Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours · Fjallsárlón, 10 km west of Jökulsárlón
The Fjallsárlón lagoon's own operator takes you across the water in an open Zodiac, drops you near the edge of Fjallsjökull for a guided hike on the ice, and brings you back by boat. Pick it if you want a boat ride and a glacier hike in one four-hour slot, with a group of no more than ten per guide.
Fjallsárlón is the smaller glacier lagoon about 10 km (10 minutes by car) west of Jökulsárlón, and the boats here are Zodiacs run by the Fjallsárlón operator, not the Jökulsárlón amphibians. On this tour the Zodiac is your transfer: about 20 to 30 minutes across the lagoon among the icebergs, in a warm flotation jacket and life vest, to a landing near the glacier. A short scenic walk leads to the ice, then you spend 60 to 90 minutes on Fjallsjökull with crampons or micro spikes, a helmet, a harness and an ice axe. The boat brings you back the same way. Four hours in all.
The minimum age is 14, groups are capped at 10 per guide, and the operator rates it medium: uneven ground on the walk in and on the glacier. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and guides check everyone's condition before setting out. Boots are yours to bring: sturdy, with high ankle support. Add waterproof trousers and jacket, gloves, a hat, water and snacks. If Fjallsjökull is not in good shape on the day, the operator may move the hike to another outlet glacier nearby and run the boat and hike separately.
Everything starts at the Fjallsárlón Tour Reception, behind the FROST restaurant, with free parking and restrooms on site; arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. The operator sells this combo for June to September; outside those months, check the calendar, and Fjallsárlón's ice floating tour runs all year. Every tour on this page cancels free up to 24 hours before the start on GetYourGuide.
Fjallsárlón Tour Reception, behind the FROST restaurant, off Route 1 at the big Fjallsárlón sign. Parking is free.
Warm flotation jacket and life vest for the boat; the guide checks boots and clothing.
Through the floating ice to a landing by the glacier edge, where you put on the hiking gear.
A short walk to the ice, then crampons on and a guided hike on the glacier, with stops for explanations.
The same crossing in reverse, with a fresh angle on the lagoon. Food at FROST afterwards if you are hungry.
★★★★★Very nice tour. Martin and Igor were excellent guides. We started with the Zodiac boat ride in the lagoon and then continued with trekking, suitable for everyone, on the glacier with crampons and ice axe. Tour duration: 3.5 hours
★★★★★I'm not the type of person who normally goes trekking, but the pace wasn't strenuous, and there are also some stops along the route for explanations. [...] I was also worried about the boat ride because I get seasick, but it was super smooth and I felt fine.
★★★★★The boat was very safe, barely get wet, they drive them for you, not kayaking. Hike will be decent leg walk but manageable if you can do normal hiking. [...] Less excursion but very safe and fun!!
★★★★★This was a huge highlight of our trip. I'm glad we chose the morning hike because weather could have affected the afternoon hikes. You are the only small group on this glacier which you do not get with the other hikes in the area !
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An open Zodiac run by the Fjallsárlón operator, about 20 to 30 minutes each way across the lagoon. It is not the Jökulsárlón amphibian or Zodiac, which another operator sells at that lagoon.
Medium, per the operator: a short walk to the ice and 60 to 90 minutes on Fjallsjökull with crampons. Guests describe it as manageable for anyone who does normal hiking.
14. The operator suggests a private tour if you travel with younger children.
The operator lists June to September for this combo. Check the GetYourGuide calendar for your date; ice floating at the same base runs all year.
Ready to book
A Zodiac across the quieter Fjallsárlón lagoon, then a guided hike on the glacier with crampons.
Fjallsárlón Ice Floating TourLie back in a thermal suit on Fjallsárlón with a guide, then warm up with a hot drink. Swimmers only, ages 15 to 75.★ 5.0 · 1.5 hours · from $129
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon KayakingA guided paddle on Jökulsárlón in sit-on-top kayaks, suit and gear included. 1.5 hours, age 14+, swimmers only.★ 4.7 · 1.5 hours · from $154
Skaftafell Blue Ice Glacier HikeCrampons on Falljökull with a certified guide, from Skaftafell about 45 minutes west of the lagoon. Age 8 and up.★ 4.7 · 4 hours · from $102