Matkaopas: Fjallsárlón

Photo from Essential 1.5 Hour Boat Tour on Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Vatnajokull National Park

Fjallsárlón is a glacial lagoon in Iceland, located on the southern end of  Vatnajökull glacier.

Explore this region on a self drive tour in Iceland.

Fjallsárlón can be found off Iceland’s main Ring Road, 47 kilometres (29 miles) east of Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

Geology

The outlet glacier Fjallsjökull, originating from Vatnajökull, extends all the way to the lagoon’s surface, where large icebergs break away from the ice cap and fall into the water below.

With the many hundreds of icebergs that float atop the lagoon’s surface, Fjallsárlón is considered to be a strong second to the nearby, and more famous, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.

Though smaller than its neighbour, it is less known, thus less crowded with other visitors.

Like Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón is characterised by its unique and glittering icebergs. No iceberg is alike, with many hundreds of different shapes and sizes floating lazily atop the water. As these icebergs drift from place to place, they will often collide, exulting a loud groan as the ice rubs against itself.

Activities

Photo from Essential 1.5 Hour Boat Tour on Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Vatnajokull National Park

It is possible to take boat tours on Fjallsárlón, an excellent way of both seeing the icebergs up close and adding a sense of adventure to the lagoon’s serene tranquillity. Those who choose to take a boat ride will be provided warm and protective overalls, as well as receive a safety briefing that will further educate you to the surrounding glaciers and their origins.

These tours are undertaken on zodiac boats, meaning that each voyage is personal and fitted to small groups (max. 10 participants). Boat rides on Fjallsárlón will last approximately 45 minutes.

There is also a small bistro at Fjallsárlón, perfect for travellers looking to grab some light snacks and refreshments whilst in the area. Guests can pick from a variety of different meal options, including sandwiches, salads, soups, cakes and sweets. In the summer, the bistro is open from 9.30 AM to 06.00 PM, and in the winter, from 10.00 AM to 05.00 PM.  

Wildlife

For those visitors hoping to travel to Fjallsárlón during the summer months, it is important to be aware of the nesting Skuas, a large species of seabird known to protectively dive bomb anyone foolish enough to walk too close to their eggs.

Other wildlife in the lagoon includes resident seals who will happily bob in and out of the water, making for a fantastic added extra for all those looking to see as much as Iceland can offer.