Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: Glacier and Hengill Geothermal Area

A helicopter ride over Iceland is the fastest way to feel huge scenery in your bones. This Fire and Ice tour strings together Þórisjökull glacier and the Hengill geothermal area in one tight circuit, so you get both ice and heat without spending a full day driving and hiking. I love the small-group feel (max 6) and the way you get actual landings instead of just a fly-by.

The main trade-off is simple: weather matters. When wind or low conditions show up, routes can change and plans can be altered, which is true for any glacier-and-volcano landing. Also, the cabin is small, so you’ll want to be mentally ready for close seating and a bit of shuffling during the ride.

Key things I’d circle on your planner

• Glacier landing on Þórisjökull with time to walk around, take photos, and play in the snow
• Geothermal landing at Hengill near hot springs and boiling mud pots you can walk toward
• Epic aerial route that includes sights like Glymur waterfall, Þingvellir, and views toward Mount Esja
• Small group size (up to 6), which usually means more time at landings and easier photo angles
• A pilot-led, VIP-style experience with an English guide and a meet-and-greet at Ace FBO

Reykjavik to ice and steam: why this tour feels worth it

This isn’t a “sit on a bus and hope for good weather” day. You’re above it all, moving fast, and then you land where most people can only look from far away. That’s the core value here. You get the glacier and geothermal territory as real, physical stops—not just dramatic scenery from the air.

I also like the “two worlds” concept. Iceland is famous for both extremes. You start with snowball fun on a glacier, then you shift to steam, hot pools, and boiling mud near Hengill volcano terrain. That contrast makes the trip easier to remember, and it breaks up the day so it doesn’t feel like one long “look, more rocks” sequence.

The last big plus: you’re not doing this in a crowd. With a maximum of 6 travelers, the experience stays personal. It tends to feel more like a private charter than a cattle-call sightseeing circuit, even though you still get the shared excitement of other people snapping photos.

Ace FBO meet-up and what “VIP-style” actually means

Your adventure starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík at the Reykjavik Domestic Airport area. The meeting point is set up for helicopter departures, and the tour ends right back at the same starting place.

If you’re staying in downtown Reykjavik, you’ll likely use a taxi or another simple route to get to the airport area. The good news is the meeting point is described as near public transportation. The practical lesson: give yourself buffer time to find the right building and check in calmly.

The tour includes an English guide and an experienced pilot who greets you and then handles the flying and site spotting. Multiple pilot names come up in accounts of this experience (Laura, Oliver, and Tasha), and the common thread is clear: the best moments come when the pilot explains what you’re looking at and manages wind so everyone feels safe and comfortable.

One small reminder: helicopters are not big airplane cabins. Even if everything feels smooth, you may find the seating tight. If you’re tall, plan for less legroom than you’d expect on a bus.

The flight over Iceland’s landmarks: Glymur, Reykjavik views, and tectonic drama

Once you’re in the air, the route is built for “seeing without driving.” You’ll fly from the Reykjavik airport toward the Þórisjökull glacier area, and on the way you pass overhead views of Glymur, described as Iceland’s famed waterfall. This is one of those landmarks that looks different from above—less like a postcard and more like a ribbon of force cutting through the terrain.

You also get aerial glimpses of Reykjavik landmarks during the overall circuit. One listed highlight includes a stop/overlook of Hallgrímskirkja Church, plus a glimpse of Mount Esja. There’s also mention of the Icelandic popular Whale Fjordur. In practice, think of these as “you’ll see it from the air” moments. They’re not the kind of stops where you’re hiking around—this is about getting the big pictures quickly.

Then the route shifts toward the Golden Circle area, where you get the tectonics-and-views payoff. If you love science-y travel without the textbook vibe, this part lands well.

Þórisjökull glacier landing: snowballs, photos, and real walking time

The tour’s first landing is on Þórisjökull glacier. The pitch sounds fun because it is fun, but the deeper value is time. You save hours that many people would otherwise spend hiking and scrambling just to reach viewpoints.

From the comfort of your seat, you’ll get panoramic glacier views before you ever step out. Then you land and get time to move around on the ice surface at the designated stop.

What you can do there is exactly what makes this tour feel different from standard glacier tours:

• You can walk out on the glacier
• You get a chance for photos
• You can throw snowballs and have a snowball fight
• You can make snow angels and try shaping a snowman

This matters because it turns the glacier into something active, not just scenic. Many glacier experiences are mostly looking. Here, you get a short burst of play that makes the memory stick.

One practical note: glacier air is crisp, and wind can be strong. Plan to expect cold and gusts. Even with all the gear you’ll likely be given or use on your own, you might find it easier if your boots and outer layer are ready for icy surfaces and gusty weather.

Þingvellir National Park from above: where the plates show up in real view

After the glacier landing, you head toward Þingvellir National Park, part of the Golden Circle and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The big draw from above is the way you can see the land’s story from the sky.

Þingvellir is described as the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world. That’s the human side of the stop. But the helicopter angle adds a second reason to care: you can look down on the canyon where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates split. It’s not an abstract concept from a museum placard—you’re seeing the fault line pattern from overhead.

You’ll also get a look at the sparkling waters of Iceland’s largest lake. That detail may not sound like a “wow” item until you’re looking down and seeing how water sits in the rift landscape.

A quick reality check: this part is described as a gaze from the air rather than a long ground visit. So if you want walking time among historic sites, you’d need a different style of tour. Here, the payoff is fast, high-impact views.

Hengill geothermal landing: hot springs and boiling mud up close

The second landing is at Hengill, a geothermal area named for the Hengill volcano. What makes Hengill special in this context is access: it’s described as remote and reachable by helicopter or by hiking. That’s why a helicopter approach earns its keep—you arrive in minutes instead of spending half a day getting there.

At the landing area, you’ll have time to get near:

• Hot springs
• Boiling mud pots (you can walk toward them and observe from very close)

This is the “Fire” side of the Fire and Ice theme. It’s steam, heat, and messy geology. If glacier ice feels too clean, this brings back the primal Iceland messiness—texture, vapor, and that unmistakable geothermal smell (assuming you’re the kind of traveler who doesn’t mind smelling the planet’s “underbelly”).

One thing to plan for: you’ll likely want your camera ready at multiple moments, because geothermal areas can change minute by minute as steam shifts. Also, with any active thermal terrain, keep your footing and follow pilot/guide instructions closely.

Reykjavik landmarks and the ride back: Hallgrímskirkja, Esja, and Fjordur views

The tour isn’t just two landings and done. Between sites, you’ll be flying back and forth over Iceland’s mix of city and countryside. The listed route includes:

• Hallgrímskirkja Church (a Reykjavik skyline icon you can spot from above)
• Mount Esja (a mountain backdrop that frames Reykjavik)
• Whale Fjordur (listed as an Icelandic popular area/view)

Even if you’re not landing at these exact locations for long, the aerial angles can be surprisingly satisfying. You get a “from above” sense of scale that you can’t get from street level. It’s the kind of perspective that helps you understand where everything sits: city against sea, then mountains and geothermal zones beyond.

Timing, comfort, and small-group reality

The total duration is listed as about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. That’s a sweet spot for a helicopter day. Long enough to hit glacier + geothermal + the key aerial viewing points, short enough that you’re not exhausted by the end.

You should also know the tour is capped at 6 travelers. That matters because it changes how the pilot can fly and how easily everyone can take photos at landings. The smaller group size is part of why this experience earns strong ratings.

Comfort-wise, expect snug seating. The cabin is limited, and you may find yourself sitting close to other people. In one account, a tall traveler noted that the back seating felt especially tight, and that sharing space can be uncomfortable. If you’re close to the weight limit, or you carry lots of bulky items, plan to travel light.

Also note the listed total weight per passenger: 265 lbs. If you’re above that threshold, you may not be able to participate.

English guide and mobile ticket: the easy parts

This tour is offered in English and includes an English guide. You’ll also have a mobile ticket, which helps if you’re trying to travel light and keep your wallet empty.

Confirmation is received at booking, and the meeting point is near public transport. In other words: you’re not wrestling with a complicated multi-stop pickup scheme.

The best practical advice: keep your phone charged and ready for your mobile ticket. Also, arrive a little early so the check-in process doesn’t stress you out.

Price and value: what $953.39 is buying

At $953.39 per person, this is not a budget activity. It’s a premium splurge. The value isn’t in “hours of entertainment.” It’s in access and time compression.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in plain terms:

• Two landings: glacier and geothermal, not just aerial photos
• Multiple high-impact viewpoints: Glymur, Þingvellir tectonic divide area, Reykjavik icons, and more
• Reduced ground travel: no long drive day and no long hike day
• Pilot-guided VIP-style attention in a max-6 group

Compared with booking glacier tours plus separate geothermal day trips, this helicopter format can actually save time and logistics, even if it costs more up front. And the memories are different: playing in snow on an active glacier landing, then walking near boiling mud and hot springs the same day.

If you’re the type of traveler who values once-in-a-lifetime access, this price can make sense. If you’re mainly shopping for “things to see” and you’re fine driving and walking for hours, you might feel the cost more.

Weather can change the day: how to plan for the Iceland reality

This experience requires good weather. If conditions don’t cooperate, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund (per the cancellation terms), and route changes can happen when wind or weather affects helicopter operations.

One of the toughest parts of glacier and volcanic terrain is that it’s not just about clouds—it’s about wind, visibility, and safe landing conditions. So the smart planning move is to book this when your schedule has some flexibility.

If you only have one day in Reykjavik and no wiggle room, a helicopter day becomes higher risk than a typical museum stop. That doesn’t mean don’t book it. It means don’t stack it with zero-flex plans.

Should you book Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour?

I’d book it if you want maximum variety in a short time: glacier play, tectonic canyon views, and geothermal terrain, all with a skilled pilot and an English guide in a small group. The fact that you actually land—twice—makes the experience feel tangible. This is one of those Iceland choices that turns a long-distance fantasy into a few hours you’ll talk about for years.

I’d think twice if:

• You hate weather uncertainty and have zero schedule flexibility.
• You’re uncomfortable with tight seating or you’re near the 265 lbs weight limit.
• You expect a lot of ground walking at every site (this is mostly air-and-landing time, not a long hike itinerary).

If your priority is doing Iceland’s extremes efficiently and vividly, this tour fits the bill.

FAQ

How long is the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour?

It runs about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Ace FBO Reykjavík at the Reykjavik Domestic Airport area, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes an English guide and 2 landings.

What do you do during the glacier landing at Þórisjökull?

You get time to walk on the glacier, take photos, and enjoy snow activities like throwing snowballs, making snow angels, and trying to build a snowman.

What happens at the Hengill geothermal landing?

You land at the Hengill Geothermal Area and have time to observe the boiling mud pots up close and see hot springs nearby.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The total weight per passenger is listed as 265 lbs.

Can I get a full refund if plans change?

Yes for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the experience start time. It’s also weather dependent: if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.