What is Heinabergslón?

Heinabergslón is the proglacial lagoon formed by the retreating Heinabergsjökull glacier. It is filled with icebergs calved from the glacier and offers kayaking tours in summer—a more intimate alternative to Jökulsárlón.

Can you kayak on Heinabergslón?

Yes, kayaking tours operate on Heinabergslón lagoon during summer months. Paddling among the icebergs with the glacier face as a backdrop is a unique and unforgettable experience. 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, making it one of the best-kept secrets in southeast Iceland.

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 color, making for dramatic photography.

Heinabergsjokull (Heinabergsjökull) Glacier Iceland: Kayaking Among Icebergs

A Vatnajökull outlet glacier with Heinabergslón lagoon—kayak among vivid blue icebergs in one of southeast Iceland's best-kept secrets, far from the crowds of Jökulsárlón.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Region

Southeast Iceland

Between Jökulsárlón and Höfn. Hidden gem.

Heinabergsjökull is the glacier that feeds one of Iceland's hidden treasures: Heinabergslón lagoon. While most visitors flock to Jökulsárlón, those in the know head here to kayak among icebergs in near-solitude. The vivid blue ice calving from the glacier creates a constantly changing landscape that rivals any glacial scene in Iceland.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

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.

Sources to check

Best for

Kayaking among icebergs

Unique experience on a quiet glacial lagoon.

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—true hidden gem
Kayaking tours that bring you up close to the ice
Constantly changing iceberg formations as the glacier calves
Mountain backdrop surrounding the tranquil lagoon
Excellent photography opportunities in peaceful surroundings

Nearby Attractions

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach (30 min west)
Höfn town with award-winning langoustine restaurants
Fláajökull and Hoffellsjökull outlet glaciers nearby
Stokksnes beach and dramatic 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