Fjallsarlon glacial lagoon (Iceland) – Visit Tips + Photos

The Fjallsarlon glacial lagoon in Iceland is the little brother of the famous Jokulsarlon. 
It is definitively worth a stop because you are closer to the glacier!
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit to Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon with tips, map and photos.

Why visit the Fjallsarlon glacial lagoon in Iceland?

Is the lagoon of Fjallsarlon worth visiting?

In my opinion, absolutely yes. I think a stop here is really worth it as you are closer to the glacier, with interesting background mountains and surrounded by significantly less tourists (although more and more). You can enjoy a quiet moment. It breathes peace and tranquility.
It is not always filled with icebergs, but when there are stop they sometimes land on the shore and epic pictures!

About the name + How to pronounce Fjallsarlon?

Lon means lagoon, Fjall means mountain and sar means river - so 'Mountain river lagoon' (from what I understood, but I cannot cross reference to confirm).
You can listen to the pronunciation HERE.

More photos after the planning tips.

Planning tips & Map - Fjallsarlon, Iceland

Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:

• Option 1 - Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
• Option 2 - compare cars and prices of local brands on GuidetoIceland.com
• If you plan on driving on F-roads in the Central Highlands, you need a good 4WD - otherwise, no.
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles (it is a popular island)

See my articles about renting a car in Iceland and driving there.

Visiting Fjallsarlon

• Free access
• You can walk up to a viewpoint area - it is quite impressive, and you can see the glacier wall very well
• The path down can be slippery. Pay attention.
• There can be big variances in the number and size of icebergs. But it is always nice.
• If there are none or little icebergs you can still see the details of the glacier. 
• In Summer do not get too close to the big Skuas bird. They are protecting their nests and can dive bomb towards you if you get too close
• Restaurant - You can find food at the Fjallsarlon Frost Restaurant in Summer (bistro-style with views of the glacier)
• Glacier lagoon Boat tours are proposed to get closer to the glacier - Book your seat
• And check out my complete article with detailed suggestions and tips on what to wear and pack for Iceland to stay warm and comfortable

Best time to visit Fjallsarlon

• Facing South / South East, beautiful light all day long - but better in the morning for photography
• The Glacier lagoon can be visited all year long - it is always a great stop
• Remember that in Iceland, the weather can change quickly
• If visiting in Winter, be careful as the path down to the shore can be slippery

How long to spend at Fjallsarlon

• You can do a simple stop, look at it from the viewpoint and leave - plan 15minutes
• Or you can walk down to the lagoon and walk around, enjoying the views and icebergs, plan 45min to 2h
• Longer if you book a boat tour

Accommodation near Fjallsarlon

• There is no accommodation right at the lagoon
• You can stay West at the Fosshotel Glacier lagoon - Check out photos and availabilities
• You can head East (after Jokulsarlon) to the Skyrhusid Guest House - Check out photos and availabilities
• For more options and restaurants, you would have to stay either in the town Vik (see options) or in the town Höfn (see options)

Where to stay in Iceland?
My tips:

• Reykjavik - capital city - see best rated accommodations
• Selfoss - between Golden Circle and South Coast - see best rated accommodations
• Vik - near waterfalls and glaciers - see best rated accommodations
• Höfn - gateway to the East fjords - see best rated accommodations
• Egilsstadir - between fjords and North Iceland - see best rated accommodations
• Reykjahlid - for the wonders of Lake Myvatn - see best rated accommodations
• Akureyri - capital of the North - see best rated accommodations
• Grundarfjordur - to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula - see best rated accommodations

More tips in my article about Where to stay in Iceland

It was for me the first time I was able to touch icebergs (until my visit to Diamond Beach). What a crazy experience! Some of them have strange shapes.

No iceberg is alike. They all have different shapes and colors.

Wildlife

In regards to wildlife, you can see interesting birdlife, especially in Summer:

• Seagulls 
• Skuas protecting their nest in Summer and eating the weaker birds and their young 
• seals - you may spot the top of the head of a seal as it bob in and out of the water

I recommend visiting both Icelandic glacier lagoons, but if you have limited time the essential comparison points are:

• Crowds - Jokulsarlon is way more crowded than Fjallsarlon
• Views - At Fjallsarlon the glacial lagoon is not as wide, so you are closer to the mountains behind, and I preferred their shapes
• Icebergs - the advantage of Jokulsarlon is that the water flows to the sea, so there are a lot more movements for the icebergs than at Fjallsarlon
• Boat tours - you can join a boat tour at both lagoons to get up close to the glacier tongue - book your boat tour at Fjallsarlon
• Kayak - you can kayak at Jokulsarlon - book your spot

Want to see other highlights nearby? 

• The famous Jokulsarlon lagoon and its iceberg - read article
• Diamond beach with icebergs on black sand - read article
• The Svartifoss waterfall and its basalt columns - read article
• The impressive waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss (read article) and Skogafoss (read article)
• The "feather canyon" of Fjadrargljufur - read article
• Or read my complete article about South Iceland
• The Golden Circle - read article
• The best things to do on the Snaefellsnes peninsula - read article
• The best things to do in North Iceland - read article
• Itinerary suggestions - read article

Planning a trip to Iceland? 

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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