A glimse in the Life of a Fjallsárlón Explorer

Iceland couldn’t have been better named: it is a land where you’ll often see ice, even if you visit in summer. An estimated 11% of the country is covered in the white stuff, so it’s hard to miss, especially if you’re travelling through the south of the country. That’s where you’ll find Vatnajökull glacier, the subject of this article. You’ll get a great view of it from Route 1, Iceland’s ring road, as you drive to and from Fjallsárlón lagoon. But trust us, you’ll want to get out of the car and take a closer look.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland are the famous glacier lagoons, Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon. The lagoons are located only 10-minutes’ drive apart and are in rural area in the southeast of Iceland. Being in the middle of nowhere there are not many restaurants in the area.

Glaciers in Iceland have been retreating in Iceland for the last decades. This is a result of global warming which has had a huge effect on the glacier rivers that flow from the glaciers. As the glaciers are getting smaller there is less ice to melt causing glacier rivers to decrease in volume as time goes by.

Iceland is often referred to as the land of fire and ice! You shouldn’t be surprised to learn that it’s home to a number of glaciers, the largest being Vatnajökull. Let’s find out a little more about them and how you can combine a glacier excursion with a visit to Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon.

When you think of Iceland, one of the most striking images that likely comes to mind are its stunning glaciers. Among them, Vatnajökull reigns supreme as Iceland’s largest, with numerous glacier outlets crawling from its core.

If you spend even a short amount of time up on an Icelandic glacier or on the rough roads of the Highlands region, chances are you’ll see a super jeep. But what are these vehicles, why are they so prevalent in Iceland and how can you benefit from one if you’re planning a day tour on Vatnajökull glacier? Let’s find out.

Vatnajökull National Park is the largest of Iceland’s three national parks. It encompasses around 12% of the country’s total area and about a quarter of its central highland region. The area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019 and is effectively funded and well-managed by the Icelandic government in the form of the Vatnajökull National Park agency (Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður) which is also responsible for risk management.

Höfn is a popular base for travellers looping the ring road, offering a wider range of facilities, accommodation, and eateries than other, smaller settlements along this part of the southeast coast. Don’t pass by without sampling a little of what it has to offer: here are the top ten things to do in Höfn and its surroundings.

The Icelandic horse is the original breed that the first inhabitants, vikings of Iceland brought with them in the early settlement of Iceland in 874. Many believe that the settlers picked out the very best livestock possible to transfer oversea when they relocated to a land with such harsh weather conditions. It is also believed that once livestock had been established in Iceland that the settlers that followed soon ceased bringing livestock with them and simply purchased what they needed from previous settlers.

Ice cave tours in Iceland have become increasingly popular among tourists and adventurers, lured by the stunning natural ethereal blue light that filters through the glacial ice into the caves. However, as with any natural wonder, the question of safety is paramount. Understanding the safety of ice caves in Iceland requires considering various factors, including the nature of the caves, environmental conditions, and the importance of guided tours. So, the short answer to that question is YES ice cave tours are safe. Saying that the key to a safe experience lies in preparation, respect for the natural environment, and awareness of the inherent dangers. Please read on for more information about ice cave safety.

Iceland is often referred to as the Land of Fire and Ice but no visit to the country would be complete without water. There are some great boat tours that you can book to get out on some of the most scenic lakes, lagoons, rivers and coastal waterways. You’ll often be treated to the bonus of some wildlife sightings too such as seals or birdlife. If you are looking for a hidden gem you should visit Fjallsárlón lagoon during your next trip. Here are some of the boat tours South Iceland can offer.

The company Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tours was founded in 2013, offering iceberg lagoon boat tours from the back of a trailer. Since then, a lot has changed. In 2017 we opened a new tour reception for boat tours, and at Frost restaurant, we were able to welcome hungry travelers. We can proudly say that our service center next to a glacier lagoon is the best facility any activity company in the area offers. We believe that the overall experience when going on any tour should be good from the moment you park your car and until you leave again.

When you travel, is food your thing? Getting to know an area’s cuisine and trying out its restaurants and cafés can be a great way of finding out about the cultural heritage of a place. But even more than that it’s a chance to enjoy delicious food in new surroundings. If you haven’t eaten at Frost Restaurant while you’ve been visiting Fjallsárlón, you might be feeling peckish by the time you reach Höfn. Or perhaps it’s your next overnight stop. Either way, here’s our food lover’s guide to Höfn in Iceland, including where to track down the best eats and treats.

Skaftafell is located in the heart of Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland. It has been protected since 1967 and is a breathtaking wilderness that combines spectacular natural scenery with cultural heritage. You’ll pass by on the way to Fjallsárlón if you’re coming from the west. Like many places in Iceland, Skaftafell boasts extraordinary landscape and is a good focus point for several outdoor activities, not least scenic hikes. At Skaftafell, you will also find food trucks, good camping grounds and tourist information centre if you decide you want to stay overnight.

If you’re planning to do a road trip in Iceland, it’s highly likely you’ll find yourself driving through the scenic south region. In that case, you’ll want to spend some time on Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull – or its outlet glaciers – and experience at least one glacier lagoon. Fjallsárlón is a great choice if so, a tranquil lagoon with a striking backdrop of glacial ice. Let’s take a look at what it’s like to go there at different times of the year and what you should expect.