), accessing natural caves within Fjallsjökull glacier. These tours require specialised equipment and professional guides, typically lasting 3-4 hours and costing 15,000-20,000 ISK per person.

Best Time to Visit

**June-August:** Peak season offers warmest weather and most reliable access, with 18-20 hours of daylight. Iceberg activity is highest due to active melting. Crowds are heaviest during afternoon hours.

**April-May, September-October:** Shoulder seasons provide fewer visitors and dramatic lighting conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, and access road conditions may require 4WD vehicles.

**November-March:** Winter visits offer opportunities for ice cave tours and potential Northern Lights viewing, but daylight is limited (4-6 hours) and weather conditions can prevent access entirely. Ice coverage may extend across portions of the lagoon.

**February-March:** Optimal for ice cave exploration when caves are most stable and accessible.

Safety

The lagoon edge consists of unstable moraine debris that can shift underfoot—maintain safe distances from water. Icebergs can roll or collapse suddenly, creating dangerous waves; never approach floating ice closely. The lagoon water temperature remains near freezing year-round, making accidental immersion potentially fatal within minutes.

Weather conditions change rapidly in this exposed location. Bring waterproof clothing and warm layers even during summer visits. High winds can make walking difficult and create wind chill hazards.

Route F985 access road becomes impassable during severe weather. Check road conditions (road.is) before departure, particularly October through April. Standard vehicles may struggle with road conditions after heavy rain or during spring thaw.

During winter months, ice may extend from shore, but this ice is never safe for walking as underground currents and geothermal activity create unpredictable weak spots.

Nearby Places

**Jökulsárlón (10 km east):** Iceland's most famous glacier lagoon, larger and more expansive than Fjallsárlón, with regular boat tours and the dramatic Diamond Beach where icebergs wash ashore on black volcanic sand.

**Skaftafell National Park (35 km west):** Part of Vatnajökull National Park, offering hiking trails to Svartifoss waterfall, glacier walks on Skaftafellsjökull, and access to Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur.

**Stokksnes Peninsula (60 km east):** Dramatic black sand dunes and beach with views of Vestrahorn mountain, featuring some of Iceland's most photographed landscapes.

**Höfn (45 km east):** Charming fishing town famous for langoustine, serving as the region's service centre with accommodation, restaurants, and the informative Glacier Exhibition.

**Ingólfshöfði (25 km southeast):** Coastal promontory accessible by guided tractor tours, offering puffin colonies during summer months and expansive coastal views across Vatnajökull's southern reaches.

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