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.
What makes Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon such a popular visitor attraction?
Most people come to Jökulsárlón for the beautiful view, the lagoon can be seen from the main road so most travellers stop on their travels. This lagoon is up to 250 metres deep and is the deepest lagoon in Iceland. It is found at the foot of Breiðamerkurjökull, which is an outlet glacier of the much larger Vatnajökull Glacier. Chunks of the glacier break off or calve into the water and float slowly out to sea on the tide.
Once the icebergs reach the Atlantic, they are washed back onto the black sand beach called Breiðamerkursandur or Fellsfjara beach. Tourists have nicknamed it Diamond Beach as the icebergs catch the light and glitter in the sun like diamonds, particularly when silhouetted against the black sand on a bright day. The waves continue to erode the ice, forming weird shapes, holes and hollows as they do so. Eventually, the icebergs melt away completely.
What to see and do while you’re there
One of the easiest things to do at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon is simply to take a walk along the water’s edge. From this vantage point you can see the glacier in the distance and also watch the icebergs – some of them large – drifting along a narrow channel and out to sea. You might even spot seals swimming around and poking their heads up out of the water.
Most visitors, however, are keen to get out on the water for a closer look. There are a few different options to choose from.
Amphibian boat
The word amphibian comes from the Greek, meaning to lead a double life. Amphibian boats are able to run over land as well as float on water, making them ideal for short tours of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. You’ll board this sizeable vessel while it’s on land and remain aboard as it drives into the water.
You’ll putter around the lagoon getting as close as safety permits to the icebergs and to the edge of the glacier. A guide will explain how and why icebergs calve from the glacier and answer any questions you and your fellow visitors might have. Then after about 35 minutes, you’ll head back to the shore and drive back to base where the tour will end.
Zodiac boat
This is a different experience as the boats are much smaller and you’ll be lower to the water’s surface, meaning you can get closer to the ice. You’ll board a boat that’s been moored on the jetty. The group will take their seats on either side and remain seated for the duration of the excursion. The boat will motor out into the lagoon.
Typically you’ll get quite close to the snout of the glacier and be able to appreciate the cracks and crevasses in the surface of the ice. If there are seals in the lagoon, you might see them hauled out on the icebergs, particularly where it’s relatively quiet, or they might swim close to the boat. This is a longer tour, lasting around 75 minutes on the water, so you will also have to allow some time before the tour as check in is 30 minutes prior to tour.
Kayak
For an even more intimate experience you can take a kayak tour of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. It’s possible to do this even if you’re a complete novice as full training is given and your guide will offer further instruction out on the lake should you need it. Solo and tandem kayaks are available.
The group will slide into their kayaks and push off, paddling out into the deeper part of the lake. It’s a little daunting to think that most of the ice is submerged and if the iceberg rolls over, there’ll be quite a swell, but your guide will be on hand to keep you safe. Slipping silently through the water, you’ll be able to appreciate nature at her most glorious in this special place.
Are the tours open to everyone?
It’s worth considering both to see which one best suits the needs of your party. For example, if you have young children in tow then you’ll need to book the amphibian boat as there’s a minimum age for participation in the Zodiac and kayaking tours. If you’re not sure which to pick and have specific needs, it’s worth sending an email to get answers to any questions you may have.
What gear do you need and what facilities are there at Jökulsárlón?
Though there are no large towns nearby, all the facilities you might need are handily located on site. For instance, there are public toilets so that you can make sure there’s no risk of being caught short while you’re out on the water. There’s a café, open year-round and some food trucks here too, so if you’re hungry after your tour you can refuel.
In terms of getting out on the lagoon, all specialist gear will be provided by the tour operator and you’ll be able to change at their office. For example, you’ll be given flotation suits to pull on over your own clothes. They’ll keep you warm, as out in the exposed sections of the lake close to the ice it can get a bit windy and chilly. Lifejackets are also provided and must be worn.
If you want to have a hearty lunch before or after visiting you might want to check out Frost Restaurant, located 10-15 minutes’ drive west. The view overlooking the glacier from the restaurant is breathtaking, also here the restroom facilities are one of the best in the area.
Which is better, Fjallsárlón or Jökulsárlón?
That’s impossible to answer as the two lagoons offer very different experiences. We’d definitely urge you to see both, as well as pay a visit to Diamond Beach – after all, they are all so close together it would be a pity not to. On a sunny day especially, this part of Iceland is extraordinarily beautiful, and you’ll want to hang around for as long as possible.
Fjallsárlón offers a more intimate experience than its larger neighbour and is more likely to freeze over in the winter. Usually, it is much less crowded as you cannot see the lagoon from the main road, this will be especially advantageous if you’re planning a trip in the busy summer season. The heart shaped glacier puts its mark on the striking view at Fjallsarlon. You can take Zodiac boat trips out on both lagoons to see icebergs close up and similarly, there’s a backdrop of mountains and glacial ice at both locations. As the crowd flocks to Jokulsarlon why not join a tour at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon for a more intimate and private excursion. Parking at Fjallsarlon is also free.
How to get there
Jökulsárlón is located beside the ring road, Iceland’s route 1, in south east Iceland. It’s about a five hour drive from Reykjavik. Although it’s possible to visit on a day trip from the capital, most people prefer to stay on the south coast and spend a bit longer in this scenic part of the country. Fjallsárlón is just a few miles to the west so it’s easy to visit both places should you wish.
