If you’ve been looking into a trip to Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, you’ll have most likely come across neighbouring lagoon Jökulsárlón. They’re both spectacular glacial lagoons and popular with international tourists as well as locals. Located just a fifteen-minute drive from each other, it’s advisable to visit both. Let’s find out more about the larger of the two, Jökulsárlón here with our ultimate guide.
Boat tours
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland you will find Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon, the natural landscape is like something out of a movie. That’s the main reason filmmakers are drawn to Fjallsarlon, the lagoon is slowly gaining popularity as a filming location for both movies and music videos.
Fjallsárlón or Fjallsarlon is a natural glacial lagoon located in Southeast Iceland within Vatnajökull National Park. The lagoon started to form about 70 years ago when Fjallsjökull glacier started to retreat. In earlier times, as the glacier expanded the glacier carved into the landscape pushing hills and land aside making a gap of 100 meters below sea level. Naturally when the glacier started to melt away Fjallsarlon, a magnificent glacier lagoon slowly materialized right in front of the glacier tongue. Fjallsarlon is now the 4th deepest lagoon or lake in Iceland.
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.
What is the difference between Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón Lagoons
I am often asked what the difference is between Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón. In this article you will find information about both ice lagoons. Both glacier lagoons are in Southeast Iceland with approximately 10 minutes’ drive between them.
In Iceland a glacier lagoon boat tour is an absolute must do experience. Boat tours can be booked in Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and in Fjallsárlón iceberg lagoon. The main reason many people visit Iceland is because a glacier lagoon boat tour is on their bucket list and therefore choose Iceland as their destination.
Glacier lagoons are somewhat like out of a dream or another world. A valid reason to travel to Iceland is to experience something completely new and sailing on a boat next to icebergs will guarantee that wonderful feeling. There are not many places on earth that offer glacier lagoon boat tours in unspoiled nature.
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.
Often you will see zodiac boat tours advertised and you might wonder what kind of boat a zodiac is. Zodiac is the name of the French manufacturer that made and still makes these inflatable boats under the name Zodiac. As zodiac boats have dominated the market in Iceland in the past, people often refer to any type of inflatable boat tours as a Zodiac boat tour. Other strong types of inflatable boats of exist like the DSB boats from Germany (Deutsche Schlauchboot).
Fjallsárlón or Fjallsarlon is actually a very young natural phenomenon and does not have a long history in terms of being a lagoon. Here is a short history lesson on this area and facts about Fjallsarlon.
When Iceland settlement started in 874 it was said that the land was all grown with trees between the ocean and the mountains. The glaciers in Iceland were at the time also much smaller than they are today. During the first centuries after Iceland’s settlement there were 3 big farms in the area of Breiðamerkursandur the area where you now have Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon. Neither lagoon existed. But in the area was a big forest called Breiðamörk (Breidamork). It means broad forest.
The farm on the east side of this area was called Fell, on the west side the farm was called Fjall, and in the middle was the third farm with same name as the forest and called Breiðamörk.
When visiting Iceland, it is hard to choose what to do, which sights are worth your time and which tours and activities to book. Iceland has so much to offer, and we understand that your time here is valuable. We have listened to our guests’ comments and wishes and have developed a perfect tour that combines a boat tour, glacier hike and super jeep ride, The Ultimate Glacier Adventure Trio! Do you want to save time in rushing from one tour operator to another and driving long distances to your next location for yet another check in? If the answer is yes, the Ultimate Glacier Adventure Trio could be your perfect choice as we offer the whole package from Fjallsarlon base camp.