Fjallsarlon is a glacier lagoon in Southern Iceland.  Things to do at Fjallsarlon include;

  • Fjallsarlon Glacier
  • Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  • Boat ride to the Glacier
  • Öræfajökull volcano (largest active volcano in Iceland)

The closest city to stay in for a visit to Fjallsarlon is Höfn, there are also hotels and hostels spread out over the Iceland route 1 road as well as airbnb accommodation.

Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon and glacier are very similar to it’s neighbor Jokulsarlon but without the tourists.  Another advantage to Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon over Jokulsarlon is the view of the huge glacier behind the lagoon.  In addition, Fjallsarlon is calm and clear which gives you the opportunity of reflection photography.  Furthermore, it’s a peaceful place to watch the sunset from too.  Comparatively, at Jokulsarlon, there are always thousands of people making noise and posing for pictures.  On a clear day it’s possible to see Iceland’s largest active volcano, Öræfajökull.

A tip for visiting Fjallsarlon is you don’t have to park by the visitor center.  It’s possible to drive past the visitor center therefore a lot closer to the lagoon.

Fjallsarlon Glacier

Fjallsarlon Glacier, Iceland

Do you wish to get closer to Fjallsarlon Glacier?  It’s possible to organize a boat tour of the lagoon either online or at the visitor center.  As a result, you’ll get up close and personal with this enormous glacier.  As a matter of fact, you may witness huge blocks of ice crashing into the lagoon.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lake is a 10 minute drive east of Fjallsarlon.  It is more beautiful than Fjallsarlon but there are thousands of tourists there.  In addition, it’s possible to visit Diamond beach, take a glacier walk as well as visit Ice Caves.  Read about Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon on my travel blog.

Road Trip to Skogafoss – Skaftafell

The first stop on the road trip to Skogafoss is Skaftafell.  There are  a couple of mentionable waterfalls which you can drive right up to at Skaftafell.  In fact, you can park at Svartifoss waterfall and Hundafoss waterfall is a short walk from there.  There is a tour company based at Skaftafell visitor center where you can organize;

  • Glacier hikes
  • Volcano hikes
  • Ice cave night tours
  • Crystal ice cave tours
  • Kayaking to the glacier

Skaftafell visitor center is definitely worth a visit!

Foss a Sidu

Foss á Síðu (Foss a Sidu), Iceland

On the drive to Skogafoss you’ll pass lots of small waterfalls which in any other country would be worthy of a tourist attraction by themselves.  In Iceland, falls such as Foss á Síðu (Foss a Sidu) are the smaller rarely visited falls.  I recommend stopping for a few minutes to take photos at the waterfalls of Foss á Síðu (Foss a Sidu).  There is parking on the route 1 road and it’s a short hike to the base of the falls.

Additionally, you can also stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon which is a short drive from the route 1 ring road.

Eldhraun Lava Field

Eldhraun Lava Field, Iceland

The route 1 passes through Eldhraun lava field which has the 3rd largest lava flow in the world since the ice age.  The volcano erupted violently for 8 months from the end of 1782 to 1784.  This eruption is called the Lakagigar eruption and you’ll be driving through the lava field for at least an hour, it’s that huge.  An interesting section of the lava field is the part where you see several cones, for me this resembled the chocolate hills of the Philippines.  There is a viewing point of the cones therefore look out for it when you are passing through the coned section of Eldhraun lava field.  Spring thru fall the lava fields are covered in moss and in winter they are covered in snow.

Vik

Vik, Iceland

Vik is a small town which you’ll pass through on Iceland route 1 in the south of the country.  Vik is the southernmost city in Iceland, that’s a big one for the bucket list!  Vik is a good place to stop for groceries, gas or to eat at a restaurant.  Gas stations are quite scarce on Route 1 so I recommend filling your tank here.  The 2 main attractions in the city of Vik are the white church as well as the Iceland Instagram spot, the black sand beach.  If you decide to stay overnight, Vik has a few hotels.

Finally, from Vik to Skogafoss you’ll pass the viewing point of the most active and dangerous volcano in Iceland, Hekla.

Skógafoss to Seljalandsfoss