Fjallsárlón

Fjallsárlón is a glacial lake covering approximately 1.5 square miles that is filled with floating icebergs that have broken off from the retreating Fjallsjökull glacier, which extends from the Öræfajökull volcano.

The lake first appeared in 1945 as the Fjallsjökull glacier began retreating from its maximum extent at the end of the 19th century, when it merged with the neighboring Breiðamerkurjökull glacier to the east.

The lake has become a popular destination with over 260,000 visitors annually who take boat tours to observe the calving glacier and navigate among the icebergs in the cold waters.

Visitors should be aware that aggressive skúas nest on the ground near the lake during summer breeding season and may defend their territory by diving at people who approach too closely.

The lake contains underwater trenches that reach depths of over 656 feet (200 meters) below sea level, making it one of the deepest glacial lakes in Iceland with significant depth variations.

Location: Eastern Region

GPS coordinates: 64.01861,-16.38500

Latest update: November 28, 2025 15:21