From Reykjavik: Fire And Ice Helicopter Tour with 2 Landings

The rare thrill here is stepping from a helicopter onto two very different kinds of Icelandic ground: snow and ice at Þórisjökull Glacier, then the steaming, mineral-streaked earth of Hengill. Between those landings, you see Glymur waterfall and Þingvellir National Park from above, including the visible rift between the North American and Eurasian plates.

I like that the tour gives you time to leave the aircraft at both stops, rather than offering only a scenic flight. I also like the small group, limited to six people, which makes the trip feel more personal and gives everyone a better chance to take in the views.

The catch is the price: at $867 per person, this is a serious splurge, and the flight needs at least four passengers to operate. If you want a low-cost way to see Iceland, this is not it; if landing on a glacier and visiting a remote geothermal area are high on your wish list, it may be money well spent.

• Two distinct landings: Walk on Þórisjökull Glacier, then explore the Hengill Geothermal Area on foot.
• Glymur from the air: The route passes over the famed waterfall, saving you the hours of hiking needed to reach it on foot.
• Þingvellir from above: Look down on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iceland’s largest lake, and the split between two tectonic plates.
• A tiny group: The helicopter carries no more than six participants, though at least four passengers are needed for the flight to operate.
• A full two-hour outing: The flight begins and ends at ACE FBO Reykjavik, behind the Reykjavik Natura Hotel.
• A premium price: Food and drinks are not included, and passengers over 125 kilograms must book an additional seat.

Two landings make this more than a scenic flight

This tour packs a lot into two hours: a helicopter ride from Reykjavik, views of Glymur and Þingvellir, and stops on a glacier and in geothermal country. The appeal is not simply seeing a broad sweep of Iceland from above. You actually step out of the aircraft twice, moving from a cold, snowy world to a warm, steaming volcanic valley.

That contrast gives the trip its purpose. You can spend one landing walking on snow and taking photos, then see boiling mud pots and hot springs at the next. It is a brisk way to experience striking natural features that would take considerably longer to reach by land.

The flight is operated by GlacierHeli & Tourismiceland. The experience includes a live English-speaking guide and an English audio guide, as well as the helicopter ride and both landings. No guide names are provided, so you cannot request a particular pilot or tour leader.

Starting at Reykjavik’s domestic airport

You meet at ACE FBO Reykjavik, behind the Reykjavik Natura Hotel, and return to the same point at the end. This makes the tour relatively simple to fit into a day in the capital, though you should allow for the two-hour duration and check your chosen departure time when booking.

The group is capped at six participants. That small number is a real advantage in an aircraft, where every seat matters: you are not joining a large bus tour, and the experience is designed around a handful of people sharing the flight and landings.

There is one important operating condition. At least four passengers are required for the flight to go ahead, so the tour is not guaranteed to operate with a smaller group. If you are over 125 kilograms, you must book an additional seat, a detail worth checking before you commit.

First landing: snow and silence at Þórisjökull

The first landing is at Þórisjökull Glacier. On the flight toward it, the helicopter passes over Glymur, a famed waterfall. Seeing it from above gives you a striking view without the hours of hiking it takes to reach the waterfall on foot.

Once the aircraft lands on the glacier, you can get out and walk around, take photographs, and enjoy the open view. The operator describes the stop as a chance to play in the snow, too: you can throw snowballs, make a snow angel, or try building a snowman. The point is not a strenuous glacier trek, but a chance to stand on the ice and take in the setting.

The stop’s appeal may be as much about quiet as activity. A visitor described the untouched snow and stillness as a highlight, and that is useful to keep in mind: you do not need to arrive with a list of things to do. Bring a camera, look around, and give yourself a moment to register how different this feels from standing on a roadside viewpoint.

Conditions on a glacier can be cold, even when Reykjavik feels mild. The tour information does not specify what clothing is provided or what footwear is required, so ask the operator if you are unsure what to wear. Warm layers and practical shoes are sensible preparation, but confirm any equipment requirements directly rather than assuming they are supplied.

Þingvellir from above: a park and a plate boundary

After the glacier, the route passes over Þingvellir National Park, part of Iceland’s Golden Circle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the helicopter, you can look down on Iceland’s largest lake and the canyon that marks the divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Þingvellir matters for more than geology. It is also the birthplace of the world’s oldest existing parliament, giving the view a human story alongside its dramatic natural setting. From the ground, the park’s history and geological features are easier to explore at walking pace. From the air, the value is seeing how the rift fits into the wider terrain.

This is a flyover, not a landing. If you want to spend time at Þingvellir’s paths or historic sites, you will need to visit separately. The aerial view is a useful introduction, but it is not a substitute for a ground visit if exploring the park is a priority.

Second landing: the steaming ground of Hengill

The second stop is in the Hengill Geothermal Area, named for the Hengill volcano. The valley is remote and can be reached by helicopter or by hiking, which helps explain why landing here feels different from visiting a roadside hot spring.

At the landing site, you can walk toward hot springs and boiling mud pots and observe them close up. Expect a place that looks and feels unlike the glacier: steam rises from the ground, and mineral deposits can create streaks of rust red, yellow, and gray. Keep your distance from hot or unstable ground and follow the guide’s directions.

The change in setting is the tour’s strongest visual contrast. The glacier is bright, cold, and open; Hengill is warm-toned, steaming, and marked by geothermal activity. Some passengers have also spotted wild sheep in the area, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Likewise, an erupting volcano is not a promised part of the route. The tour includes a flight over volcanic terrain, not a guarantee of an eruption.

The helicopter view: a major part of the value

The flight is not just transportation between two landing spots. Glymur, the glacier, Þingvellir, the lake, the plate boundary, and Hengill are all part of the aerial experience. From a comfortable seat high above the ground, you can take in broad views that would be difficult to collect on foot in the same two-hour window.

A helicopter flight also saves the time and effort involved in hiking to Glymur or reaching Hengill’s remote valley. That convenience is part of what you are paying for, along with the aircraft, pilot, guide, and two landings. If you enjoy walking and have several days to explore, you may prefer to reach some sites by road or trail. If your time is short, the flight combines several very different sights efficiently.

The ride is not necessarily easy for everyone. One passenger who had been anxious about helicopters found the experience enjoyable, but that is reassurance, not a promise that nobody will feel nervous. If flying makes you uneasy, consider whether the excitement of the views and landings outweighs the discomfort for you.

Is $867 worth it?

At $867 per person, this is among the most expensive activities you might choose in Iceland. It is a poor fit if you are looking for a budget outing or if you would rather spend the same money across several days of ground-based sightseeing.

The value comes from the combination: an aerial route over several major sights, a glacier landing, a geothermal landing, and a small group, all within two hours. The glacier stop alone can feel like the central event, while the Hengill stop adds a second setting that is hard to confuse with it. If either landing is a once-in-a-lifetime priority, the cost may make more sense than a flight that only circles above the scenery.

You also pay for access and time. Reaching remote ground features on foot takes effort and planning, while this tour carries you between them by helicopter. But the flight is short, and food and drinks are not included, so judge the price by how much you value the two landings and the views, not by expecting a full-day excursion.

Who will get the most from this flight?

This is a strong choice if you want to see Iceland from the air and value rare access more than a low price. It suits photographers, people fascinated by glaciers and geothermal activity, and anyone with limited time who wants to combine several distinct sights in one outing.

It may also suit you if you are weighing a helicopter ride against a long hike. The tour offers a chance to see Glymur and land in a remote geothermal valley without spending hours on foot, while still giving you time outside the aircraft at both stops.

It is less suitable if you want a slow visit with long walks, a full day in Þingvellir, or guaranteed wildlife or volcanic activity. You should also think carefully about the cost, the four-passenger minimum, and the extra-seat rule for passengers over 125 kilograms before booking.

A few practical details before you book

The tour lasts two hours and starts and ends at ACE FBO Reykjavik, behind the Reykjavik Natura Hotel. Departure times vary, so check availability for the date you have in mind.

The live tour guide and audio guide are in English. The helicopter ride and landings are included, while food and drinks are not. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Should you book the Fire and Ice helicopter tour?

Book it if the chance to stand on a glacier and visit a remote geothermal valley feels worth a premium to you. The two landings are the heart of the experience, and the flight links them with memorable views of Glymur and Þingvellir.

Skip it if you are mainly looking for inexpensive sightseeing, or if you would be content seeing Iceland’s natural sights from the road. Before booking, check the departure time, passenger minimum, and weight requirement. If those details work for your plans and you are comfortable with the price, this is a compact, high-impact way to see two very different sides of Iceland.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter tour?

The tour lasts two hours. Check availability to see the starting times for your chosen date.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at ACE FBO Reykjavik, behind the Reykjavik Natura Hotel.

Where does the helicopter land?

There are two landings: one on Þórisjökull Glacier and one in the Hengill Geothermal Area.

Is Þingvellir a landing stop?

No. The route passes over Þingvellir National Park, but the two landings are at the glacier and the Hengill Geothermal Area.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to six participants. At least four passengers are required for the flight to operate.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide and audio guide are in English.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.