Heinabergslón glacier lagoon is a serene location below one of the many glacier tongues that run from Vatnajökull glacier. The lagoon is surrounded by towering mountains that have been whittled down by the glacier as it crawled forward thousands of years ago. The lagoon is visually stunning, especially because of the contrast between the ice and the dark surroundings. Icebergs of various sizes break off from the icefall and float in the lagoon, ranging from pristine white to deep blue. The lagoon itself can be murky because of the sediments which the icebergs release as they melt.
Heinabergslón
South coast, Iceland
Photos and videos
360° view
Climate
The weather in the South East Coast is known for its unpredictability and harshness. The region experiences a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The temperature can drop as low as -10°C during winter months at low altitudes. The region is also known for its strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Data source Temperature averages
Lighting
The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source Accessibility
7.5 kilometers from the main road. The road is rough gravel, suitable for all kinds of cars. Another road leads from the parking lot and closer to the lagoon on its right, but that road needs a specialized vehicle as you have to cross a river, you would also need a special permission to do that. From the parking lot, there is an easy hike down towards the lagoon for 300 meters.
Permits
Want to film hassle-free? Partner up with the local production studio through Massif and let them
handle all the paperwork.
Learn more
Basecamp and facilities
There is a medium size parking lot at this location. Within 1 km radius, there are a few options for bigger camps on the moor. With permission, you could prepare a lot that suits your needs. There are basic facilities at this location and phone coverage is average.
Risk factors
Working in the sand can be tiresome and slow. 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. The icebergs can flip without warning so climbing on top of them is not recommended.
Visitors
The lagoon is a low/medium tourist attraction. There is a kayak company located at the lagoon that offers pre-booked trips
Where does our information come from?
In collaboration with a team of experienced producers, we scoured through every location on
massif.network to bring you the most relevant and up-to-date information.
We provide photos and videos and all other location information.
Know something we don’t?
Noticed wrong information about permits? Is there a restaurant closer nearby? Tell us anything that may be wrong or missing.
