Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon​ - a Hidden Gem of Southwest Iceland

If you’re planning a road trip along Iceland’s south coast, you’ve likely heard of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a highlight of Vatnajökull National Park. Fewer people know about its quieter neighbor, the scenic Fjallsárlón

This lagoon offers much of Jökulsárlón’s dramatic scenery but with fewer crowds making it a more personal experience and worth a stop.

A little background
Fjallsárlón formed as the Fjallsjökull glacier retreated. Fjallsjökull is part of the larger Öræfajökull Glacier, which flows from Vatnajökull. Though smaller than Jökulsárlón, the lake has its own charm. From the water, you’ll see the jagged peak of Miðaftanstindur its pyramid shape easy to spot. The close-up view shows details etched into the glacier’s surface

How it came to be
The lagoon is about 70 years old. Meltwater from Fjallsjökull filleda basin carved by ice during colder times. Water also comes from Hrútárjökull glacier and the River Breiðá through Breiðárlón lake, making Fjallsárlón Iceland’s fourth deepest lake. Unlike Jökulsárlón, it isn’t connected to the ocean, so its icebergs stay put.

Things to do
Boat tours run from April to November. Zodiacs take visitors close to the glacier and its icebergs for about 45 minutes, with gear provided to stay warm. Children five and up can join if accompanied by an adult. Bring your own hat and gloves for extra comfort.

Glacier hikes are available for those reasonably fit. After a ride in a super jeep or 4x4, you’ll strap on crampons and explore six to seven kilometers of ice. Expect sweeping views of the mountains, and the thrill of walking among crevasses and moraines.

Getting there
By car, Fjallsárlón is about two hours from Vík and just over an hour from Höfn. It sits right by the Ring Road, clearly signposted. From Reykjavík a summer day trip is possible, though most travelers split the drive.

Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach are only ten minutes away, so many visitors see both lagoons in one trip. Each visit feels different, as the size and number of icebergs change constantly.

Parking at Fjallsárlón costs 1000 ISK per car. Visiting Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach the same day covers all three, and returning the next day is half price.

 

Some quick answers:

• Distance from Jökulsárlón: about ten minutes by car.

• How to get there: drive along the Ring Road between Höfn and Vík

• Pronunciation: roughly “fyatls-owr-lawn.” Locals don’t mind mistakes.

• Kayaking: not available yet; boat tours are the main option.

• Name meaning: “Mountain lagoon” in Icelandic