Fjallsárlón is a proglacial lake in South Iceland, at the southern edge of the Vatnajökull ice cap. The outlet glacier Fjallsjökull reaches the water and calves into it, so icebergs drift across the surface. The lagoon covers about 4 square kilometres and lies within Vatnajökull National Park; the volcano Öræfajökull rises above it. Jökulsárlón is about 10 km east. People come for the close view of the glacier front and for the boat trips on the lagoon.
Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon
Local name: Fjallsárlón
The lagoon water is brown, not blue: it is full of rock silt the glacier grinds off and washes in as it melts.
- Entrance
- Free.
- Parking
- Two car parks off the Ring Road. The eastern one, by the restaurant, is free. The western one charges for parking, paid through the Parka app.
- Address
- Fjallsárlón, 785 Iceland
What makes it special
The glacier front is the point here. Fjallsjökull, an outlet tongue of Vatnajökull, comes down to the far side of the lagoon and breaks off into it. Hundreds of icebergs sit on the water in front of it, in every size from fist to house.
The water is brown rather than blue. It carries silt ground off the bedrock by the ice and washed in as the glacier melts. Above the lagoon stands Öræfajökull, the volcano under the ice cap.
Jökulsárlón lies about 10 km east and takes most of the traffic. Far fewer people come to Fjallsárlón, and the viewpoints reached from the western turn-off are the emptiest part of it. Boat trips run on the lagoon from the eastern side.
Good to know
- Two turn-offs The western one leads to viewpoints over the glacier and the western end of the lagoon; the eastern one to the boats and the bigger car park.
- Toilets There are toilets at the eastern site, and they charge a fee.
- Ropes Parts of the shore are roped off. Stay behind them.
- Summer Skuas nest on the ground around the lagoon. Keep well clear of the nests.
- On site A restaurant called Frost and a boat-tour operator work from the eastern car park.
Getting there
Fjallsárlón is reached by car from the Ring Road, and two separate turn-offs lead in. The western one ends at viewpoints over the glacier and the western end of the lagoon. The eastern one, about a kilometre further along, serves the larger car park with the restaurant and the boat operator. From the car park it is roughly a ten-minute walk to the water.
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Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon on the map
In summer skuas nest on the ground around the lagoon. These are big gulls, and they defend the nests. Keep away from them. Parts of the shore are roped off — stay behind the ropes.
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Frequently asked questions
How does Fjallsárlón differ from Jökulsárlón?
Jökulsárlón lies about 10 km east and is the larger of the two. Fjallsárlón takes far fewer visitors, and the glacier tongue that feeds it comes right down to the water in full view.Can you go out on the lagoon by boat?
Yes. At least one operator runs boat trips on the lagoon from the eastern side, working out of the larger car park.Is there anywhere to eat, and are there toilets?
There is a restaurant called Frost at the eastern car park. Toilets are available on that side and charge a fee.Why is the water brown?
It is glacial silt. The ice grinds rock to powder, and meltwater carries it into the lagoon, which turns the water the colour of chocolate milk.Are there birds to watch out for?
In summer skuas nest on the ground around the lagoon. They are large gulls that defend their nests, so keep your distance from the shoreline grass.