From Reykjavik: Helicopter Tour to Hengill with Landing

A helicopter makes Iceland’s volcanic ground easier to read: from above, dark lava fields, bright basalt mountains and geothermal steam form a pattern you can take in at a glance. This flight leaves Reykjavik for the Hellisheiði plateau and includes a landing in Hengill’s geothermal area.

I like two things in particular: you get both an aerial view and time on the ground, and the group is capped at five, which should make it easier to hear the pilot’s explanations. Guides such as Laura have shared information about volcanoes, Reykjavik and the surrounding area.

The main tradeoff is the price: at $529 per person, this is a costly way to see the countryside, and the full experience lasts about an hour. It makes most sense if the helicopter flight itself is part of what you want, not just a ride to a viewpoint.

Key points

• The flight crosses Hellisheiði, an area described as one of Iceland’s most active volcanic regions.
• The Hengill landing lasts about 15 minutes, giving you a short chance to walk around the geothermal area.
• The full tour takes 50 to 70 minutes, with about 25 to 35 minutes allocated to the guided flight.
• Groups are limited to five people, a useful detail for a tour built around views and live commentary.
• Guides speak English, and an English audio guide is also included.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, so check that restriction before booking.

From Reykjavik to the Hellisheiði plateau

The meeting point is Ace FBO Reykjavík. From there, the helicopter heads toward Hellisheiði, a high plateau known for volcanic terrain. The flight gives you a broad view of lava-covered ground, basalt mountains and steaming hot springs, features that can be harder to appreciate from a road-level stop.

The changing scale is part of the appeal. On foot, lava fields can feel like a jumble of rough rock and moss. From above, their spread becomes clearer, with patches of dark stone set against the plateau and mountain forms. The tour also describes rows of cairns stretching into the distance. These details make the flight more than a quick look at Reykjavik from the air: the main focus is the volcanic country beyond the city.

The guided portion is listed at about 25 to 35 minutes. Your pilot provides live commentary in English, and an English audio guide is included as well. A pilot can point out features while you are looking at them, which helps connect the view to the place names and geothermal activity. Laura, one of the guides associated with the tour, has been praised for explaining volcanoes in an engaging, useful way. Guides can vary, so don’t book expecting a particular person.

What the Hengill landing adds

The landing is the part that sets this tour apart from an aerial circuit. You spend about 15 minutes on the ground in Hengill’s geothermal area, named for the Hengill volcano. That short pause gives you a closer view of the setting and a chance to see geothermal springs with the pilot guiding you around.

Keep your expectations measured. Fifteen minutes is a brief stop, not a long hike or a full geothermal visit. It is enough to step out, look around and take in the ground-level contrast with the sweeping view from the helicopter. If you want a leisurely walk or a longer visit to geothermal features, this tour does not promise that.

The landing also makes the experience feel more connected to the terrain. Aerial views show the scale of the region, while standing in the geothermal area lets you focus on the immediate surroundings. The pilot’s explanations can help you notice details you might otherwise pass over. The exact experience on the ground may depend on the conditions during your visit, so treat this as a short guided stop rather than a set walking route.

Volcanic sights along the route

The tour’s route is described across Hellisheiði, with Hengill as the landing area. The named points include Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun and Bláfjöll, as well as Hellisheidi and Hengill. These names give you a sense of the places associated with the flight, but the provided itinerary does not guarantee a close pass over every listed point.

The central theme is Iceland’s geothermal and volcanic character. The flight takes in lava fields, basalt formations and hot springs, with the Hellisheiði plateau presented as one of the country’s most active volcanic areas. That combination is useful if you want a compact introduction to the region’s raw geology without setting aside a full day for ground travel.

The route is also a chance to put Reykjavik in context. From the air, the city and its surrounding countryside become part of a larger view, and the pilot may share information about both. One German-speaking passenger described a comfortable flight from Reykjavik to Hengill and appreciated the pilot’s explanations of the city and its surroundings. That is the kind of commentary that can make the flight feel like a guided outing rather than silent sightseeing.

A small group, with a short clock

The group limit is five participants. That is small for a shared helicopter tour, and it can matter in practical ways: the group is less crowded, and it is easier to follow the guide’s commentary. The tour is still a shared activity, not a private charter, so you should expect to fly with other participants.

Plan for around one hour, but note that the stated duration is 50 to 70 minutes. The guided flight accounts for roughly 25 to 35 minutes, and the landing takes about 15 minutes. The remaining time is part of the overall trip, though the precise breakdown is not specified.

This is a compact outing, which suits a schedule with limited room for a longer excursion. It also means you should not expect a long stop on the ground or an extensive route description in advance. The tour’s strongest appeal is the combination of airborne views and one geothermal landing, not a full-day exploration of every named site.

Is $529 worth it?

At $529 per person, this is a premium activity. You are paying for a helicopter flight, the guided experience and a landing in Hengill, all within about an hour. That price may feel reasonable if aerial access and the chance to stand in a geothermal area are the main reasons you are booking. It is harder to justify if you simply want to see volcanic scenery and are content with viewpoints reached by other means.

I would compare the cost with what you value most. If you want a different perspective on the Hellisheiði plateau and a short visit to geothermal ground, the flight offers both in one outing. If your priority is time spent walking, this is not the right format: the landing is brief, and most of the trip is in the helicopter.

The limited group size and live commentary add value, especially if you enjoy learning as you look. But the central purchase is still the flight. Book for the aerial view and the landing, not because you expect a long guided hike or a full geothermal tour.

Who should book this flight?

This tour suits you if you have a strong interest in Iceland’s volcanic terrain, want to see the region from above, and are comfortable paying a high price for a short activity. It also works well if you prefer a small group and want a guide to explain what you are seeing.

It is less suitable if you want a low-cost way to see the countryside, need a longer ground-level visit, or are pregnant. The tour’s appeal depends on the helicopter being a central part of your plan. If that sounds right, the landing makes it more distinctive than a flight that stays in the air.

For a practical note, the meeting point is Ace FBO Reykjavík. The activity is offered in English, with an English audio guide, and booking allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later. Check available starting times before choosing a date.

FAQ

How long does the helicopter tour take?

The total duration is listed as 50 to 70 minutes, or about one hour. The guided flight takes around 25 to 35 minutes, and about 15 minutes is set aside for the landing.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Ace FBO Reykjavík.

Where does the helicopter land?

The tour includes a landing in Hengill’s geothermal area, named after the Hengill volcano.

What language is the tour in?

The live tour guide speaks English, and an English audio guide is included.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to five participants.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. Pregnant women are listed as not suitable for this activity.

Can I cancel after booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.