Helicopter tour from Reykjavik: Hengill Area with at site landing

This flight over the Hengill volcanic and geothermal region is all about getting a view you cannot fake. From Reykjavik, you’ll lift off and soon glide above Hellisheiði Plateau before heading into the geothermal heart of the Hengill area, where steam and power infrastructure sit right beside raw volcanic terrain.

Two things I’d put at the top: first, the combination of bird’s-eye views of volcano zones plus an actual on-site landing makes it feel like a real excursion, not just an airport-to-air-to-air photo moment. Second, the group limit of five travelers keeps it calm, personal, and easy to ask questions as the pilot tracks the route.

One drawback to plan around: the tour is weather dependent. If conditions aren’t good, they’ll adjust dates or refund, so you’ll want some flexibility in your Reykjavík schedule.

Key things that make this helicopter tour worth your time

• Max 5 passengers means you’re not fighting for windows or attention
• A real landing at Hengill gives you boots-on-the-ground time in a geothermal area
• Included landing fees and fuel surcharges remove the usual “wait, what else do I pay?” stress
• English commentary keeps you oriented while you watch power plants and volcanic terrain from above
• Multiple geothermal sites on one route, including Hengill and major facilities like Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun

Helicopter tour over Hengill: the fast way to see volcano power up close

If you’re short on time in Iceland but long on curiosity, this is one of the cleanest ways to get it all. A helicopter can hop between viewpoints in minutes, which means you spend your time staring out a window instead of grinding across roads. And because this route is geothermal-volcanic, the air view is oddly educational: it’s where you start to see how Iceland’s heat becomes electricity and how volcanic landscapes actually look from above.

The vibe is also refreshingly straightforward. You get a modern, clean helicopter, and the seats are positioned so you can see well from basically everywhere. That matters, because with small craft you’ll still want good sightlines, especially during the low, slow parts of the flight where the pilot lines things up.

The route: Hellisheiði Plateau to Hengill geothermal, then power plants and Reykjavik

The tour starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík, at Reykjavík Airport. After departure, you’ll fly over Hellisheiði Plateau, a big open area that sets the tone fast: wide emptiness below, with geothermal activity and infrastructure starting to peek out as the flight progresses.

From there, the big moment arrives at Hengill. The helicopter makes an at-site stop, and you’re not just hovering for a quick snapshot. You land, spend time there, then continue on over the geothermal and volcanic zone. The rest of the flight is designed like a circuit: you cover several key points and then get a final pass over Reykjavik from above.

If you love structure in your sightseeing, this route delivers. You’re not randomly searching for views. You’re being guided along a sequence that makes the region’s geothermal story easier to understand.

Stop at Hengill: the landing that makes this feel more than scenic flight

The stop at Hengill Geothermal Area is timed for real experience rather than a rushed photo break. You’ll have about 25 minutes, and the admission ticket is free as part of the stop.

What I like about a geothermal landing is simple: steam and color look one way from the air, then they look different when you’re close enough to sense the scale and heat effects. Even in the limited time, you get a chance to walk around near the landing area and take in the textures that don’t read the same from far away.

A couple practical notes for your head and hands:

• Bring layers. Helicopter time is quick, but the air can shift.
• Keep your camera ready before you land. The lighting can change fast once you’re down on the ground.

Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun: see geothermal power as a physical system

After Hengill, the helicopter continues covering major geothermal facilities: Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun. Seeing these from above is one of the best uses of a helicopter on this entire route, because you can connect dots quickly.

From land, geothermal plants can look like fenced-off equipment with smoke in the background. From the air, you start to see how the facilities sit in the terrain, how steam plumes spread, and how the site layout connects to where the geothermal activity is happening. It turns the concept of geothermal energy from a slogan into something you can visually map.

This is also where the pilot’s flying style matters. You want smooth, controlled passes so you can actually study what you’re seeing. The ride here is designed for that slow-and-stable sightseeing pace, with the pilot taking time to position the helicopter so you can look from one side and then the other.

Bláfjöll and the aerial sweep back toward Reykjavik

The flight also covers Bláfjöll, and then you get a final flyover of Reykjavik after covering the other spots. This is a nice transition because it reminds you that the geothermal action is happening in a real world setting, not out on some distant, empty planet.

Bláfjöll from the air can help you register the shape of the area around Reykjavík. And then the city flyover is a useful mental reset: you’ll spot how the urban grid sits against the surrounding natural terrain. It’s the kind of view that makes your future road trips easier, because you’ll remember where things are relative to the coastline and higher ground.

Even if Reykjavik isn’t your main reason for visiting, the aerial look turns it from a base into a viewpoint.

Small-group comfort: what five passengers changes

This tour caps at five travelers, which is a big deal. It keeps the helicopter ride quieter and more focused. You’re not trying to squeeze past shoulders, and it’s easier to get oriented because the pilot and any English-speaking coordinator can keep the flow calm.

That small-group size also affects the emotional feel. Helicopter rides can be intense for some people just because of the motion. In a small cabin, that intensity tends to settle into a steady excitement. And because you can see well from your seat, you don’t have to crane your neck through a sea of heads.

One more comfort angle: total weight per passenger matters here. There’s a 265 lbs total weight limit per passenger. If you’re close to that, it’s worth checking before you book so you don’t hit an unpleasant surprise on the day.

Price and value: does $599.56 buy enough?

At $599.56 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But value in a helicopter tour isn’t just time—it’s what’s included and what the ride lets you do.

Here’s the value math that makes sense:

• The landing is included. That’s a major upgrade versus many helicopter rides that stay strictly airborne.
• Fuel surcharges and landing fees are included, which helps you avoid add-on costs at checkout.
• The itinerary covers multiple geothermal targets (Hengill plus major facilities), plus the aerial sweep over the plateau and back over Reykjavík.
• The group size stays intimate, so you’re paying for access to the experience, not for the chaos of a full flight.

Duration is about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.). For many people, that time feels short in the best way: long enough to see meaningful sights and land, not so long that you get bored or numb to the view.

The main trade-off is that you’re paying for speed and access. If you’re the kind of traveler who would rather spend money on long hikes, this might feel pricey. If you want maximum wow per hour, this price starts to look rational.

What to expect on board: modern craft, English support, and clear pacing

The experience is offered in English, and you’ll also get a mobile ticket. You’ll board at Ace FBO Reykjavík, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

On the pilot side, the experience is built around stable sightseeing flying. Multiple riders highlight that the helicopter is modern and clean, and that the views were strong from the seats. That’s exactly what you want: the aircraft shouldn’t distract you, and the pilot should keep you oriented with smooth positioning.

If you’re the type who gets antsy during rides, you’ll probably appreciate the steady pace around the key sites. The flight works like a moving viewpoint rather than a roller coaster.

Weather reality: how to plan your Reykjavík days

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right approach in Iceland, where conditions can change quickly.

What I’d do with this info: schedule this flight early enough in your trip that you can still rebook if needed. If your itinerary is locked tight with zero flexibility, consider whether you’ll be disappointed if the flight shifts.

Good news: the operator is set up to handle the typical weather uncertainty. You’re not gambling your entire day on one fixed outcome.

Who should book this helicopter tour (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if:

• You want volcano and geothermal views without losing half your day to driving
• You like learning by looking from above, not just standing and hoping for a good angle
• You want a landing moment, not just a scenic loop

You might want to skip or consider another option if:

• You’re traveling with very tight time constraints and can’t absorb weather-related changes
• You’re trying to keep costs low. This is a premium experience.

If you’re celebrating something or simply want a standout Reykjavik activity that feels different from the usual Golden Circle style loop, this one tends to satisfy.

Should you book the Hengill helicopter tour with landing?

Yes, if you’re excited by aerial geology and geothermal power—and especially if you want a landing stop. The combination of small group size, an at-site landing, and an itinerary that covers multiple key geothermal areas makes it hard to replace with land-based sightseeing alone.

Book it if you can handle one thing: Iceland weather. If you schedule with a little breathing room and you’re okay paying for access and time savings, this feels like the kind of experience that genuinely justifies its price.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter tour?

The tour lasts about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.).

How many people are on the flight?

There’s a maximum of five travelers per helicopter.

Where does the tour depart from?

It starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík, Reykjavík Airport, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What are the main places you’ll fly over or land near?

You’ll fly over Hellisheiði Plateau, stop at Hengill Geothermal Area, cover Hellisheiðarvirkjun, cover Nesjavallavirkjun, cover Bláfjöll, and then fly over Reykjavik after covering the other spots.

Is the Hengill stop admission included?

Yes. The admission ticket for the Hengill stop is free.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes landing and fuel surcharge.

Is there a cancellation option if weather is bad?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund (based on local time).