Svínafellsjökull Glacier Iceland – What to do and where to stay

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.

When thinking of housing in Iceland, one might think that in the past Icelanders used to live in igloos made from snow. The fact is that this is not the case, Icelanders never lived in snow igloos. In the much colder neighboring country Greenland housing was however mostly made of snow. The names “Greenland” and “Iceland” might seem contradictory given the contrasting climates of the two countries. Greenland has always been much icier and colder than Iceland. The reason for the conflicting names dates to when the Norse explorer Eric the Red discovered both countries. He wanted to attract settlers to the icy country, naming it Greenland and deter settlers from coming to Iceland with its milder climate and fertile lands.

Ice caves in Iceland and beyond are one of the most incredible sights nature can offer us. They are scattered across the planet but Iceland, thanks to its abundance of glaciers, is blessed with many of them.

There is so much to see and do in Iceland! It can be hard to pick which nature attractions to stop at or which boat tours to book with limited time travelling in the country. You could spend weeks or even months travelling and always find some new destinations to explore or tours to book. There are several sightseeing boat tours in Iceland that could change an already good holiday to an unforgettable holiday, read on for more information!

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.

Icebergs are large chunks of ice that break off glaciers. They come in all shapes and sizes and more than one color. At Fjallsarlon iceberg lagoon and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon in Southeast Iceland you will see them floating around during spring, summer, and autumn.

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.

Fjallsárlón is an exquisite lagoon whose backdrop is Fjallsjökull, one of the outlet glaciers of magnificent Vatnajökull (see photo above). Here, the glacier drops down steeply towards the water, adding drama and accentuating the contrast between the lake and its background. Trust us, this is a landscape worthy of the overused epithet awesome.

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.

Exploring Vatnajökull’s natural ice caves is a bucket list experience for many travelers visiting Iceland. These caves are formed every winter by melting glacier water and reshaped by seasonal changes. Ice caves can have vibrant blue walls and interesting ice formations. However, accessing these wonders requires preparation, proper gear, and understanding Iceland’s sometimes unforgiving environment and every changing weather. This guide covers the essential tips for having a safe and enjoyable ice cave tour in Vatnajökull Glacier in Iceland, along with a bonus suggestion to visit nearby Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon located in the National Park.

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.

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.

Glaciers are not the most inviting home or habitat for animals, therefore Iceland in general does not boost of the most flourishing wildlife in the world. Over the centuries wildlife and animals have adapted and evolved to survive in these harsh conditions.

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.

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.