Black volcanic sand beaches, massive glaciers and pristine waterfalls; when it comes to natural beauty Iceland is unsurpassed. On my first day in Iceland, with a ferocious wind and biting rain outside, I sought warmth in a small cafe outside of Iceland’s famous Geyser. It was here I met a couple who was just finishing a two week trip around the Ring Road and over bowls of lamb stew we got to chatting. I asked what their most memorable stop of their trip was; they looked at each other and in near unison replied “Fjallsarlon”.
No doubt you’ve seen the stunning images of glass-like lakes filled with icebergs fed by massive glaciers. Many of these images come from Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon, a popular tour stop from Reykjavik or Vik. Intrigued by my conversation at the cafe I looked into Fjallsarlon. Promises of spectacular views with zero crowds, and on my birthday no less? I was in.
Leaving the working farmhouse that served as our home near Vik we set out for Fjallsarlon, roughly a 4 hour drive one way. Our trip was slowed a bit by pulling over to photograph the lunar landscapes and hidden waterfalls of South Iceland en route, as well as a quick stop for lunch and a hike at Vantajokull National Park we made it to Fjallsarlon about 7 hours later. We hadn’t passed another car for at least an hour when we turn off the Ring Road, slowed not only by the gravel but in sheer awe of the landscape spreading out before us. Huge expanses of glacial ice, some hundreds if not thousands of years old, crept down the sides of volcanic snow-capped peaks. Iceland’s famously temperamental weather provided wind and some of the most dynamic clouds I’ve seen. Anywhere else this would be a major tourist attraction, I shared this view with less than ten other people.
Now I didn’t come all this way just to stand and marvel at the lagoon’s shores, I wanted to head out on the water and get up close to the icebergs. Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tours , run by a few friends with an immense love for Iceland’s ruggedly beautiful outdoors, offers zodiac boat rides throughout this isolated lagoon. We met our guide Dae, suited up in gear that would make the Michellin Man proud and walked down the rocky slopes towards the water.
Gliding past icebergs large and small, our boat providing the only disturbance in the water, we learned of how the glacial and volcanic ecosystems have shaped Iceland’s landscapes as well as the people who call this island home. We learned why glacial ice is that unmistakable shade of blue and discussed the impact of climate change. But mostly, I just took in the enormity of the world around me.
While out on the water the clouds parted and we got the first glimpse of sun I’d seen in the past three days. The air in Iceland is so pristine it creates the most purely blue sky that immediately transforms the landscape, giving an ethereal brilliance to everything the sun touches. There are places that leave you speechless, in awe, wonderstruck. This is one of those places.
Shortly before returning to shore, Dae stopped the boat and said he had a birthday gift for me. Turning towards the side of the boat and plunging his bare hands into the frigid water he presented me with the most unique present I’ve ever received.
My very own mini-iceberg.
Salini says
Amazing pictures 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks!
Otoredi says
Can I found any details regarding to this subject in other languages?
Maria says
I am going to Iceland in September and plan on doing a glacier bay cruise. Can’t wait to see the icebergs!
Brianna says
You will fall in love with Iceland, its one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been.
Anne says
Omg these photos look amazing!
Brianna says
It’s even more amazing in person!
Erika says
Oh my goodness this looks incredible! I wish I’d made it out to Fjallsarlon during my visit to Iceland last year…Glad you were able to experience this special place on your birthday.
Brianna says
Sounds like a good reason to go back to me.
Rob says
The more I read about Iceland the more I want to go for a visit. Fantastic photos and Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tours looks like a great way to get up close and personal with the icebergs.
Brianna says
THere is nowhere like Iceland, you will love it!
anna says
Wow! Looks incredible. Thank you for the boat tour recommendations-sounds like great fun!
Brianna says
Glad I could help!
Marlene Marques says
Lately I’ve been hearing more and more about Iceland and it always seems such a great and unique place to visit. One of this days, for sure. Congrats for the post and pics!
Brianna says
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Jenna says
Very cool!! We were just in Iceland a couple of weeks ago, and I wanted to stop here. Unfortunately we ran out of time and didn’t get to make the stop. It looks so gorgeous though–glad you made it! What a great place to stop and get away from all the crowds!
Brianna says
Seriously, I could spend 6 months in Iceland and not photograph everything I want to.
Jennifer says
The water looks so murky compared to the winter. Either way, it still looks amazing and I can’t wait to go back to Iceland.
Brianna says
I was a little sad by the murkiness of the water that day but the landscape was still spectacular.
Jen Joslin says
Your very own birthday iceberg! How special is that?! Looks like such an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing your experience in Fjallsarlon. Must have been incredible to be there with few other people too!
Brianna says
Seriously, we had the boat all to ourselves!
Elaine J Masters says
What a unique and lovely adventure! Happy birthday too. I hope to see Iceland and explore lagoons like Fjallsarlon before I depart.
Brianna says
Elaine, you would absolutely love Iceland!
Rosemary says
Wow!! The landscape is just incredible. What amazing photos! What a wonderful way to spend a birthday. Need to get to Iceland ASAP. Looking forward to reading what else you discover!
Brianna says
There are also some tasty surprises in Iceland too 🙂
Buena says
OMG!!! Beautiful!!! This a different post on most Iceland’s travels I have read. Thank you. Adding this on my list:)
Brianna says
It’s not too far off the beaten path and so worth the stop.
Wouter says
We went to Iceland last spring, it was really amazing! Thank so much for your work and info! It was my second time i have visited Iceland but after reading your inspiration and want to jump on the plane again.