Fjallsárlón vs Jökulsárlón: Which Glacier Lagoon to Visit by Car?

The South Coast of Iceland is a realm of stark contrasts, where black sands meet the crashing Atlantic and massive ice caps feed crystal-clear lagoons. For travelers exploring this region by car, the Vatnajökull National Park offers two spectacular but distinct glacial experiences: Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón.

While Jökulsárlón often steals the headlines as the "Crown Jewel" of Iceland, its quieter neighbor, Fjallsárlón, offers an intimate encounter with nature that many visitors overlook. Choosing between them—or deciding how to fit both into your itinerary—can be a challenge when planning your self-drive adventure.

This guide compares Fjallsarlon vs Jokulsarlon in detail, focusing on practical logistics for drivers, parking situations, crowd levels, and the unique photography opportunities each lagoon presents. We will help you maximize your time on the road and ensure you experience the best of Iceland's glacial magic.

The Case for Jökulsárlón: The Grand Spectacle

Jökulsárlón is vast, dramatic, and arguably the most famous natural attraction in Iceland outside the Golden Circle. Formed by the retreating Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, it is the deepest lake in Iceland, filled with massive icebergs that have calved off the glacier tongue.

Accessibility and Parking

Jökulsárlón is located directly off the Ring Road (Route 1), making it impossible to miss. As you drive east from Vík, the bridge crossing the lagoon’s outlet offers a sudden, breathtaking view of floating ice giants.

For self-drive travelers, accessibility is excellent, but parking requires patience.

• Main Parking Lot: There is a large parking area on the east side of the bridge. It is paved and accommodates buses and hundreds of cars.
• West Side Parking: There is a smaller, often quieter lot on the west side of the bridge.
• Fees: Parking fees were introduced recently at Jökulsárlón. Be prepared to pay a service fee via the Parka app or onsite terminals.

The Crowd Factor

Because of its fame and location, Jökulsárlón is busy year-round. In summer, the shores line with photographers, tour groups, and families. If you prefer solitude, this might feel overwhelming. However, the lagoon is so large that walking just 15 minutes along the shore away from the main hub often rewards you with a private view.

Boat Tours and Activities

Jökulsárlón offers two main types of boat tours:

1. Amphibian Boat: Large vessels that drive from land into water. Perfect for families and large groups.
2. Zodiac Tours: Smaller, faster rubber boats that can get closer to the glacier wall (safety permitting) and navigate between icebergs.

These tours sell out quickly, especially in summer. We highly recommend booking weeks in advance if this is a priority for your trip.

The Case for Fjallsárlón: The Intimate Experience

Located just 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) west of Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón sits at the base of Fjallsjökull glacier. While smaller, it offers a dramatic sense of scale that its larger neighbor sometimes lacks. Here, the glacier wall looms directly over you, creating a thunderous amphitheater of ice.

Accessibility and Parking

Reaching Fjallsárlón requires a short detour. You will turn off Route 1 onto a marked gravel road (passable for all standard cars) and drive for about 1.5 kilometers to the parking area.

• Parking Situation: The lot is spacious and significantly less chaotic than Jökulsárlón.
• Walk to Lagoon: From the parking lot, it is a short, pleasant walk down a gentle slope to the water’s edge.
• Fees: Currently, parking is generally free or included with boat tour tickets, though policies can change, so always check signage upon arrival.

The Crowd Factor

This is the primary reason many of our customers prefer Fjallsárlón. It receives a fraction of the visitors that Jökulsárlón does. You can often stand on the shore and hear nothing but the wind and the cracking of the ice. For photographers wanting clean shots without tourists in the frame, or couples seeking a romantic moment, this solitude is priceless.

Boat Tours and Activities

Boat tours here are exclusively on smaller Zodiac-style boats. Because the lagoon is smaller, the ride feels personal. You are not just observing the ice; you are immersed in it. The calm waters often allow for beautiful reflections of the looming glacier above.

Driving Logistics: Vík and Höfn

When planning a glacier lagoon by car trip, timing is everything. These attractions are far from Reykjavík, so most travelers incorporate them into a multi-day South Coast itinerary.

Driving from Vík

Vík í Mýrdal is a common stopover for travelers heading east.

• Distance: Approximately 192 km (119 miles).
• Drive Time: Allow 2.5 to 3 hours in summer. In winter, this can easily double due to ice, wind, and limited daylight.
• Route: You will cross the enormous Eldhraun lava field and the Skeiðarársandur outwash plains. It is a stunning drive, but services are limited between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and the lagoons. Ensure your rental car has a full tank of gas.

Driving from Höfn

Höfn is the "lobster capital" of Iceland and the nearest major town to the east.

• Distance: Approximately 80 km (50 miles).
• Drive Time: About 1 hour.
• Route: A scenic drive winding along the coast with mountain views. It is an easy day trip from Höfn to see both lagoons and return for dinner.

Diamond Beach: The Essential Side Trip

You cannot discuss Jökulsárlón without mentioning Diamond Beach (Breiðamerkursandur). This black sand beach sits directly across the road from the lagoon, where icebergs drift out to sea and wash back onto the shore, glistening like diamonds against the dark sand.

Diamond Beach Parking

Many visitors make the mistake of leaving their car at the main Jökulsárlón lot and trying to walk across the bridge. This is dangerous and not recommended due to heavy traffic on the single-lane bridge.
Instead, drive across the bridge. There are dedicated parking lots for Diamond Beach on both the east and west banks of the river outlet.

• East Bank: Usually busier, with larger chunks of ice.
• West Bank: Often quieter, though ice conditions vary daily based on tides and wind.
• Safety Note: Never climb on the icebergs on the beach. They can roll unexpectedly in the surf, leading to serious injury or being swept out to sea.

Photography: Angles and Lighting

For photography enthusiasts, the Fjallsarlon vs Jokulsarlon debate comes down to what kind of shot you want.

Jökulsárlón:

• Best for: Wildlife (seals are common), the interplay of blue ice and black water, and sunrise/sunset colors reflecting off the vast open water.
• Challenge: Isolating subjects without other boats or tourists in the background.

Fjallsárlón:

• Best for: Landscape shots featuring the texture of the glacier wall (crevasses, seracs) and the massive scale of the icefall compared to the lagoon. The proximity of the glacier makes for powerful telephoto shots.
• Challenge: The lagoon is often in shadow earlier in the day due to the surrounding mountains. Afternoon light tends to be better here.

Winter vs. Summer: When to Go?

Your experience will vary drastically depending on the season.

Summer (May – September)

• Pros: Long daylight hours (midnight sun in June/July), boat tours are fully operational, easier driving conditions.
• Cons: Peak crowds, higher accommodation prices nearby.
• Best time to visit Jökulsárlón: Late evening (9:00 PM – 11:00 PM) offers incredible golden light and significantly fewer people.

Winter (October – April)

• Pros: Incredible blue ice colors, potential Northern Lights displays over the lagoon, far fewer tourists.
• Cons: No boat tours at Jökulsárlón (usually stops Oct/Nov) or Fjallsárlón. Driving requires a 4x4 vehicle and experience with icy roads. Daylight is limited to 4-5 hours in mid-winter.
• Access: While the lagoons don't freeze completely due to the salt water influx (at Jökulsárlón), they can become slushy. The parking lots are cleared, but walking paths can be extremely slippery. Crampons are essential.

Which Car Should You Rent?

The choice of vehicle is critical for a safe and comfortable journey to Southeast Iceland.

• Summer: A standard 2WD vehicle is sufficient for Route 1 and the access road to Fjallsárlón. However, a mid-size SUV offers better comfort for the long driving hours.
• Winter: A 4WD/AWD vehicle is mandatory for safety. The South Coast is notorious for high winds and black ice. Studded tires are highly recommended and standard on our winter fleet.

 

 

 

FAQs: Planning Your Glacier Lagoon Trip

Is it safe to drive to the glacier lagoons in winter?

Yes, but it requires caution. The Ring Road is maintained year-round, but weather in Southeast Iceland changes rapidly. High winds and icy patches are common. We strongly recommend renting a 4WD vehicle with studded tires during winter months and checking road.is daily for conditions.

Can I see Northern Lights at Jökulsárlón?

Absolutely. Jökulsárlón is an excellent location for Aurora hunting because there is very little light pollution. Seeing the green lights reflect off the icebergs is a bucket-list experience. Just ensure you park in designated areas and do not stop on the highway.

Do I need to pay for Diamond Beach parking?

Yes, parking fees have been implemented in the Vatnajökull National Park area, including Diamond Beach. Payments are typically handled via the Parka app or onsite payment machines. Failure to pay can result in a fine sent to your car rental agency.

How far is the drive from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón?

It is approximately 380 km (236 miles) one way. Without stops, this takes about 5 hours in ideal summer conditions. However, with necessary stops for fuel, food, and sightseeing (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vík), it is effectively a full-day drive. We recommend splitting the trip over two days.

Is the boat tour at Fjallsárlón worth it compared to Jökulsárlón?

Many visitors find the Fjallsárlón boat tour more immersive. Because the lagoon is smaller, you get much closer to the glacier wall than is safe at Jökulsárlón. The groups are smaller, and the guides can offer a more personalized narration of the glacial history.

What is the best time to visit Jökulsárlón to avoid crowds?

Early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late evening (after 6:00 PM) are the quietest times. In summer, visiting during the Midnight Sun hours (10:00 PM – 1:00 AM) is magical and almost entirely devoid of tour buses.

Are there gas stations near the glacier lagoons?

Services are sparse in this area. There is a fuel pump and a small café at Freysnes (about 25 minutes west of the lagoons) and pumps at the Jökulsárlón service area. However, it is best to fill up in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur to ensure you have plenty of fuel.

Can I walk between Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón?

No, it is not a walkable distance for the average tourist. They are 10km apart via Route 1, which has no sidewalk and high-speed traffic. A car is essential to move safely between the two locations.

Conclusion: The Verdict

So, Fjallsarlon vs Jokulsarlon—which one wins?

If you have limited time and want to see the "famous" sights, prioritize Jökulsárlón. Its scale and the proximity of Diamond Beach make it a world-class destination that lives up to the hype.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, want to get closer to the glacier face, or are intimidated by large crowds, Fjallsárlón is the superior choice.

Our recommendation? Do both. Since they are only 10 minutes apart, it is easy to stop at Fjallsárlón for an hour to enjoy the view and the bistro, then proceed to Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach for the main event. Having a rental car gives you the freedom to adjust your schedule based on weather and your own pace—the ultimate luxury in Icelandic travel.

Search for a car!