What is Heinabergslón?

Heinabergslón is the proglacial lagoon formed by the retreating Heinabergsjökull glacier. It is filled with icebergs calved from the glacier, and kayaking tours run in summer; it is a much quieter alternative to Jökulsárlón.

Can you kayak on Heinabergslón?

Yes, kayaking tours operate on Heinabergslón lagoon during summer months. The tours paddle among the icebergs with the glacier face as a backdrop. Book in advance.

How do you reach Heinabergsjökull?

From Route 1, take a gravel road south toward the glacier. The road is about 10 km and manageable in a regular car. The lagoon and glacier viewpoint are at the end of the road.

Is Heinabergsjökull crowded?

No, Heinabergslón sees far fewer visitors than Jökulsárlón. Even in peak summer, you may have the lagoon nearly to yourself.

Are there icebergs in Heinabergslón?

Yes, icebergs of various sizes float in Heinabergslón. They calve from the glacier face and slowly drift across the lagoon. The icebergs are often a vivid blue and photograph well.

Heinabergsjökull and Heinabergslón Lagoon

A Vatnajökull outlet glacier with Heinabergslón lagoon, where summer kayaking tours paddle among blue icebergs far from the crowds at Jökulsárlón.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Region

Southeast Iceland

Between Jökulsárlón and Höfn. Few visitors.

Heinabergsjökull feeds Heinabergslón, a glacial lagoon most visitors drive past on their way to Jökulsárlón. Kayaking tours here paddle among the icebergs in near-solitude. Blue ice keeps calving from the glacier face, so the lagoon never looks quite the same twice.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Kayaking tours are operated by professionals with safety equipment. Never attempt to kayak independently on glacier lagoons. Stay well back from the glacier face on land.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Best for

Kayaking among icebergs

A quiet glacial lagoon with summer kayak tours.

Access

Short gravel road

About 10 km off Route 1. Regular car OK.

Pro tip

Book kayaking early

Summer kayaking tours have limited spots; reserve ahead.

What to Expect

Vivid blue icebergs floating in a glacial lagoon
Far fewer visitors than Jökulsárlón
Kayaking tours that bring you up close to the ice
Iceberg formations that change as the glacier calves
A mountain backdrop around the lagoon
Good photography with few people around

Nearby Attractions

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach (30 min west)
Höfn town with its langoustine restaurants
Fláajökull and Hoffellsjökull outlet glaciers nearby
Stokksnes beach and Vestrahorn mountain
Skaftafell and Svartifoss waterfall (1 hour west)
Lón lagoon nature reserve with rich birdlife

How to Get There

About 10 km gravel road off Route 1
Between Jökulsárlón and Höfn
Regular car sufficient for the access road
Look for signs along Route 1
About 5 hours from Reykjavik via south coast

Best Time to Visit

June–September for kayaking tours
Year-round for viewing the glacier and lagoon
Summer for longest daylight and best conditions
Morning light often best for photography
Book kayaking tours at least a week ahead in peak season

Planning help

Heinabergsjokull (Heinabergsjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers