Rules for the use of drones for recreational purposes at Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
We know you want to get that perfect drone shot while you are traveling around Iceland, especially at the magical Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón) and Diamond Beach (Fellsfjara). Before you go flying your drone, it is super important to familiarize yourself with both Vatnajökull National Park and the Icelandic Transport Authority’s rules and regulations for drone flying. We, of course, want to abide by their rules to ensure safety and respect for our surroundings and regulations. Below, we will go over the main rules of Vatnajökull National Park and the Icelandic Transport Authority. We also recommend looking more closely at the regulations on their websites:
For recreational use, drones are allowed in designated areas at Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón), Diamond Beach (Fellsfjara), and Vatnajökull National Park. A permit for recreational drone use is not required; however, the rules of Vatnajökull National Park and the Icelandic Transport Authority must be followed.
For commercial drone use, an appropriate permit must be applied for through Vatnajökull National Park’s website. If in doubt as to which category the project falls into, it is best to email an inquiry to leyfi@vjp.is
Rules and regulations by Vatnajökull National Park
Disturbing wildlife is prohibited. If a flight unexpectedly disturbs birds or other animals, it must stop immediately. Keep flights short and avoid peak times. Never fly near or over people without prior approval, like in organized tours. Operators should respect visitors’ experience, safety, tranquility, and privacy.
The drone’s operator is responsible for its use, ensuring it doesn’t harm people, wildlife, or nature, and leaves no traces. Damaged or crashed drones must be collected. If unrecoverable or dangerous, report to the National Park.
Drones are never allowed inside the red area (see map below). Between April 15th and July 15th, all drone use is prohibited for bird protection. Outside those months, drones can be used in designated areas outside of the red area at Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach during the times of day listed below.
- July 15th to September 21st – before 09:00 or after 18:00.
- September 22nd to October 21st – before 10:00 or after 17:00.
- October 22nd to November 21st – before 11:00 or after 15:00.
- November 22nd to January 21st – before 12:00 or after 14:00.
- January 22nd to February 21st – before 11:00 or after 15:00.
- February 22nd to March 21st – before 10:00 or after 17:00.
- March 22nd to April 15th – before 09:00 or after 18:00.
Below is a map from Vatnajökull National Park showing where drone use is allowed and where it is not.
Rules and regulations by the Icelandic Transport Authority
- The drone must weigh less than 25 kg
- The drone must weigh less than 25 kg
- The pilot must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with the drone at all times
- The drone must not fly higher than 120 m above the ground
- You cannot fly over crowds of people
- Dangerous goods cannot be carried
- You cannot release objects from the drone
- The drone must be marked with the operator’s registration number
Below you can see a leaflet with more in-depth regulations found on the Icelandic Transport Authority website, provided by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
