If you’ve been researching a visit to Fjallsárlón, then you might be interested to learn that it’s not the only glacier lagoon in Iceland. That should come as no surprise as Vatnajökull glacier is vast, after all. Let’s take a brief look at some of the more notable glacier lagoons that you might choose to visit. Most lagoons can be easily reached on foot. But be mindful of your safety at all times; going with a guide is advisable for longer hikes or tours. Two out of these lagoons offer boat tours, which you may consider booking for a more adventurous, educational and fun experience. Fjallsarlon Iceberg Lagoon offers small boat experience away from the crowds and Jokulsarlon lagoon offers amphibian boat tours and zodiac boat tours. You can also join a kayak tours on both lagoons.
Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon
Fjallsárlón has been described as an overlooked gem, and while Jökulsárlón tends to be busy, this is where you should come if you prefer somewhere more serene. The backdrop is even more spectacular, with Öræfajökull glacier rising majestically behind the lake and icebergs bobbing around on the water throughout the warmer months. Boat trips here are a more intimate experience and can be even more memorable than at Fjallsárlón’s busier neighbour. Seals can at times be seen swimming around or resting on top of icebergs. As the temperatures fall, this place takes on an entirely different character, as the lagoon often freezes over to create nature’s own winter wonderland. If you are visiting during winter an evening or a night walk to the lagoon could reward you with sightings of the Northern Lights or the so called Aurora Borealis. From Fjallsarlon you can join a Arctic Glacier Hike that leads onto Fjallsjokull above the lagoon offering magnificent sights over the lagoon. Or why not combine best of both iceberg boat tour and glacier hike on the Ultimate Glacier Adventure? If you are driving from Reykjavik, you should allow 5-6 hours to drive the south coast to reach Fjallsárlón. Parking is free at Fjallsárlón.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The most famous of Iceland’s glacier lagoons has long been on the tourist trail and as a result you may expect a lot of visitor visiting during the day. Located a little further east of Fjallsárlón, it’s usually strewn with icebergs. Boat trips, using amphibious vehicles and Zodiacs, putter out onto the water so that visitors can get a close up look at the ice and also the snout of the glacier. You might also see seals lazily swimming in the frigid water. Stroll along the edge of the lagoon towards the sea where you’ll find Breiðamerkursandur, Fellsfjara or (Diamond Beach), where icebergs are washed back onto the black sand by powerful Atlantic waves. Parking charges are collected on-site.
Breiðárlón
Nestled between Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón is Breiðárlón lagoon. Like its two neighbours, icebergs often bob around on this unspoilt lagoon. They originate from the same outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, Breiðamerkurjökull – and in fact a river of water from Breiðárlón feeds Fjallsárlón. It’s similarly quiet compared to Jökulsárlón lagon and Fjallsárlón but that’s because it’s a bit less accessible. To reach this one you’ll either need a 4×4 to drive you along a gravel track or be prepared to hike on foot. The views of the glacier are especially good here, but you won’t see seals frolicking in the water or a lot of icebergs.
Kvíárjökull Glacier Lagoon
Kvíárjökull is a glacier tongue that extends from the south side of Öræfajökull glacier. Located further west than Fjallsárlón, there’s a small yet photogenic glacial lagoon in front of the body of ice. The mountain that rises behind the lagoon is also noteworthy: this is Hvannadalshnjúkur, which is Iceland’s tallest peak measuring 2,110 metres to its summit. With such an extraordinary landscape looming behind this impressively steep glacier, it’s hard not to be wowed by this place.
Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull Glacier Lagoons
There are a few glacial lagoons in Skaftafell National Park, but these are the most easily accessible. It’s possible to hike from the visitor centre, and you can be admiring icebergs in the water after only a short walk of just over a mile. Morsárjökull glacier lagoon takes more of an effort to reach, but you’ll be rewarded with views of one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, Morsárfoss in the background. It’s 240 metres high, though the bottom part of this waterfall is hidden under layers of ice.
Other glacial lagoons in Iceland
Other glacial lagoons include Heinabergslón lagoon and Hoffelslón lagoon; these lagoons are located in East Iceland. further north in the Westfjords at Drangajökull, you’ll find Kaldalón (Cold Lake).
