FJALLSÁRLÓN IN SHORTFjallsárlón is a glacier lagoon in Southeast Iceland, fed by Fjallsjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, inside Vatnajökull National Park. It is about 370 km (around 4 hours 30 minutes) from Reykjavík, free to enter, open all year, and most people spend 45–90 minutes there, longer with a boat tour.
About Fjallsárlón
Fjallsárlón sits about 10 km from its far more famous neighbour, Jökulsárlón, and offers a different kind of view: the Fjallsjökull glacier tongue reaches almost to the water's edge, so you can stand close to the ice itself rather than looking across a wide lagoon at a distant glacier. It is smaller and generally quieter than Jökulsárlón, with fewer visitors at any given time.
Because it is a freshwater lagoon rather than one connected to the sea, icebergs here tend to be smaller than at Jökulsárlón, and there is no equivalent of the famous Diamond Beach. What it offers instead is a closer, more intimate glacier view, with zodiac boat tours running from spring through autumn that take visitors right up among the icebergs.
Fjallsjökull comes down steeply from the Vatnajökull ice cap, the largest in Europe by volume, and ends in a cracked blue-and-white ice wall at the far side of the water. Pieces break off from time to time and drift slowly across the lagoon. Because fewer people stop here, it is one of the quieter places on the south coast to watch a glacier at work, and a favourite with photographers.
Quick facts
GlacierFed by Fjallsjökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull
RegionSoutheast Iceland, Vatnajökull National Park
From JökulsárlónAbout 10 km west, around 10 minutes by car
From SkaftafellA little under 50 km east, about 35–40 minutes by car
From ReykjavíkAbout 370 km, around 4 hours 30 minutes by car
EntryFree
ParkingFree
Boat toursZodiac tours run roughly April to November, weather permitting; about 75 minutes in all
Time needed45–90 minutes, longer with a boat tour
How to get to Fjallsárlón
By carFjallsárlón is just off the Ring Road (Route 1) in Southeast Iceland, about 370 km from Reykjavík, a little under 50 km east of Skaftafell and about 10 km before Jökulsárlón if you are coming from the west. The turn-off is signposted and a short side road leads to the free car park. From there it is a few minutes on foot over a gravel ridge to the shore.
On a guided tourMany Southeast Iceland day tours that visit Jökulsárlón also stop at Fjallsárlón, and glacier boat tours can be booked as an add-on.
ParkingFree parking is available right by the lagoon.
It is a long way from Reykjavík for a single day. If you are driving yourself, plan a night in the area, and in winter allow for short daylight and check road.is for wind warnings on the sands east of Skaftafell.
Things to do at Fjallsárlón
Iceberg boat toursSmall zodiac boats take you out among the icebergs and close to the glacier front, at a safe distance from falling ice. Guides explain how the lagoon formed and how fast the glacier is retreating. The standard tour runs from about April to November and takes around 75 minutes including gearing up.
PhotographyOn a still day the icebergs and the glacier mirror in the water. Early morning and late evening give the softest light and the fewest people. Under cloud the ice often looks bluer.
Walks along the shorePaths lead from the car park over the old moraine to viewpoints above the lagoon and along the shore. The ground is loose gravel and uneven. Do not step onto the ice or onto icebergs near the bank: they roll without warning, and the water is close to freezing.
BirdlifeArctic terns and great skuas nest on the sands around the lagoon in summer. Both will dive at you if you walk near their nests, so stay on the paths. Seals are a more regular sight at Jökulsárlón, which is open to the sea.
Fjallsárlón or Jökulsárlón?
The two lagoons are ten minutes apart, so most people can see both. Jökulsárlón is far larger, with big icebergs, seals, a channel to the sea and Diamond Beach across the road. It is also much busier.
Fjallsárlón is smaller and calmer, and the glacier is the main thing you look at, close enough to see the crevasses. If you are short on time and want the famous view, choose Jökulsárlón. If you want a quieter stop, or a boat tour in a smaller group, choose Fjallsárlón.
Best time to visit Fjallsárlón
Summer (June–August)Long daylight, the mildest weather, and boat tours running every day. This is also the busiest time, so book boats ahead.
Winter (November–March)Boat tours stop, and the lagoon often freezes over, with the icebergs locked in under snow. It is still worth the short walk for the glacier view and the quiet. On clear nights the northern lights can show above the ice. Daylight is short and the path can be icy.
Safety and practical tips
- Book a zodiac boat tour in advance in summer if you want to get close to the ice on the water.
- Dress warmly, even in summer; wind off the glacier makes it feel colder than the air temperature suggests. Wear waterproofs for a boat tour.
- Wear sturdy shoes. The walk from the car park and the shore paths are loose gravel.
- It pairs naturally with a stop at Jökulsárlón, just a short drive away.
- Frost Restaurant by the lagoon is a good stop for a hot drink or meal with a glacier view.
- Take your rubbish with you and stay on marked paths. The moss and nesting ground around the lagoon are easily damaged.
Facilities and accessibility
Frost Restaurant, open daily year-round from 10:00 to 16:00, serves soups, hot dishes and drinks with a view of the lagoon. Toilets are available on site.
Nearby places worth a stop
Where to stay near Fjallsárlón
Höfn, about an hour away, has the widest range of accommodation nearby, along with smaller guesthouses closer to Skaftafell.
Fjallsárlón FAQ
Is Fjallsárlón free to visit?
Yes, entry and parking are both free; only boat tours and food cost extra.
How does Fjallsárlón differ from Jökulsárlón?
It is smaller and quieter, with the glacier tongue reaching closer to the water, but without Jökulsárlón's connection to the sea or its Diamond Beach.
Can you do a boat tour on Fjallsárlón?
Yes, zodiac boat tours run from roughly April to November, weather permitting.
How far is Fjallsárlón from Reykjavík?
About 370 km, around 4 hours 30 minutes by car, usually visited as part of a longer South and Southeast Iceland trip.
Is Fjallsárlón worth visiting if I am going to Jökulsárlón?
Yes. It is only 10 minutes away, free, and gives a closer view of the glacier itself with far fewer people. Allow at least 45 minutes.
When is the best time to visit Fjallsárlón?
It is open all year. Summer has boat tours and long days. Winter is quiet, with a frozen lagoon and a chance of northern lights on clear nights.
How do I get to Fjallsárlón?
Drive the Ring Road (Route 1) east from Skaftafell for a little under 50 km and take the signposted turn-off. Many guided tours to Jökulsárlón also stop here.
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