Fjallsarlon is a lesser-known lagoon on Iceland’s south coast, but ideal for those who want to observe the edge of a glacier. To visit Fjallsarlon in winter is to discover a magnificent frozen world.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Why visit Fjallsarlon in winter
Is Fjallsarlon worth it in winter? Our opinion:
Yes, Fjallsárlón is definitely worth a visit in winter. The lagoon is transformed into a peaceful frozen world, with snow-covered icebergs and snow-capped peaks all around. Although it’s not possible to take boat trips, you can always stroll around the lagoon and take great photos of the icy landscapes. Winter also offers unique experiences, such as spending the night in heated igloos on the frozen lagoon, with facilities such as Jacuzzis and saunas. The serene atmosphere and low crowds make Fjallsárlón a magical winter destination.
It’s one of the must-see stops on Iceland’s southern coast.
Our favorite moments
- the approach from the road, with details of the glacier becoming increasingly visible,
- panoramic view of the lagoon with the glacier in the background,
- realize how close we are to the edge of the glacier,
- the contrast with the black mountains all around,
- the few icebergs stuck in the ice.
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How to get to Fjallsarlon in winter: access and map
Where is Fjallsarlon?
- On Iceland’s south coast
- Between Vik and Höfn
- 15min west of Jokulsalron
- Less than 5 minutes from Route 1
- From Reykjavik = 5h drive
- From Vik= 2h15 min drive
- From Höfn = 1h10 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
By car:
The Seljalandsfoss waterfall is easy to reach.
It takes less than 5 minutes on a secondary road from Route 1. The waterfall is clearly signposted from the main road.
This access road is quickly cleared in winter.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
On an organized tour
Few organized tours stop at Fljallsarlon; most only go as far as Jokulsarlon.
Parking
In winter, the parking lot is clear.
It’s not very large, but sufficient for winter crowds.
WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
Access to the lagoon is free.
It’s open all day and all night.
You look north to see the lake and glacier.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow at least 30 minutes to admire the view from the high panorama.
Allow 1 hour to descend to the edge of the lagoon and explore.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
Here, the step is not flat. It’s all uphill and downhill. We strongly recommend you have these little studs.
Catering and installation
Near the parking lot, there are buildings with a restaurant and toilets, open every day. See the latest news here.
Other options are available in Jolusarlon, a 15-minute drive away.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Superior viewpoint
The first step takes you slightly higher, above the lagoon.
Even if you don’t feel confident going down to the lakeside, we recommend you come and see this viewpoint. It’s one of our favorites in Iceland (whether in summer or winter).
The glacier and lake are clearly visible, contrasting with the black mountains that surround them.
What’s more, on this last visit, we were lucky enough to have plenty of sunshine and to see the snow and ice reflect the rays.
Fjallsarlon is one of the easiest places to get a good look at a glacier’s tongue.
You can see the crevasses forming, the wall of ice with the blue color coming out in places.
The wall of snow and ice in front of you is truly impressive, and the place is very peaceful!
Descent to the frozen lagoon
If you’re brave enough, you can also go down to the lagoon, where a path is slightly clear (but becomes slippery as people pass by).
We advise you to go down there to get another perspective.
You can see the differences in ice depths on the lake with the darker and lighter colors. And you’ll be even closer to the tongue of the glacier to admire the sculptures created by nature.
Icebergs
As you can see from the two photos above, there are occasional icebergs floating from the glacier onto the lagoon, which have been trapped by the ice and have not yet melted. Depending on the conditions, there may be many, and there may be none. It’s going to be a surprise!
Some are bluer, if they’ve been worked harder by the natural elements. Others may be blackened by ancient volcanic eruptions.
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The way back
And as you walk back to the parking lot, you enjoy a landscape typical of Iceland in winter: wide open spaces, a few mountains, white, black and only a few buildings. You really feel like you can breathe!
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to take a boat trip to Fjallsárlón in winter?
No, boat trips on Fjallsárlón are not possible during the winter months, when the lagoon is partially or totally frozen.
Fjallsalron or Jokulsalron: which lagoon to see in winter
The two lagoons offer very different experiences.
At Jokuklsarlon, the lagoon isn’t quite as frozen, but there’s still plenty of wind and more iceberg.
At Fjallsarlon, the area is more peaceful and the glacier’s tongue is easier to see.
If you have the time, we recommend you visit both.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
