What is Fjallsárlón?
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.
Above Fjallsárlón lagoon you will see a triangle mountain towering over the glacial lagoon called Miðaftanstindur (Mid-afternoon peak would be some kind of translation). The shape of the mountain is a unique triangle form, that adds contrast to the glacier in the background, making Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon photographers paradise. Our COMPANY logo is inspired by Miðaftantindur mountain as the triangle mountain reflects in Fjallsárlón lagoon next to a floating iceberg. Additionally, if you look closely, you will see a heart shape in Fjallsjökull Glacier. Therefore, Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon can be easily distinguished from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon it´s neighboring lagoon. Often, you will see photos from the media or tourists, posting a picture of Fjallsárlón lagoon naming it as Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. If you’re familiar with Fjallsarlon surroundings, the mountain Miðaftanstindur and the heart-shaped feature in the glacier, it’s easy to spot the difference between the lagoons. Jökulsárlón is also a larger lagoon, meaning that the views of the glacier and mountain are seen from a greater distance.
Fjallsárlón water formation
The water that makes up Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon mostly comes from Fjallsjökull glacier. Plus, there is also a lot of water flowing in the lagoon from a river called Breiðá on the east side of the lagoon. Breiðá river streams from another glacial lagoon called Breiðárlón. Breiðárlón is in front of the vast Breiðarmerkurjökull glacier just like Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The two lagoons in front of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier do not connect. Breiðárlón does not have floating icebergs like Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón. Additionally, water comes from the third glacier, Hrútárjökull, situated on the western side of Fjallsjökull, contributing to the lagoon of Fjallsárlón. Consequently, Fjallsárlón accumulates a substantial amount of water, resulting in a powerful river flowing out to sea from the lagoon called Fjallsá.
In the past the river from Jökulsárlón, Jökulsá was most of the time only a small river. The sea managed to breach the land and seawater started to flow into Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on high tide, enlarging the river. Furthermore, with the amount of sea flowing into the lagoon the lagoon has gotten bigger and bigger. At low tide, the mix of sea water with glacier meltwater must pass through a narrow river outlet. Watching this from the bridge over Jökulsárlón can be spectacular. In the past Breiðá and Fjallsá rivers carried a great volume of water, and they still do. Seawater does not mix with the glacial water in either lagoon, as both are located further inland.
Fjallsárlón Glaciers – National Park
The glacier Fjallsjökull that created Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon is one of the most impressive glacier tongues you will find in Iceland. It is huge, streaming down almost 1800 meters and is two kilometers wide. The ice that is found in Fjallsjökull originates from the summit within the crater of a volcano known as Öræfajökull, the tallest mountain in Iceland. The crater gathers a lot of snow during winter. From the lowest edges of the glacier crater, several glacier tongues extend outward, one of them being Fjallsjökull.
With an 1800-meter-thick ice mass crawling down the mountain above the lagoon, it is no surprise that people are impressed when they look towards the glacier’s edge. During summer when temperatures rise, ice breaks off the glacier wall, and icebergs of various sizes drift around the lagoon. All this creates a magical environment where we have had the privilege of running our CLASSIC BOAT TOURClassic Boat Tour for over a decade.
Fjallsarlon tours
The company Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours was founded in 2013 by local friends native to the area. We offer top-notch tours year-round guided by our commitment to respecting the natural environment in which we live and work in. the Fjallsárlón team consists of individuals from various backgrounds and corners of the globe, united by a passion for Iceland’s nature.
At Fjallsarlon we have excellent service facilities which are hard to find in the area. FROST RESTAURANT is located also in Southeast Iceland close to the lagoon offering buffet style menu, alcoholic drinks, hot drinks such as coffee and hot chocolate.
At Fjallsarlon parking is free so why not stop by and check out the lagoon, our tours or have lunch on your travels.
OUR TOURS
Your multi adventure starts with a calm boat ride on Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon. Following the boat ride, you’ll land at the foot of Fjallsjokull glacier, a place we have secluded access to. After the glacier hike, you will walk to a super jeep for a fun 15-20 min. return drive.
Sail with us in a Zodiac boat, amongst floating icebergs on the majestic Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This adventure tour will allow you to connect with the Icelandic nature in a way you have never experienced before. Come, have fun and cruise with us!
Immerse yourself in the spectacular Icelandic wilderness and spend a memorable night on the lagoon. The magnificent view over the glacier lagoon towards Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe is sure to impress even the most experienced traveler!
On this private tour you can decide along with your captain how your cruise evolves. Cruise among icebergs and sail beside the glacier wall in your own style! This tour is popular with couples, friends & families who want to share an adventure in a private and personal way.
Cruise to a secret island located close to the edge of the glacier in the lagoon. Set foot on land that only few have entered! Sip champagne and take in the magnificent view towards Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Create memories that will last a lifetime.
Explore the Icelandic wilderness on our way to a blue ice cave located in Breidarmerkurjokull glacier outlet.
Ice caves are a natural wonder that every adventurer should behold.
BLUE ICE GLACIER HIKE
Encounter the extraordinary by joining our exclusive glacier hike! This trip is tailored for those who seek adventure, are physically fit, and have a deep desire to explore the untouched, rugged attraction of Fjallsjökull glacier.