Where to stay around Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon and Vatnajökull glacier

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.

If you’re a keen photographer, you’ll find plenty of irresistible locations throughout Iceland. One that has become a firm favourite with travellers is undoubtedly Breiðamerkursandur, better known to visitors as Diamond Beach. It’s easy to visit this place before or after Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon. For those in the planning stages of a visit, here’s our take on the best time to visit and how to photograph it.

Vatnajökull’s immense size means it has many outlet glaciers radiating out from its edge like fingers. One of these is Fjallsjökull glacier, which is above us here at Fjallsárlón, while another is Svínafellsjökull glacier located close by. We’d suggest you make time for both as you travel along Iceland’s scenic south coast, so here’s what to see and do at Svínafellsjökull.

In recent years, Iceland has become a popular destination for travelers all year round. This is a big change from the time Iceland was mostly visited in July and August. The Southeast of Iceland boasts of natural attractions such as Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Skaftafell National Park, Diamond beach, Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Mulagljufur canyon.

Winter in Iceland is a season of extremes, offering a blend of stark beauty and challenging conditions. From November to March, the country transforms into a frozen wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes, icy roads, and the enchanting Northern Lights illuminating the long nights. However, the winter weather in Iceland is unpredictable, shaped by the island’s location in the North Atlantic and its proximity to the Arctic Circle.

The Vatnajökull Ice Cap is the largest in Iceland and the second biggest in Europe after the Severny Island Ice Cap in Novaya Zemlya, Russia. It covers an area of about 7700km2 which represents about 8% of Iceland’s land area. Beneath its surface hide seven active volcanic systems: Öræfajökull, Bárðarbunga, Kverkfjöll, Grímsvötn, Þórðarhyrna, Hamarinn and Esjufjöll. These sometimes cause some of the ice to melt creating floods known as jökulhlaups.

Imagine for a moment, a glacier in the shape of a hand. The main body of ice is the palm, while the outlet glaciers are its fingers. In the case of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, that outlet glacier is Breiðamerkurjökull. As you visit this part of South Iceland, it’s easy to get caught up in its beauty, zooming in on the glittering icebergs and if it’s sunny, their reflections in the water. But it’s also worth taking a step back – literally – so that you can appreciate the bigger picture. Let’s take a look at this important glacier and find out a bit more about it.

In Iceland a glacier lagoon boat tour is an absolute must do experience. Boat tours can be booked in Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and in Fjallsárlón iceberg lagoon. The main reason many people visit Iceland is because a glacier lagoon boat tour is on their bucket list and therefore choose Iceland as their destination.

Glacier lagoons are somewhat like out of a dream or another world. A valid reason to travel to Iceland is to experience something completely new and sailing on a boat next to icebergs will guarantee that wonderful feeling. There are not many places on earth that offer glacier lagoon boat tours in unspoiled nature.

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.

Iceland couldn’t have been better named: it is a land where you’ll often see ice, even if you visit in summer. An estimated 11% of the country is covered in the white stuff, so it’s hard to miss, especially if you’re travelling through the south of the country. That’s where you’ll find Vatnajökull glacier, the subject of this article. You’ll get a great view of it from Route 1, Iceland’s ring road, as you drive to and from Fjallsárlón lagoon. But trust us, you’ll want to get out of the car and take a closer look.

If you’re travelling to Iceland with your children in tow, it’s good to know where to find the most family-friendly activities. The area around Fjallsárlón is a great choice for visitors of all ages, so let’s take a look at what you can do in this part of South Iceland.

Every time I travel, I make a packing list. It helps to avoid forgetting important things, but sometimes, it’s still not foolproof. If you’re planning your trip to the land of fire and ice, the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes, it’s best to be prepared with the right gear and clothes. At the same time, packing light will allow you to move around more easily.

Often you will see zodiac boat tours advertised and you might wonder what kind of boat a zodiac is. Zodiac is the name of the French manufacturer that made and still makes these inflatable boats under the name Zodiac. As zodiac boats have dominated the market in Iceland in the past, people often refer to any type of inflatable boat tours as a Zodiac boat tour. Other strong types of inflatable boats of exist like the DSB boats from Germany (Deutsche Schlauchboot).

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.

If you spend even a short amount of time up on an Icelandic glacier or on the rough roads of the Highlands region, chances are you’ll see a super jeep. But what are these vehicles, why are they so prevalent in Iceland and how can you benefit from one if you’re planning a day tour on Vatnajökull glacier? Let’s find out.