If you’ve come to Iceland in the hope of experiencing its majestic glaciers, then the south east of the country is where you should set your sights. This corner of Iceland is not only where you’ll find Vatnajökull, a vast ice cap that shrouds an area covering a sizeable proportion of the country’s total area, but also its numerous outlet glaciers. These are the ideal place to have some ice-based adventures – let’s find out more with our roundup of some of the top glacier tours you can take in south east Iceland.
Fjallsarlon Blog
Iceland’s home to more than 250 named glaciers, including Vatnajökull, its largest glacier which covers around 10% of the country. They encompass a plethora of types, such as ice caps, outlet glaciers and ice accumulation on mountains.
Iceland’s majestic glaciers are a compelling reason to visit this mid-Atlantic country, and many of the most accessible glaciers are found in the southeast region. During your visit, it’s likely you’ll want to take some souvenir images of these wonderful landforms. If that’s the case, here’s what you need to know about photographing glaciers in south east Iceland.
If you are visiting Iceland and want to know more about glacier lagoons, and glaciers we recommend that you check out the variety of tours we offer. All our tours are operated in Vatnajökull National Park in southeast Iceland, we have the best check in and restroom facilities in the area. We strive to offer personal, educational and fun tours away from the crowds. So, if you want to avoid overcrowded places, we would be happy to welcome you on one of our adventure tours!
Öræfajökull (Oraefajokull glacier) volcano above Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon is by far the biggest volcano in Iceland by volume around 300km3. Located in Vatnajokull National Park in the Southeast of Iceland you will find impressive sights surrounding the volcano giant. At the top of the mountain the crater is around 14km2 filled with ice. Crawling down from the brim there are eight glacier tongues that extend from the glacier, one of them being our Fjallsjökull Glacier.
Vatnajökull is the largest of Iceland’s trio of national parks. Centred on one of Europe’s largest glaciers, it attracts outdoor enthusiasts and sightseers keen to get an eyeful of one of the country’s most impressive natural landforms. Drive along the country’s south coast on the ring road and it looms large beside you, ever present.
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.
In the National park of Vatnajökull you will find many companies offering various types of activity tours. The national park covers a large area, all Vatnajökull glacier and big land areas north of Vatnajökull and west of Vatnajökull. In the southern region of the National Park, the land area within the park is relatively small because the glacier and its tongues extend close to the sea. In between, you’ll find Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Glaciers and glacial lagoons are fascinating places. These mighty tongues of ice carve their way through the landscape like giant bulldozers. Though the rate of movement is too slow to observe with the naked eye, the evidence that it’s happening is all around us as the valley is shaped by the erosional power of the ice as it slides imperceptibly downhill due to gravity.
Fjallsárlón and the surrounding glaciers. Visiting a glacier is a real highlight of any trip to Iceland, and if you’re planning to travel along the country’s scenic southern coast, you won’t regret calling in at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the surrounding glaciers. With a backdrop of ice, it’s a breathtaking sight, but these majestic landforms can be hazardous, so it’s never a good idea to climb up on a glacier on your own. You can join the Ultimate Glacier Adventure a perfect combo of boat tour and glacier hike.