Iceland is known for its clean air, good drinking water, geothermal pools, welcoming residents and lastly but not least breathtaking landscapes. The country’s iconic spots, such as glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches, attract thousands of visitors every year especially in the south of Iceland. With the increasing number of tourists, managing parking at these nature attractions can be confusing. Here’s an overview of what you can expect when parking at some of Iceland’s most visited natural wonders, including fees and free parking spots on the Ring Road.
Parking Costs at Popular Nature Attractions
1. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
2. Fjallsárlón, located in southeast Iceland, is a breathtaking glacier lagoon offering stunning views of icebergs floating serenely across the water. One of the advantages of visiting Fjallsárlón is that parking is completely free and easy to reach. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings without any time restrictions or fees. The parking area is well-maintained, ensuring a smooth experience for those exploring the glacier lagoon and the surrounding area. You can relax and join a zodiac boat tour or have lunch at Frost restaurant.
3. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon, located just a few kilometers away from Fjallsárlón, also has a parking fee. The cost here is around ISK 1,000 ($7.50 USD) for the day. Since this lagoon is a must-visit for many tourists, parking can get crowded, especially in peak seasons. Early arrivals or visits during off-peak hours are recommended to secure a spot close to the lagoon.
4. Diamond Beach Situated across the road from Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach is a stunning black sand beach where icebergs from the lagoon wash up onshore. If you have already paid for parking at Jokulsarlon you do not need to pay for parking and vice versa. It is close to Jökulsárlón parking lot, so visitors often explore both attractions together.
5. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall One of Iceland’s largest and most iconic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss, is located along the Ring Road in the south of the country. Parking at Seljalandsfoss is managed with a small fee of ISK 800 ($5.25 USD), payable on-site. Finding a parking spot is usually easy, but during the busy summer months, it’s still wise to arrive early.
6. Black Beach (Reynisfjara) The world-famous black sand beach at Reynisfjara, near the town of Vík, is another busy tourist attraction. There is a parking fee of ISK 1,000 ($7.50 USD) at this location. As the beach has strong tides and can be dangerous, parking fees contribute to maintaining safety measures and amenities like restrooms.
Free Parking on the Ring Road
Though some of the most popular tourist destinations require paid parking, there are still plenty of places along Iceland’s Ring Road where you can park for free. Many roadside viewpoints, lesser-known waterfalls, and hiking spots don’t require any payment for parking. These include the lesser-visited, Seljavallalaug Pool. At Skógafoss waterfall parking is free and additionally, many campsites and roadside rest stops offer free parking for a quick stopover.
How to Pay for Parking in Iceland
Paying for parking in Iceland is generally simple and straightforward. Some locations accept payment through mobile apps, such as EasyPark and Parka, which are widely used across the country. These apps allow you to pay for parking directly from your phone, making the process more convenient so we do recommend downloading the apps. At other tourist attractions you sometimes have the option to pay through a credit or debit card using ticket machines. The machines typically display instructions in English and Icelandic, making it easy for international visitors.
In areas where a physical ticket is required, it’s important to display the ticket on your vehicle’s dashboard to avoid fines.
Parking in Iceland, particularly at the country’s most famous natural attractions, is generally affordable and well-managed. Fees collected help maintain these stunning landscapes, ensuring that they remain pristine and safe for visitors. While you can expect to pay for parking at popular spots like Jökulsárlón and Seljalandsfoss waterfall, many smaller attractions along the Ring Road offer free parking. Whether you’re exploring well-known landmarks or discovering hidden gems, being aware of the parking rules and payment options will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
When this article is written, other famous sights are going to or have already started charging for parking. At Sólheimasandur plane wreck Hjörleifshöfði Cape, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon area have all started charging for parking. At Geysir Geothermal Pools parking fees will be charged soon. The cost of parking adds up if you decide to stop at all these attractions. We therefore recommend you plan and decide which attractions you do not want to miss and find lesser-known attractions along the way you want to visit.
