Helicopter tour from Reykjavik: Hengill Area with at site landing

Iceland looks different from the sky. This helicopter trip from Reykjavik gives you broad views of volcanic ridges, geothermal plants, hot ground, and the capital in one compact outing. I especially like the small maximum group of five, which keeps the flight personal, and the 25-minute landing at Hengill, where you get time to walk around instead of simply photographing the ground through glass. The main drawback is the price: at $599.56 per person, this is a major splurge for an experience lasting about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.

The route also packs in places that are hard to understand from the road, including Hellisheiði Plateau, Bláfjöll, and the two major geothermal power stations at Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun. Weather matters a great deal, and the flight may be canceled if conditions are poor, so I would avoid scheduling it on the final possible day of your Iceland trip.

Key Points Before You Book

• A 25-minute landing at Hengill gives you time to walk near geothermal features and take in the views on foot.
• The route covers five distinct areas, including Hellisheiði, Hengill, two geothermal plants, Bláfjöll, and Reykjavik.
• A maximum of five people makes this more intimate than a large sightseeing flight.
• The pilot may circle notable sights slowly, giving you better chances to see gorges, rivers, and hot ground from both sides of the helicopter.
• The $599.56 cost includes fuel surcharges and landing fees, but no food.
• The experience depends on good weather, with a full refund or alternate date available if the operator cancels.

Taking Off From Reykjavik Domestic Airport

Your starting point is Ace FBO Reykjavik at Reykjavik Airport, close to the center of the capital and near public transportation. The tour ends at the same meeting point, which makes planning easier if you are staying in Reykjavik and do not want a long transfer to an out-of-town airfield.

The flight is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the small group size is capped at five people. That number matters in a helicopter. You are not being shuffled into a large cabin with a crowd of people competing for the same view. The experience should feel more direct, with room for questions and a better chance to see outside from your seat.

There is one practical body-weight rule: the total weight allowance is 265 pounds per passenger. If that could be an issue, check with GlacierHeli before booking rather than leaving it to the day of departure.

The total flight time is not fixed to the minute. Plan on roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes. The difference may reflect weather, air conditions, and how the flight develops around the landing area. I would keep the rest of your schedule flexible, especially if you have a bus tour, restaurant reservation, or airport transfer later that day.

Hellisheiði Plateau From Above

After takeoff, the helicopter flies over the Hellisheiði Plateau. From the ground, Iceland’s volcanic regions can look like a series of distant ridges and empty expanses. From the air, the shape of the country becomes easier to read. You can see how roads, lava fields, mountains, and geothermal facilities relate to one another.

This is one reason the flight offers something different from a normal road tour. Driving gives you access to waterfalls, villages, and viewpoints, but it keeps your view close to the road. A helicopter shows the larger volcanic structure in one glance.

The first portion is also a useful reminder that Iceland is not just a collection of isolated attractions. The geothermal plants, mountain areas, hot ground, and capital are part of one active geological region. If you enjoy understanding how places fit together, this aerial view may be worth more to you than another roadside stop.

The tradeoff is that an aerial view can move quickly. You may see a great deal without having time to study every feature. The pilot’s commentary and slow passes over notable areas help, but you should still think of this as a broad visual tour rather than a geology lesson.

The Hengill Geothermal Area Landing

The main event is the landing at Hengill, where the helicopter stops for about 25 minutes. That pause changes the character of the trip. You are no longer just looking down at Iceland through a window. You can get out, walk around a geothermal area, and experience the colors and terrain at ground level.

The exact appeal here is the contrast between the helicopter ride and the short walk. From above, Hengill appears as a dramatic volcanic region. On foot, you get a closer look at the hot ground and the nearby thermal features. One account describes walking around a thermal pond, while another describes hot springs and striking colors. The practical lesson is simple: wear sturdy shoes and clothes suitable for standing outside in changeable Icelandic weather.

Do not expect a long hike. Twenty-five minutes is enough for a short walk, photographs, and a chance to absorb the setting. It is not enough for a full trail excursion. That limited time is a benefit if you want a memorable stop without committing half a day to hiking, but it may disappoint you if you are hoping to explore Hengill on foot.

The landing also makes this more than a sightseeing flight. You get a small taste of being in a remote volcanic area without arranging transport, finding a trailhead, or spending hours on a rough road.

Some descriptions of this experience refer to walking near a glacier as well as hot springs. Since the provided route centers on Hengill’s geothermal area, I would confirm the exact landing conditions with GlacierHeli if glacier access is important to your decision. The reliable feature is the Hengill landing and the time spent exploring the site.

Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Iceland’s Geothermal Power

After leaving Hengill, the helicopter covers Hellisheiðarvirkjun. This is one of Iceland’s large geothermal power facilities, and seeing it from above adds useful context to the hot ground and steam vents around the region.

Iceland’s geothermal energy is not just a scenic curiosity. It helps power and heat the country. From the air, the plant gives you a clear visual connection between volcanic activity and everyday life. The facility may look industrial, but that is precisely why it belongs on this route. It shows how Iceland makes practical use of the forces under its feet.

The flight does not appear to include a plant tour or a stop on the ground. You should think of Hellisheiðarvirkjun as an aerial viewing point, not a museum visit. The helicopter’s advantage is the wide view. You can see the plant within the surrounding volcanic terrain rather than examining machinery up close.

Nesjavallavirkjun and the Broader Geothermal Picture

The route also passes over Nesjavallavirkjun, another major geothermal facility. Seeing both plants in one flight lets you compare two parts of Iceland’s geothermal system and gives the outing more substance than a simple scenic loop.

I like this part of the route because it adds a human purpose to the natural scenery. You are not just seeing mountains, steam, and dark volcanic ground. You are seeing how those features support the country’s energy network.

Still, the value depends on your interests. If you mainly want waterfalls, colorful mountains, or dramatic coastlines, power facilities may feel less exciting than Hengill or the flight over Reykjavik. If you enjoy engineering, energy, or the connection between nature and daily life, these passes will be much more rewarding.

The pilot’s commentary can make a difference here. One highly praised feature of the flight is the willingness to answer questions and move slowly over notable areas. Ask about the plants, the volcanic terrain, and the relationship between geothermal activity and the surrounding mountains while you have the chance.

Bláfjöll and the Volcanic View

The helicopter also covers Bláfjöll, a mountain area south of Reykjavik. This adds another change of scenery after the geothermal plants and Hengill landing.

From the air, Bláfjöll helps show how close Reykjavik is to open volcanic country. You can be near the capital one moment and looking across broad mountain terrain the next. This contrast is one of the strongest reasons to choose an air tour instead of a standard city excursion.

The route is not designed as a dedicated mountain flight, so Bláfjöll is part of a larger circuit rather than the sole focus. You may not spend as much time here as you would on a specialized mountain trip. Still, it gives the journey variety and helps prevent the views from feeling repetitive.

The aerial perspective is also helpful for photography. You can frame ridges, valleys, rivers, and geothermal areas together in ways that are difficult from the ground. Keep your expectations sensible, though. Reflections, cabin windows, and changing light can affect photographs, and the best view may not always be on your preferred side of the helicopter.

Reykjavik From the Air

After the natural and geothermal sights, the helicopter flies over Reykjavik before returning to the airport. This final pass gives the trip a satisfying change in scale.

The capital looks compact beside the open volcanic country around it. From above, you can connect the streets, waterfront, airport, and nearby mountains in one view. If you are taking this tour early in your stay, it can help you get your bearings. If you take it near the end, it becomes a fitting farewell to Iceland.

The city portion also keeps the experience from feeling like a remote-only excursion. You get both urban and wild views without needing separate tours.

What the $599.56 Price Really Buys

At $599.56 per person, this is not a budget sightseeing option. For two people, the cost is about $1,199 before any extra personal spending. You should book it because you value the access and time savings, not because it is an economical way to see Iceland.

The price includes the landing and fuel surcharge, so there should not be a surprise fuel or landing charge added later. Food is not included, but the flight is short enough that this is not a serious concern. Eat before you arrive if needed, since the experience is focused on flying and the Hengill stop rather than a meal.

The strongest value comes from combining several experiences in one outing:

• A flight from Reykjavik
• Views of volcanic terrain
• A landing in the Hengill geothermal area
• Time outside the helicopter
• Passes over two geothermal power plants
• A view of Bláfjöll
• An aerial look at Reykjavik
• A very small group

If you tried to reach all these areas independently, you would need more planning and much more time. A road trip could give you longer stops, but it would not give you the same aerial view. A normal helicopter flight without a landing might cost less, but it would not provide the same chance to walk around a geothermal site.

The value is weakest if you dislike short stops, are uneasy about flying, or prefer slow, ground-level exploration. In that case, put the money toward a longer land tour or a hike.

Weather, Safety, and the Small Group Advantage

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the flight, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met, with an alternate date or experience available.

That policy is useful, but the timing still matters. I recommend booking early in your Iceland stay when possible. The tour is booked an average of 56 days ahead, which suggests that popular dates can fill before your arrival. Early booking also gives you more room to move the flight if weather interrupts the original plan.

The small group is one of the clearest strengths. With no more than five people, the pilot and coordinator can provide a more personal experience. A coordinator has been praised for being kind, courteous, and accommodating, and the pilot has been described as experienced and skilled. Another account praises a modern, clean helicopter and a pilot who answered questions while moving slowly over the best sights.

Those details matter because a helicopter flight can feel intimidating if communication is poor. Clear instructions, a clean aircraft, and a calm pilot help you enjoy the views instead of worrying about the mechanics of the trip.

Most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The stated weight limit remains important, and anyone with concerns should ask the provider before paying.

Who Will Enjoy This Helicopter Tour Most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a high-impact introduction to Iceland and do not mind paying for it. It suits couples, small groups, and anyone who values a quiet, personal outing over a large coach tour.

It is especially good for:

• First-time visitors who want to see Reykjavik and volcanic country together
• Photographers who want aerial views and changing angles
• People with limited time who cannot fit a long road trip into their schedule
• Visitors interested in geothermal energy
• Anyone who wants a landing rather than a flight that never leaves the cabin
• Small groups looking for a special occasion experience

I would think twice if you are traveling on a tight budget, dislike helicopters, or want a full day on the ground. The 25-minute landing is memorable, but it is not a substitute for a proper Hengill hike. You also need to accept the possibility of a weather-related change.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 15 reviews, with 93 percent recommending it. That is a strong signal, though the sample is small. The praise centers on the views, the quality of the pilot, the clean modern helicopter, the sense of safety, and the chance to walk near geothermal features.

Should You Book It?

Book this helicopter tour if the idea of landing in Hengill appeals to you more than simply seeing Iceland from a road. The combination of aerial views, geothermal sites, a small group, and time on the ground gives it more substance than a basic city flight.

Skip it if $599.56 would force you to cut better-value activities from your trip. Iceland offers excellent scenery from roads and trails, and you can have a fine holiday without a helicopter.

My practical advice is to schedule it early in your Reykjavik stay, keep the rest of that day flexible, wear sturdy outdoor shoes, and confirm any questions about the landing conditions before booking. For a special splurge with a strong sense of place, this is one of the more memorable ways to see the volcanic country around the capital.

FAQ

Where does the helicopter tour begin?

It begins at Ace FBO Reykjavik, at Reykjavik Airport in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the starting meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The approximate duration is 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.

How long is the landing at Hengill?

The helicopter stops at the Hengill geothermal area for about 25 minutes.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of five participants.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

Are fuel surcharges and landing fees included?

Yes. The price includes the fuel surcharge and landing fee. Food is not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.