Photographing the Northern Lights at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Photographing the Northern Lights at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

You’ve seen the stunning photos of colorful Auroras dancing over massive icebergs and dreamed of witnessing the spectacle yourself. Well, here’s your guide to making that dream a reality. Pack your camera, hop in your rental car, and head east from Reykjavik to Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, one of the best spots in Iceland to photograph the Northern Lights. Nestled between the massive Vatnajökull glacier and the Atlantic Ocean, this iceberg-filled lagoon offers a dramatic landscape for the Aurora Borealis to illuminate. You’ll have a front-row seat to nature’s dazzling light show as the vibrant greens and reds reflect off the ice and ripple across the inky night sky. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip and capture stunning photos of this bucket list experience. The adventure of a lifetime awaits you under the dancing lights of Fjallsárlón.

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Why Is Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon So Popular?

Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon is one of Iceland’s hidden gems and a top spot for viewing the Northern Lights. Located a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik, this black sand beach and iceberg-filled lagoon is a photographer’s paradise.

The main attraction is the massive Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. As chunks of the glacier break off, they float serenely in the lagoon, creating a surreal landscape of ice sculptures in shades of crystal blue. The eerie blue glow at night under the Northern Lights is a sight you’ll never forget.

Another reason Fjallsárlón is ideal for Aurora watching is the lack of light pollution. There are no big towns nearby, so the night sky is inky black, allowing the lights to shine through brightly. You’ll have an unobstructed view in every direction.

The best time to see the show is between 10 pm to 3 am from September to mid-April. Check the Aurora forecast to increase your chances. Once there, find a spot away from the road, bundle up, and be patient. The lights may start out faint, slowly intensifying and changing shape, from arcs to rays to rippling curtains.

To capture these celestial wonders on camera, use a wide-angle lens, high ISO, and open aperture. A sturdy tripod is a must. Take multiple long exposure shots, at least 10-30 seconds. Experiment with different settings to get the effect you want.

Whether you’re viewing with your own eyes or through a lens, Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon is a prime destination for experiencing the full glory of the Northern Lights. The scenic beauty and solitude only add to the feeling of otherworldliness. If you’re lucky enough to catch the lights dancing over icebergs and snow-capped peaks, you’ll be left breathless at nature’s dazzling display.

The Perfect Spot for Photographing the Northern Lights

If you want to capture the Northern Lights in all their glory, head to Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This iceberg-filled lagoon is one of the top spots in Iceland for Aurora Borealis viewing and photography.

To get there from Reykjavik, drive about a 5-hour scenic route along the southern coast, stopping at waterfalls and black sand beaches along the way. Once at the lagoon, find a spot away from the crowds, turn off your headlights, and wait for the show to start. The pitch darkness and still waters provide the perfect backdrop for the dancing lights.

The best time to see the Aurora is between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest. Check the geomagnetic activity forecasts to increase your chances. September through March offer long nights, with peak season from December to February.

For the best photos, use a wide-angle lens, high ISO, and long exposure. A tripod is essential. Frame your shot with an interesting foreground like icebergs, mountains or the lagoon itself. Shoot in RAW image format for more editing options later.

Fjallsárlón is smaller and less visited than the nearby Jökulsárlón lagoon, with massive icebergs that have broken off the glacier and float serenely in the water. The two lagoons are only a 15-minute drive apart, so you can easily see both in one evening.

With stunning scenery, optimal viewing conditions, and fewer crowds, Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a photographer’s paradise and one of the best places on earth to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. What are you waiting for? Pack your camera, hop in the car, and chase the lights!

How to Get to Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon From Reykjavik

To reach the Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik, pack your bags for an epic road trip. The drive is just under 5 hours one-way, so you’ll want to get an early start.

The Route
Head east on Route 1, also known as the Ring Road. After about 2 hours, you’ll reach the town of Vík. Stop here for gas, snacks and to stretch your legs. Another 90 minutes down the road is the turnoff for Fjallsárlón on your left, marked with a small sign. The final 30-minute drive down this gravel road will take you through a dramatic black sand desert. Have your camera ready, as you’re likely to spot wild Icelandic horses along the way!

When the lagoon first comes into view, you’ll instantly know why you came all this way. The lake is dotted with icebergs of all sizes that have calved off the glacier. Their surreal blue glow under the night sky is a sight you’ll never forget.

Photography Tips
To capture the Northern Lights, use a DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens, set to a high ISO between 1600 to 6400. A tripod is essential for long-exposure shots. Composition is key here - try framing the lake to also capture the glacier in the background.

For the best views, arrive in the evening and stay until the early morning hours. The Northern Lights are often most active between 10 pm to 3 am. Check the Aurora forecast for the strongest solar activity and head to Fjallsárlón on a clear night around the new moon for the most vivid displays.

The drive to Fjallsárlón is an epic Icelandic adventure in itself. With stunning scenery and the chance to witness one of nature’s greatest shows in the Northern Lights, this is one road trip you’ll never forget. Bundle up, charge your camera batteries and get ready for an experience like no other!

Top Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

To capture the Northern Lights in all their glory at Fjallsárlón, timing and technique are everything. Follow these tips to photograph a stunning display of the Aurora Borealis.

Location
Find an open area without too much light pollution for the best views. The lagoon’s black sand beach or the hills surrounding the lake are ideal spots. Get away from the parking lot and any buildings.

Use a tripod
Since you’ll be shooting in low light, a tripod is essential to keep your camera steady. Turn off any image stabilization features on your lens or camera, as these can conflict with the tripod.

Go manual
Switch your camera to manual mode so you have full control over the settings. Start with a wide aperture (low f-stop number like f/2.8 or f/4), long exposure (15-30 seconds), and high ISO (around 1600 to 3200). Make adjustments from there based on the strength and brightness of the lights.

Composition
Frame your shot to include foreground elements like rock formations, trees, or the icebergs in the lagoon. This helps give a sense of scale and depth. The rule of thirds also applies here - position the most active parts of the auroras off-center.

Continuous shooting
The Northern Lights are constantly changing shape and intensity. Set your camera to continuous shooting or burst mode to capture the variations. Take lots of photos, you can delete the duds later!

Don’t forget the details
In post-processing, you can enhance your photos to make the colors of the auroras pop even more. But also, look for opportunities to highlight details like stars, the Milky Way, moonlit landscapes. These extra elements take your photos to the next level.

With the right techniques and a little luck, you'll come away from Fjallsárlón with stunning photographs of the Northern Lights dancing across an icy landscape. Your patience and persistence in the cold, dark night will be well rewarded!

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

So you’ve decided to visit the stunning Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Iceland, but still have some questions. No worries, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about this natural wonder.

When is the best time to visit?
The Northern Lights are most active between late August and early April in Iceland. Fjallsárlón is open year-round, but the best months for viewing the Aurora Borealis are September to March when the nights are longer and darker. The optimal hours are between 10 pm to 3 am when the sky is darkest.

How do I get there?
Fjallsárlón is located in southeast Iceland, about a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik. The easiest way to reach it is by renting a car and driving there yourself. Head east on Route 1, then turn onto Route F985. The lagoon will be on your right. Some tour companies also offer bus trips from Reykjavik if you prefer not to drive.

Where’s the best spot for photos?
For the most dramatic shots, head to the eastern side of the lagoon where you’ll have a view of the massive Vatnajökull glacier in the background. Shoot from the rocky shoreline or one of the small footbridges. Using a wide-angle lens will allow you to capture the Aurora and icebergs in a single frame. A tripod is essential for low-light and long-exposure shots.

Is there a fee to visit?
No, Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon is free and open to visitors year-round. However, some areas may be inaccessible in winter due to snow and ice. There are no entrance gates or opening hours, so you can explore on your own schedule.

What else is there to do?
When you’re done photographing the Northern Lights, check out the massive icebergs that calve from the glacier into the lagoon. You may spot seals swimming in the frigid waters or birds soaring overhead. The surrounding area is also ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking.

Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro

The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.

Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.
The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.
Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.
Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.
If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

Conclusion

So there you have it, everything you need to know about photographing the Northern Lights at the stunning Fjallsárlón iceberg lagoon in Iceland. Now it's time for you to pack your bags, grab your camera, and head out on an adventure of a lifetime. The dazzling Aurora Borealis display over the glistening icebergs will leave you speechless and fill your memory card. But don't just stand there in awe - start clicking away to capture the magic. Who knows, you might just get that epic, award-winning shot to make all your friends jealous. What are you waiting for? The Northern Lights won't wait around forever, so get going! Iceland and Fjallsárlón iceberg lagoon are calling your name.

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