For years, I had dreamed of visiting Iceland, and experiencing the raw beauty of its glaciers was at the top of my list. As I stood on the shores of the breathtaking Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, the first words that came to mind were, “Fjallsárlón is absolutely amazing!” With its serene waters and towering icebergs, Fjallsárlón felt like a place from another world. In this post, I’ll share what my experience was like joining the Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tour in Iceland. Read on.
In case you missed it, I’ve also documented my experience of Iceland’s Golden Circle Day Tour from Reykjavik.
Table of Contents
What is Fjallsarlon?
Fjallsárlón is a glacial lagoon nestled on the southern edge of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Despite its lesser-known status compared to the more famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Fjallsárlón is no less spectacular. The lagoon is a stunning testament to the power of nature, where icebergs break off from the glacier and slowly drift in the icy waters before eventually melting away.
As I learned, the lagoon was formed by the retreat of the Vatnajökull glacier over centuries, carving out a basin that now cradles these majestic ice formations. Standing there, it was impossible not to feel a deep connection to the natural world and the forces that have shaped this landscape over millennia.
My Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tour Experience
Preparing for the Boat Tour
The excitement began long before we even set foot on the boat. After arriving at the base of Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tours, we were all provided with essential gear (jackets and life vests) to shield us from the cold and ensure our safety. Although I had already layered up, I couldn’t resist the urge to don the oversized jacket provided. After all, we were about to get up close and personal with one of nature’s most formidable creations, a glacier.
The walk to the boat was magical. As we followed the path, the massive glacier feeding the lagoon came into full view. Its icy blue expanse stretching as far as the eye could see. My heart raced with anticipation, knowing I’d soon be gliding across these waters. It felt like a scene straight out of one of my all-time favorite movies, Interstellar.
Setting off into the Lagoon
As we boarded the boat and set off into the lagoon, I was immediately struck by the stillness. The only sounds were the water against the boat and the occasional crack of an iceberg. It was a serene, almost meditative experience, allowing me to fully absorb the beauty around me. The icebergs were mesmerizing, each unique in shape and size, with hues of blue that seemed almost otherworldly. Some were smooth and rounded, while others were jagged and sharp.
Watching these massive chunks of ice drift by, I felt a profound sense of awe for Iceland. Our guide pointed out a particularly large iceberg, which had likely broken off from the glacier just days before. Seeing it up close, I was struck by its beauty. At the same time, a deep sadness settled in, knowing that glaciers like Vatnajökull are retreating at an alarming rate due to climate change. Our guide mentioned that these glaciers could disappear in as little as 50 years.
Where to Book your Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tours?
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, I highly recommend booking with Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tours. They offer a variety of experiences, including the Overnight Adventure at Fjallsarlon Iceberg, where you can spend a memorable night in an aurora hut on the lagoon. If you’re curious about the tour we chose, it’s called the “Classic Boat Tour.” Here are the details:
Price: ISK 10,100 per adult or ISK 5,100 per child (5-15 years old)
Group Size: Max 10 people per boat
Duration: 75-90 minutes (45 minutes in the boat)
How to Get to Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon?
Fjallsárlón is conveniently located just off Iceland’s famous Ring Road, making it easily accessible from major destinations like Reykjavik and Höfn. If you’re driving from Reykjavik, the journey takes about four hours, but trust me—it’s worth every minute. The drive itself is an adventure, with stunning landscapes unfolding around every bend.
For those relying on public transportation, there are bus tours available that include stops at Fjallsárlón and other nearby attractions. However, I highly recommend to rent a car in Iceland if possible, as it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Also, you can stop at designated areas to take photos and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
If you’ve already booked a trip to Iceland and are searching for a car rental company, I highly recommend Blue Car Rental, one of the top-rated and largest local rental companies in Iceland. I booked our rental car with them just a few weeks before the trip, and it was super hassle-free. When you book a car rental in Iceland using this link, you get 5% off your rental car.
When is the Best Time to Visit Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon?
The beauty of Fjallsárlón changes with the seasons, so the best time to visit depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Summer offers milder weather and longer days, making it ideal for those who want to fully explore the area. The contrast of the bright green moss against the icy blue glacier is simply stunning. Boat tours are available during this time, as certain parts of the lagoon have thawed, allowing you to glide among the icebergs.
Winter, on the other hand, brings its own kind of magic. The lagoon often freezes over, and the surrounding landscape is blanketed in snow, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. While boat tours aren’t possible during the height of winter, you can still walk along the shore and admire the frozen lagoon from there. Plus, there’s always the chance of catching the northern lights if you’re visiting during the colder months.
Final Thoughts about the Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tour
My Fjallsárlón Boat Tour experience was a dream come true. Gliding across the lagoon, surrounded by icebergs, was everything I had hoped for and more. The sight of an iceberg breaking off from the glacier was particularly surreal. I felt fortunate to be so close to these massive glaciers, knowing that they had been on their journey for thousands of years before reaching this point.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, I can’t recommend the Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tour enough. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the shores of the lagoon.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s important to come prepared. Layering is key—I wore three layers under my jacket and was thankful for every one of them. Don’t forget to bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf to keep warm, especially if you’re visiting in winter.
Waterproof clothing is also a must, as the weather can change in an instant. Make sure your camera or smartphone is protected from the elements—there’s nothing worse than missing out on capturing a perfect moment because of a little spray from the lagoon.
One of the most important things I learned during my time in Iceland is to embrace the weather, whatever it may be. Rain, snow, wind—it’s all part of the experience. Rather than letting it dampen your spirits, use it as an opportunity to see the landscape in a different light.
Staying connected in Iceland
After using an eSIM for the first time in Europe, including Iceland, I’m officially a convert! Thanks to the Holafly Iceland eSIM, I no longer need to swap out physical SIM cards every time I cross a border. You can easily purchase it online before your trip and stay connected seamlessly throughout your journey. Plus, you can keep your physical SIM to receive OTPs and calls from home. Traveling has never been this hassle-free!
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And that wraps up my Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tour experience! I hope this post helps you plan your Iceland adventure. If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions, feel free to drop them below—I love hearing from you! Stay tuned for more tips, inspiration, and stories. Have a fantastic day, dear reader!
