Fjallsárlón

South East Coast, Iceland
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On the east side of Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland’s tallest mountain, there is a beautiful and serene glacier lagoon called Fjallsárlón. This one is smaller than more famous lagoon a little bit further east but just as breathtakingly beautiful. Surrounded by stunning mountains and a steep icefall in the background, this lagoon offers truly unique views, with large icebergs floating peacefully in the crystal-clear water that mirrors the blue sky above.

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  • Climate

    Climate

    Get location climate information which includes temperature, wind speed, amount of rain, snowfall and ice coverage through the year.
  • Lighting conditions

    Lighting conditions

    Find out precise information about daylight, Sun position, visibility and clouds throughout the year.
  • Accessibility, services and permits

    Accessibility, services and permits

    Learn about location regulations, how to get to the location, what conditions to expect, and what services are nearby.
  • Visitors and risk factors

    Visitors and risk factors

    Find out if location is frequently visited, if there is any danger in the location area and how to stay safe.

Accessibility

From route no 1, you reach the parking lot after 600 meters. From there, it is an easy hike towards the lagoon’s panoramic viewpoint. There are paths that lead down to the lagoon and could be navigated by 4-wheelers. On the east side of the lagoon lies a road that is private and with a permission you could access the lagoon from there.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Car recommended
Unchallenging terrain accessible by car
Excellent phone coverage
Great phone coverage without interruptions
Not needed
Guide is not needed

Services nearby

There are many hotels and lodgings options within 50 kilometres from this location. Nearest hospital is in Höfn, 90 kilometres away.
Accommodation
< 30 km
Gas station
< 30 km
Hospital or emergency room
More than 50 km away
Parking
< 1 km
Restaurants
< 1 km
Shopping
More than 50 km away

Permits

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You need a two-way permit. A tourist company manages the restaurant and this location. Fjallsárlón is a part of Vatnajökull National Park.
Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit

Basecamp and facilities

There is a very large parking lot 600 meters from the main road. There is also a restaurant and facilities for visitors at this location. Phone coverage is excellent.

Risk factors

Icefall glaciers are constantly moving from the pressure above, they are also covered in crevasses, deep and narrow. Ice blocks can collapse without warning and the temperature is cooler than elsewhere with a risk of hypothermia. Climbing the glacier should not be attempted without climbing guides and a safety team. The lagoons can be deep, and the water is cold and not suitable for swimming.

Visitors

Fjallsárlón is a popular tourist destination on Iceland’s most travelled route, the south coast. There is a tourist company that sells boat trips around the lagoon.

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