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The activity of floating in water with ice to increase your connection with nature has been around for many years in areas like Finland and Norway, but never in Iceland.
As a pioneer in tourism, our company has a history of introducing unique experiences. We were the first to offer boat tours at Fjallsárlón, starting in 2013, and have since expanded our offerings to include distinctive options like the luxury tour and the overnight adventure. The Ice Floating tour is our latest unique offering, available exclusively at our stunning Fjallsárlón location.
Ice floating, or winter swimming, has been a significant Finnish tradition for about 25 years. A prime example is the Icebreaker Sampo operating from Kemi. A cruise on the Sampo offers the unique experience of sailing through and cutting thick sea ice. The signature activity, ice floating, involves guests safely jumping into the ice-cold channel created by the ship, wearing specialized buoyant survival suits. Described as an invigorating and unforgettable Arctic immersion, the Sampo’s success underscores the lasting appeal of this Finnish winter pursuit.
Ice floating tours are also conducted by numerous companies in other Arctic locations, such as Rovaniemi, Levi, and Ylläs in Finnish Lapland. These tours take place on lakes during both the daytime and the darker hours, offering a chance to see the Northern Lights. Additionally, ice floating has been offered in Arctic Norway, specifically in Tromsø and several of its fjords.
While many companies offer ice floating as a winter activity, at Fjallsárlón we have ice year-round, allowing us to offer this unique experience in all seasons. We also plan to offer the ice floating experience with a chance to view the Northern Lights in the foreseeable future. Imagine laying back in the water, completely relaxed in a survival suit, enjoying the unique ice floating experience with the aurora borealis dancing above you. As far as we know, no one offers ice floating in a glacial lagoon with the stunning backdrop of Europe’s largest glacier and towering mountains.
Get ready for the amazing feeling of Ice Floating, it’s a super unique way to connect with nature.
It sounds crazy, right? Floating in icy water, but trust us, it’s actually incredibly cozy and awesome! You hop into a special suit that keeps you totally dry and warm.
It’s not like swimming at all; you just lie there, totally weightless, floating on the surface. At the same time, the gentle pressure of the water against the suit makes you super aware of the icy beauty and the water itself.
With Fjallsárlón’s stunning icebergs and glacier as your backdrop, this peaceful moment is pure magic for all your senses, a complete, unforgettable immersion in nature.
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When you see the pictures and videos you might be thinking, how cold is Ice floating in Iceland? Not that cold! Ice Floating sounds a little crazy at first, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. When travellers hear about it, the first question is almost always how cold it really is.
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