The quieter alternative to Jökulsárlón, located just off the Ring Road. Get closer to the glacier wall without the crowds.
Story & Legend
Often overshadowed by its big brother Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón offers a completely different experience. Here, you are much closer to the glacier wall (Fjallsjökull). You can hear the ice cracking and groaning as it calves into the lagoon. It feels like a private audience with the glacier, far away from the busloads of tourists. Because the lagoon is smaller, the massive ice wall of Fjallsjökull feels incredibly close compared to the distant ice at Jökulsárlón.
Geology & Science
Fjallsjökull is an outlet glacier of the massive Vatnajökull ice cap. The lagoon is smaller and shallower than Jökulsárlón, which means the icebergs are smaller but the glacier wall dominates the skyline. The volcano Öræfajökull looms directly above it.
Safety
The path down to the lagoon is short but steep gravel. Do not walk onto the frozen lagoon in winter; the ice thickness varies and is deadly. Boat tours here are in smaller Zodiacs, allowing you to get closer to the glacier wall safely.
Photo Tip
This is the best place to use a zoom lens (70-200mm) to capture the texture of the glacier wall itself – the deep blue crevasses and the dirty ash layers. The reflection of the volcano in the lagoon on a calm morning is a prize-winning shot.
Insider Tip
While Jökulsárlón is massive and full of tourists, Fjallsárlón is smaller, quieter, and the glacier tongue feels like it's towering right over your head. It's the best spot for close-up glacier photography without a telephoto lens.
Best Time to Visit
Morning. The lagoon is more sheltered from the wind than Jökulsárlón, and early morning offers glassy water for perfect iceberg reflections.
What to Bring
A warm insulated jacket and beanie. Even in summer, the wind blowing off the massive Vatnajökull ice cap drops the temperature significantly.
