Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat ToursFjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tour and Glacier Hike
The Fjallsárlón iceberg boat tour sold here is really two tours in one. A Zodiac carries you across Fjallsárlón for 25 minutes to the foot of Fjallsjökull, then certified glacier guides fit you with crampons, a helmet and a harness for a hike of about 2 hours on the ice. A second Zodiac crossing brings you back. The whole thing lasts 4 hours, runs in a group of up to 10 and costs $234 per person. You make your own way to the base on Route 1, since there is no hotel pickup. This page sets out what the price covers, what the day feels like and who should book something else among the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon boat tours.
About This Tour
This is a combination tour from the Fjallsárlón operator Fjallsarlon, Iceberg Lagoon, sold on GetYourGuide at $234 per person. A Zodiac crosses the lagoon for 25 minutes each way, and between the crossings you hike about 2 hours on Fjallsjökull with certified glacier guides. The listing carries a Top rated label, with a 4.8 rating from 75 verified reviews.
The base at Fjallsárlón has free parking, restrooms and the FROST restaurant, where you can eat before or after. The price includes all taxes and fees, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is offered.
$234 per person, all taxes and fees included
4 hours in total
Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours, Fjallsárlón, 785 Öræfi, Iceland. No hotel pickup, you travel there yourself
Limited to 10 participants, guided in English by certified glacier guides
A 25-minute Zodiac cruise each way and about 2 hours hiking on Fjallsjökull, with crampons, helmet, harness and a warm flotation jacket included
Food and drinks are not included. FROST restaurant is at the base and parking is free. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
Check Dates and Availability
The listing does not print fixed departure times, so check availability for the starting times on your date. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before departure.
Quick answer Price, length and group size at a glance
This Fjallsárlón iceberg boat tour costs $234 per person, lasts 4 hours and takes a group of up to 10. It combines a 25-minute Zodiac cruise each way across Fjallsárlón with a glacier hike of about 2 hours on Fjallsjökull.
Key takeaways
- Crampons, helmet, harness, flotation jacket and free parking are in the price, so the main extra is food at FROST restaurant.
- There is no hotel pickup, so plan the drive on Route 1 yourself using the glacier lagoon boat tour guide to the area.
- Children under 14 are not suitable. Families with younger kids should look at a day trip from Reykjavík instead.
- Want ice without crampons? The Fjallsárlón ice floating tour floats you among the same icebergs in a suit.
What the Price Actually Covers
The $234 ticket bundles the boat, the glacier gear and the guides into one price. Here is what that money buys, what it does not, and what you might still spend on the day.
What Is Included
The listing states that certified glacier guides, crampons, helmets, harnesses and a warm flotation jacket for the boat are all included, along with the Zodiac boat trip on Fjallsárlón, the glacier hike on Fjallsjökull and free parking on location. All taxes and fees are in the $234. There are no mandatory extras.
Reserve now and pay later is available, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
- Certified glacier guides for the whole 4 hours
- Crampons, helmet and harness for the hike
- Warm flotation jacket for the Zodiac
- Boat trip on Fjallsárlón and glacier hike on Fjallsjökull
- Free parking on location
What You Pay Extra
Food and drinks are the only stated exclusion. FROST restaurant sits at the tour base, so you can buy a meal there before or after, but no meal is provided and no food stop is scheduled inside the 4 hours. Bring snacks and a water bottle as the listing recommends. Parking at the base is free, while Vatnajökull National Park car parks charge 1,110 ISK (about $9) for a car with 5 seats or fewer.
If you only want the boat without the hike, the operator sells a standalone Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tour directly at 11,300 ISK (about $93) for a 75-minute trip. That ticket is not sold on this site.
| Line | In the price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zodiac cruise, 25 minutes each way | Yes | Warm flotation jacket provided |
| Glacier hike, about 2 hours | Yes | Crampons, helmet and harness provided |
| Certified glacier guides | Yes | English speaking |
| Parking at the base | Yes | Free on location |
| Food and drinks | No | FROST restaurant at the base, buy on site |
| Standalone boat only | No | Sold directly by the operator at 11,300 ISK (about $93), not on this site |
Sources: Vatnajökull National Park, prices, Jökulsárlón
The crevassed front of Fjallsjökull above the lagoon. Photo: Bernd Thaller from Graz, Austria, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What the Day Is Really Like
The itinerary comes straight from the listing. Everything starts and ends at the Fjallsárlón base, and the whole loop takes 4 hours.
Arrival at the Base
You make your own way to Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours at Fjallsárlón, 785 Öræfi, just off Route 1. There is no hotel pickup, so plan to arrive with time to spare. The base has free parking and restrooms.
Dress in warm layers and sturdy hiking shoes, because the listing warns that you will be going onto a glacier and it can get cold.
First Zodiac Crossing, 25 Minutes
The tour opens with a 25-minute Zodiac cruise across Fjallsárlón. The listing describes guides navigating through icebergs in various shapes and sizes, with views of Fjallsjökull and Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. You wear the warm flotation jacket for the crossing.
The boat docks close to the edge of Fjallsjökull, where the glacier part begins.
Glacier Hike on Fjallsjökull, About 2 Hours
At the glacier edge you put on the final gear: crampons, a helmet and a harness. Certified glacier guides lead the group of up to 10 onto the ice for a hike of about 2 hours. The listing calls the access exclusive and secluded, since Fjallsárlón is the area's main operator.
The pace and route depend on the guides and conditions on the day.
Return Crossing and the End of the Day
A second 25-minute Zodiac crossing brings you back across the lagoon to the starting point at Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours. No exact return time is stated. FROST restaurant is at the base, and the listing suggests it as the place to unwind and eat after the hike.
The base is about 10 kilometres west of Jökulsárlón, so a stop at the bigger lagoon or Diamond Beach fits the same drive.
Who This Tour Rules Out
The listing is clear about who should not book. Read this before you pay, because the alternatives below suit different travellers.
Children Under 14 and Mobility Limits
The listing states the tour is not suitable for children under 14 years or for people with mobility impairments. The age limit is given as 14, and the operator asks you to contact them if you have younger children who want to join. If you have younger kids, a coach day such as the Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride Day Trip allows children from 6 years, or the Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach Day Trip from 6 years as well.
No Pickup and a Real Fitness Demand
There is no hotel pickup, so you need your own car or another way to reach the base on Route 1. The hike itself is about 2 hours on a glacier in crampons, and the listing calls for sturdy hiking shoes, waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, a hat, warm layers, a water bottle, snacks and a small backpack. If 2 hours on ice sounds like too much, the Fjallsárlón ice floating tour on the same lagoon needs no hiking at all and lasts 90 minutes, or you can paddle instead on a Jökulsárlón kayaking tour.
Weather and Season
Zodiac boats at Fjallsárlón run in the warmer months, and boat tours generally stop in winter, so this combination is not a year-round option. Winter from October to March brings snow, rain and lower temperatures. Bad weather can cancel any boat trip on the day, so build slack into your plan and check road conditions before you drive.
If your trip is in winter, look at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon boat tours page for what does run, or read the guide to hotels near Jökulsárlón to stay close and stay flexible.
A trekker stands on a ridged glacier surface. Photo: diego_cue, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Getting There and What to Add
You reach the base yourself on Route 1. The lagoon sits on the south side of Vatnajökull, and the drive is long but simple.
The Drive on Route 1
Fjallsárlón lies about 10 kilometres west of Jökulsárlón, accessed directly from Route 1. From Reykjavík the lagoon area is roughly 370 kilometres away, about 4.5 hours of driving without stops, and the full drive takes about five hours direct or seven to eight with South Coast stops. Vík is about 2.5 hours from Reykjavík and Skaftafell is about 45 minutes west of Jökulsárlón, so both are useful points to plan the drive around.
On the stretch between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn, about 205 kilometres, fuel is limited to Freysnes and Fagurholsmýri, so fill up before you pass them. Road conditions are posted on umferdin.is and Route 1 has the highest priority for snow removal in winter.
Parking and Facilities
Parking at the Fjallsárlón tour base is free and included in the tour price, and restrooms are on site. This is worth noting because Vatnajökull National Park car parks charge 1,110 ISK (about $9) for a car with 5 seats or fewer, 1,440 ISK (about $12) for 6 to 9 seats and 450 ISK (about $4) for a motorcycle, paid at machines or through the Parka system. The FROST restaurant at the base is open 10:00 to 16:00 and serves a self service buffet of hot meals, salads, soups, sandwiches, cakes and drinks, with seating for up to 90 guests.
What to Add Before or After
Jökulsárlón is 10 kilometres east, so the amphibian and Zodiac boats sold at that shore, the Jökulsárlón Zodiac boat tour and the Jökulsárlón amphibian boat tour, fit the same day if you have the energy. Diamond Beach is just past Jökulsárlón, where icebergs rest on black sand, and standard advice there is to stay at least 30 metres from the water. Fjallsjökull, the glacier you hike, is one of about 30 outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull.
The closest guesthouses to the lagoons are 10 to 20 minutes away, which makes an overnight the easiest way to do both lagoons without rushing.
Itinerary
The steps below follow the listing. Departure times are not fixed in the listing, so the clock depends on the starting time you book.
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Start
Meet at Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours
Arrive at the base at Fjallsárlón, 785 Öræfi, off Route 1. Free parking and restrooms are on site. Meet your certified glacier guide and the rest of a group of up to 10.
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First 25 minutes
Zodiac cruise on Fjallsárlón
Cross the lagoon by Zodiac through icebergs of different shapes and sizes, wearing the warm flotation jacket provided, with views of Fjallsjökull and Vatnajökull.
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After 25 minutes
Gear up at the glacier edge
The boat docks close to the edge of Fjallsjökull. Put on crampons, a helmet and a harness for the hike.
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About 2 hours
Glacier hike on Fjallsjökull
Hike on the glacier with your certified guide, exploring the ice at close range in a small group away from the crowds.
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Final 25 minutes
Zodiac back across the lagoon
Board the boat again for the second 25-minute crossing back over Fjallsárlón.
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End
Back at the base
The tour ends where it started at Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours. No exact return time is stated. FROST restaurant is on site if you want a meal.
What Works and What to Watch
An honest read of the listing, the price and what travellers actually sign up for.
What we genuinely like
- Everything technical is included: crampons, helmet, harness, flotation jacket and certified glacier guides
- A group of up to 10 keeps the hike personal compared with the Reykjavik Excursions coach tour, which runs up to 45
- Free parking and restrooms at the base
- Reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
- A 4.8 rating from 75 verified bookings on GetYourGuide with a Top rated label
The honest downsides
- $234 per person is a higher price than a boat ride alone, because the hike and the glacier gear are part of it
- No hotel pickup, so you need your own car and a long drive on Route 1 either way
- The 2-hour glacier hike demands sturdy shoes and a reasonable level of fitness, and cold, wet weather is common on the ice
- Children under 14 and anyone with a mobility impairment are excluded
- Fixed departure times are not printed in the listing, so you must check availability before planning the rest of the day
Who it's NOT for: Not for families with children under 14, anyone with limited mobility, or travellers without their own transport to the base.
Questions About This Tour
How much does the Fjallsárlón iceberg boat tour with the glacier hike cost?
It costs $234 per person, with all taxes and fees included. Food and drinks are the only extra, and the standalone boat without the hike is sold directly by the operator at 11,300 ISK (about $93). See the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon guide for the setting.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 4 hours in total: a 25-minute Zodiac cruise each way and about 2 hours of hiking on Fjallsjökull in between. For a shorter option on the same lagoon, see the Fjallsárlón ice floating tour, which lasts 90 minutes.
Do I need to bring my own glacier gear?
No. Crampons, helmets, harnesses and a warm flotation jacket for the boat are all included, and certified glacier guides lead the hike. You do need sturdy hiking shoes and warm waterproof layers of your own. The Jökulsárlón weather guide covers what to expect on this coast.
Can I get picked up from my hotel?
No, there is no hotel pickup. You travel to the Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours base at 785 Öræfi yourself, with free parking on site. If you would rather not drive, the Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride Day Trip from Reykjavík includes coach transport.
What is the minimum age for this tour?
Children under 14 years are not suitable, and the tour is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The operator asks you to contact them about younger children. The Jökulsárlón kayaking tour has the same age cut-off, while coach day trips accept children from 6 years.
Can I cancel if the weather turns?
You can cancel free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now and pay later is offered. Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast, so check conditions before you set out on the drive.
How does this compare with the boat tours at Jökulsárlón?
This tour pairs a Zodiac crossing with a 2-hour glacier hike, while the tours at Jökulsárlón are boat rides only, such as the 30-minute amphibian ride on the Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride Day Trip. Compare them all on the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon boat tours page.
What Travelers Said
A fantastic experience!!!! We had a wonderful afternoon accompanied by the guide, Martin.... a great person who is reliable, knowledgeable and super friendly 🤩 Thank you for making this experience unforgettable!!!!
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 !
An unforgettable tour. Many thanks to the guide Ola. She did a great job. The boat ride and glacier tour are very impressive!!!
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