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By Monika

Glacier Lagoons in Iceland: A Complete Guide to Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón & More.

Glacier lagoons are among the most spectacular places to visit in Iceland.

Icebergs floating in crystal – clear water with glaciers in the background, make places like Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón lagoons unforgettable stops on an Iceland road trip as they are nothing short of magical. 

But which glacier lagoon should you visit? Can you visit them on your own? When is the best time to go, and how much time do you need?

After multiple visits to Iceland’s glacier lagoons, including Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón, I’ve put together this guide to show you what to expect, how to get there, where to park, what you can do, and which lagoon I’d choose if you only have time for one.

I’ll also share my experience with boat tours at both Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón lagoons to help you choose which is right for you.

BONUS! Read till the end to learn about a hidden gem, if you’re looking to get away from the crowds!

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What are glacier lagoons in Iceland?

Before we get started, let’s clear up some confusion with the terminology:

Glacier lagoon vs a glacial lake

You may have seen these two terms used interchangeably; however, they do not mean the same thing.

A glacier lagoon is a body of water at the base of a glacier that is also connected to the ocean. An example of that would be Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon because it connects to the ocean at the Diamond Beach where some of its icebergs wash up.

A glacial lake is landlocked between the land and the glacier. Fjallsárlón and Solheimajökull lagoons are good examples of glacier lakes. Also, the lagoons at the smaller glacier tongues of Vatnajökull, like Svínafellslón, Kvíárjökull Glacier Lagoons and the Glacier Lagoon at Skaftafelsjökull.

For the purpose of this article, I’m just going to call them all glacier lagoons, as that’s the term these natural wonders are best known to everyone. 

How are glacier lagoons formed?

They are created during the process of a glacier shrinking in size. As it recedes and the ice melts, the meltwater fills the eroded land, and a lagoon is born.

Where are glacier lagoons in Iceland?

The three main lagoons I’ll be describing here (Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón and Solheimajökull) are located in South Iceland, right along the Ring Road.

They are easily accessible in a rental car or with a guided tour. 

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Take a look at the map below for their exact locations.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Lagoon is a spectacular place and by far the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland. It’s definitely a must-see destination. 

It is even considered one of the most breathtaking places in the world.

It’s filled with pieces of icebergs, floating or traveling down to the nearby Diamond Beach. You can see the beach if you look towards the bridge, just across the street from the lagoon (more on Diamond Beach a little later).

How to Get to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Jökulsárlón lagoon is located in Vatnajökull National Park, right on the Ring Road, about an hour drive from Höfn and about 2.5 hours from the town of Vik.

It is approximately 380 km from Reykjavík, and driving takes around 4.5–5 hours without stops.

Because of the distance, I wouldn’t recommend visiting as a self-drive day trip from Reykjavík. Luckily, there are many amazing day tours from Reykjavik available – that way you don’t have to do the driving! 

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip – this tour gives you an option to book an optional boat tour on the lagoon (read more about things to do later in this post), and takes you to some other sites along the South Coast
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach – this tour also includes a visit to Diamond Beach and more waterfalls!
• Glacier Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour – this tour combines visiting the glacier lagoon with Northern Lights hunting in the winter months and a stop at the Fjaðrágljúfur Canyon in the summer months.

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon parking

The is one main parking lot for Jökulsárlón, but once it gets full, you can park in one of two overflow lots located across the street, near Diamond Beach.

To get to the lots across the street from the lagoon you can either walk or drive.

There are two parking lots there: Diamond Beach Parking South (on the Höfn side of the bridge, directly across the street from the main Jökulsárlón lot) and Diamond Beach Parking North (on the Vik side of the bridge).

To drive from one Diamond Beach parking lot to the other you have to drive over the bridge. Pay attention here as it is a single-lane bridge and a rather long one! Make sure it’s clear before you enter!

To walk from the main Jökulsárlón lot to one of the overflow lots (for example to visit Diamond Beach – more on why it’s worth it later in this guide!) you need to take the walking path under the bridge. Please do not walk on the single lane bridge – there is no dedicated space for pedestrians there and it’s not safe.

Jökulsárlón parking fee

There is a fee to park at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

You can pay via the Parka app or onsite, at one of the pay kiosks located at the main lot.

Helpful hint: If you also visit Skaftafel Visitors Center (Skaftafellsstofa) that same day, you get 50% off the parking fee at the second location.

Good to know: there is also a free parking lot for Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon! It does involve a 30-minute walk, but there is a free parking area about 2.5 km west of Diamond Beach (in the direction of Vik), where you can leave your car and walk to both the lagoon and Diamond Beach.

Learn more about Jökulsárlón parking on the official website.

Jökulsárlón parking facilities

The main lagoon parking lots has restrooms, food trucks, a cafe with a small gift shop, parking pay kiosk and check in booths for boat tours (more on boat tours a little later in this article).

The overflow lots do not have any facilities.

Things to do at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

From just strolling around the area and admiring the views to boat rides, there are so many ways to enjoy your visit to the lagoon. Here are some examples of things to do:

Walk around

You can spend quite a lot of time just wandering around the lagoon. Watch the icebergs and keep an eye out for the seals!

If you’re lucky, you may hear a groan of an iceberg piece breaking off Breiðamerkurjökull glacier – the largest glacier tongue of the largest ice cap in Iceland, the Vatnajökull glacier that’s responsible for Jökulsárlón’s formation.  

You can watch it flip and float away, like we did – watch the short video below:

Take a stroll along the water’s edge.

Jökulsárlón viewpoint

Go up to the top of a small hill near the water, to a viewing point from which you can see the amazing landscapes in all their glory.

You can watch the boats and the kayakers if they are out there!

Book a lagoon boat tour:

You can book a Zodiac Boat tour, or an Amphibian Boat tour to explore this magnificent place.

We booked our first Zodiac boat tour at Fjallsárlón lagoon when we visited for the first time, which I’ll describe later in this post.

During my next trip, I had a reservation for Jökulsárlón. Sadly, due to poor weather conditions and high winds, my Zodiac boat ride was canceled, and I wasn’t able to reschedule it. So it remains on my “things to do in Iceland” list!

I can only assume that the Zodiac Boat trips are similar at both lagoons. They use very similar pontoon boats that take you for a thrilling ride in between the icebergs, getting you as close to them and the glacier as safely possible.  The ride usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. 

The Amphibian Boats are bigger, the ride is slower and a little shorter. Due to the size of the boats, you aren’t able to get as close to the icebergs and the glacier. 

I was able to book a last-minute amphibian boat tour when I came back a few years later and I have to say that I loved the experience!

We got our life vests, boarded the boat and entered the lagoon.

The ride was smooth, the views incredible and our guide shared a lot of information about glaciers and the lagoons.

Once we reached the point where we were literally surrounded by icebergs, the boat stopped and we were able to walk around the boat and really take in the views.

… and saw a seal on lounging on a piece of ice!

The entire experience lasted about 45 minutes. We had a great time!

You can book both a Zodiac boat ride and an Amphibian boat ride directly from the lagoon website. If you’re taking a group tour from Reykjavik, a boat ride is usually an optional itinerary add-on.

Book a kayaking tour:

You can also kayak on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon! That’s definitely an unforgettable experience. It’s suitable for all and no prior paddling experience is necessary. 

Please note: while the lagoon is open all year, the boat and kayaking tours are only available in the summer months, usually late May through September. Always check with your tour operator. 

Visit Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is also a must-see! Where else are you going to see a vast black sand beach with chunks of icebergs washed ashore?

Read my full guide to visiting Diamond Beach for more information and tons of photos!

Visit an ice cave

In the winter months, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon parking lot is often a meeting point for many companies organizing tours to another natural wonder – the crystal blue ice cave. You can combine both visiting the lagoon and the ice cave tour into one amazing experience.

Here are some amazing ice cave tours for you!

• Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Guided Tour – the best reviewed 3-hour tour.
• Easy Hike to a Natural Ice Cave from Jökulsárlón – a 4-hour tour.
• From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Blue Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour – this tour also includes an exciting ride in a Super Jeep!

Fun fact: Jökulsárlón Lagoon was a filming location for some blockbuster movies, like “Batman Begins”, James Bond movies, and the most famous – “Game of Thrones” series. And just like Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, it also appeared in Justin Bieber’s music video. 

Zodiac boat tour vs. Amphibian boat tour

Which should you choose?

They are both great options – we loved both experiences – but there are slight differences that may impact your decision, so here is a quick co parison to help you choose:

Why is Jökulsárlón Lagoon water blue?

It’s because the water in the lagoon is a mix of the glacial ice meltwater and the Atlantic Ocean water. It even smells fresh and salty like the ocean!

You’ll also notice that the pieces floating on the surface are different colors. Some are white, some blue or have black stripes. The white pieces are made of new snow. The blue ones are pieces of older, compressed ice, with the air pushed out from between the layers, and the black stripes are the remnants of the volcanic ash.

How much time do you need at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon?

Quick stop: 30 – 45 minutes
Recommended visit: 1 – 2 hours
With boat tour + Diamond Beach: 2.5 – 3+ hours

If you’re short on time and/or have a packed schedule, 30-45 minutes should be enough for a quick visit. However that will only give you a glimpse into the beauty of the area.

I recommend allowing at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the lagoon.

If you’re taking a boat tour, I would allow at least two hours for your visit. And don’t forget to allow some time to visit Diamond Beach (additional 30-60 minutes should be enough).  You want your experience to be unrushed so you can fully enjoy this unique destination.

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Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Fjallsárlón is another beautiful glacier lagoon, or – as I should properly call it – a glacial lake. It’s smaller and quieter of the two, and therefore often overlooked, but it’s absolutely worth a stop!

Because it has no contact with ocean water the color of the lagoon is more brown than blue. There are icebergs floating on the water, same as at Jökulsárlón, and the surrounding area is very impressive – the glacier seem so close!

How to get to Fjallsárlón Lagoon

Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon is also located on Iceland’s South Coast, and also right on the Ring Road. In fact, it’s only about 15 minutes away from Jökulsárlón (refer to the map earlier in this article for directions).

If you’re coming from Reykjavik or Vik, you’ll reach it before Jökulsárlón. If you’re coming from Höfn or Jökulsárlón Lagoon, you’ll get there shortly after crossing the long single lane bridge between Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach.

The best way to reach the lagoon is by driving as there are no tours from Reykjavik that include this stop in their itinerary.

Read my guide to renting a car in Iceland to learn all you need to know about choosing the best vehicle for your adventure!

Fjallsárlón Lagoon parking

The turn to the parking lot from the Ring Road is clearly marked. Parking is large and free and there is a little bistro there, called the “Frost Restaurant” serving soups, sandwiches etc. They also have nice clean restrooms.

Things to do at Fjallsárlón Lagoon

There aren’t as many activity choices at this lagoon, but you do have options:

Walk to the lagoon’s edge: 

A short walk down the gravel path that starts right next to the parking area will take you down to the water, where you can see the icebergs floating on its surface.

If you happen to visit on an extremely windy day, like during my second visit there, you may see all the ice pieces blown into one corner of the lake, as if they were parked!

Book a boat tour:

If you’d like to admire the icebergs and the glacier up close, book a Zodiac Boat Tour – we did it and we loved it! 

Our Fjallsárlón Lagoon Zodiac boat tour experience: 

We booked our Zodiac Boat tour during our second trip to Iceland and were very lucky to have beautiful sunny weather on the day of our visit.

After we checked in, we were given big jackets to keep us warm and life vests to put over them for safety.

Then we were directed to our Zodiac boats.

Our guide got everyone situated and balanced, gave us a quick safety briefing and off we went.

The boats fit about 10 passengers each. You just sit on the edge and hold on, but contrary to how it may sound, it’s actually very comfortable and safe.

At first, we slowly ambled toward the middle and the guide gave us a lot of information about the lagoon and glaciers in general.

Then we sped up and had a great time riding between the floating icebergs.

Once we got close to the glacier wall we made a stop for some photos.

The boat ride lasted about 45 minutes. I’d definitely describe it as a bucket list experience in Iceland!

Take a look at this short video from our tour:

You can book your tour directly from the Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon website.

Go on a glacier hike:

If you’re looking for a hike on a glacier away from the crowds of the more popular locations like Skaftafell Nature Reserve or Solheimajökull, Fjallsárlón lagoon is a perfect place for that.

You have an option of just a hike, or a hike combined with a boat ride and a quick trip in a super jeep. You can take a look at the choices here.

Learn everything you need to know about the best glacier hikes in Iceland and get tips from our experience.

Book a Fjallsárlón Overnight Adventure:

For a truly unique glacier lagoon experience, go for this adventure – you’ll spend the night floating on the lagoon in a special igloo-boat turned into overnight accommodation for two people. For more details, click here.

To learn more about Vatnajökull, other glaciers in Iceland, and the best tours and experiences available to enjoy them, read this article!

How much time do you need at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon?

You should allow about 1.5 hours for a zodiac boat tour. If you’re not planning on a boat ride and just want to take a look at the iceberg lagoon, I would allow about 30 minutes.

Take a look at our 10-day Ring Road itinerary to see how we incorporated visiting the glaciers and glacier lagoons into our Iceland trip!

Jökulsárlón vs. Fjallsárlón: Which Should You Visit?

This is a question that’s hard to answer – both lagoons are beautiful but at the same time very different.

Choose Jökulsárlón if:

• It’s your first Iceland trip
• You want the iconic glacier lagoon experience
• You want to combine your visit with a stop at Diamond Beach
• You want more activity options
• You want to go on an Amphibian boat tour
• You don’t mind crowds

Choose Fjallsárlón if:

• You prefer quieter places
• You want a more intimate experience
• You’re interested in a Zodiac tour
• You want to get closer to the glacier

Can you visit both? Absolutely – and I recommend it!

They’re close enough together that visiting both makes sense on a Ring Road itinerary.

If you only have time for one glacier lagoon, I would visit Jökulsárlón – it is stunning and really lives up to its “wow factor” reputation!

Solheimajökull Glacier Lagoon

Just like Fjallsárlón, this lagoon is actually a glacial lake, as it is landlocked.

Solheimajökull lagoon is located in South Iceland, just over 2 hours drive from Reykjavik. It’s even closer to Vik – only a 30-minute drive. 

The parking for the lagoon is the same as for the glacier. 

Please read “How to Visit Glaciers in Iceland – Need to Know Facts, Safety Tips and Best Tours” to find our everything you need to know about Solheimajökull lagoon and things to do there to create amazing memories!

You can also kayak here!

Bonus hidden gem – Heinabergslón Glacier Lagoon

If you’d like a truly intimate experience, visit Heinabergslón Glacier Lagoon.

It’s located between Höfn and Jökulsárlón, and you can either take a short walk to the water from the parking lot or book a kayaking tour between the icebergs – you’ll likely be the only ones on the water!

Best time to visit Iceland’s glacier lagoons

The lagoons are accessible all year, however the boat tours are only available in the summer months.

Other activities like the ice caves and the hikes may also have seasonal availability and are definitely weather-dependent so always read tour descriptions and check with the company.

Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you head out, especially if you’re visiting in the winter!

During the Northern Lights season (typically September through March), the lagoon parking lots can be great spots for Aurora viewing, due to the more remote locations, away from city lights.

Glacier lagoons safety tips

Safety is crucial when it comes to visiting glaciers and glacier lagoons. As tourists, we have to remember to always observe posted signs and warnings. A few rules around the lagoons:

• do not go in the water or try to swim – the water is freezing cold, there may be currents and floating icebergs can be dangerous
• do not bring your own boats or kayaks to tour the lagoons – its only allowed to do so with a guide
• do not try to step on the icebergs that are close to the shore

Are Glacier Lagoons worth visiting?

Yes, they absolutely are!

Whether just for a quick stop or a longer visit, these unique landscape features and are definitely worth adding to your Iceland itinerary.

I’ve visited Iceland’s glacier lagoons a few times and they are never the same, so I keep coming back!

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

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