In shortFjallsárlón is the smaller lagoon west of Jökulsárlón, with the glacier closer to the water. Its boat tour lasts 75 minutes, about 45 on the water, from age 5, April to November, for 11,300 ISK. Jökulsárlón is bigger, has two kinds of boat and Diamond Beach across the road. If you have time, stop at both: they are on the same road.
11,300 ISKFjallsárlón boat tour
75 minincl. ~45 min on the water
5+minimum age at Fjallsárlón
12passengers per boat there
Side by side
| Jökulsárlón | Fjallsárlón |
|---|
| Boats | Amphibian and Zodiac | Small boats, up to 12 people |
|---|
| Boat season | May–November (amphibian), May–October (Zodiac) | April–November |
|---|
| Time on the water | 30–40 min or about 1 h 15 | about 45 min (75 min with dressing) |
|---|
| Adult ticket | 7,100 / 16,600 ISK | 11,300 ISK |
|---|
| Minimum age | none (amphibian), 10 (Zodiac) | 5 |
|---|
| Nearby | Diamond Beach across the road | glacier hikes and ice floating from the same operator |
|---|
Which one for you
- Short on time: Jökulsárlón, because Diamond Beach is right there.
- Travelling with small children who want a longer boat ride: Fjallsárlón takes them from age 5.
- Want the biggest icebergs and the classic view: Jökulsárlón.
- Want to be closer to the glacier front in a small group: Fjallsárlón.
Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach in one day
From Reykjavík with the boat ride on Jökulsárlón included.
14 hours · from $292 · ★ 4.7 (450 reviews)
Small-group day tour to Jökulsárlón
Minibus from Reykjavík with an hour at the lagoon; boat ride optional on site.
14–16 hours · from $242 · ★ 4.6 (161 reviews)
What else Fjallsárlón offers
Besides the classic boat, Fjallsárlón's operator runs activities you cannot do at Jökulsárlón. All of them meet at the tour reception behind the Frost restaurant by the lagoon.
| Activity | Length | Season | Min. age | Price |
|---|
| Iceberg boat tour | 75 min (about 45 on the water) | April–November | 5 | 11,300 ISK |
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| Ice floating in an immersion suit | about 1.5 hours (20–30 min in the water) | all year | 15 | 15,900 ISK |
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| Glacier hike + Zodiac combo | 4 hours | June–September | 14 | 29,900 ISK |
|---|
Ice floating: the one thing Jökulsárlón does not have
Fjallsárlón's operator describes its ice floating as the first of its kind in Iceland: dressed in a warm immersion suit, you float among the drifting icebergs for about 20–30 minutes, in groups of at most 8 per guide, followed by a hot drink at the Frost restaurant. It runs all year, from age 15. At Jökulsárlón, swimming and floating are not offered.
Walking at Fjallsárlón
The national park marks route B4 at Fjallsárlón: 1.5 km, about 45 minutes, graded challenging. There are flushing toilets at both lagoons.
All marked routes →
Booking Fjallsárlón
Fjallsárlón's boats are run by their own operator, who sells the tours directly and asks for 48 hours' notice to refund a cancellation. Dress in warm layers with a hat, gloves and closed shoes; the full-body suit is provided.
Seeing both on one day
The two lagoons are on the same stretch of Route 1, so a Ring Road day can take in both. Fjallsárlón comes first if you are driving from Reykjavík. A sensible order is Fjallsárlón's boat in the morning, then Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach in the afternoon, or the other way round if you want the low evening light on the big icebergs.
Booking and cancellation compared
| Jökulsárlón boats | Fjallsárlón boat |
|---|
| Booked with | the operator at the lagoon, or included in tours | Fjallsárlón's own operator |
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| Cancellation by you | depends on where you book; tour listings give 24 hours | full refund with more than 48 hours' notice |
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| Cancellation for weather | rebook or full refund | contact the operator |
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| Suits worn | flotation suit on the Zodiac | full-body suit provided |
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With children
For a family with small children, the choice is often decided by age. The Jökulsárlón amphibian takes any age and children up to five ride free; Fjallsárlón's boat takes children from five, with under-14s accompanied by an adult; the Jökulsárlón Zodiac starts at ten.
Questions about the two lagoons
Which lagoon is bigger?
Jökulsárlón. Fjallsárlón's operator describes its lagoon as slightly smaller than Jökulsárlón.
Is parking free at Fjallsárlón?
Fjallsárlón's operator advertises free parking near its check-in. At Jökulsárlón the national park charges 1,110 ISK per car.
Can I see both lagoons on a day tour from Reykjavík?
The day tours we list stop at Jökulsárlón; check a tour's itinerary if Fjallsárlón matters to you.
Can you swim or float at Fjallsárlón?
Not on your own. Fjallsárlón's operator offers guided ice floating in an immersion suit, all year, from age 15, for 15,900 ISK.
Fjallsárlón: fjallsarlon.is (tour, FAQ). Jökulsárlón: icelagoon.is prices and tour pages. Route B4: Vatnajökull National Park. 4 October 2026.
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