From Reykjavik: Helicopter Tour to Hengill with Landing

The best part of this flight is the landing in Hengill’s geothermal area, where Iceland’s volcanic power is not just something you see from a window. You get about 15 minutes on the ground among steaming springs and raw volcanic rock before flying back to Reykjavik.

I like the small group of up to five and the mix of broad aerial views with a real stop outside the helicopter. I also like the clear, useful commentary. Laura has been praised for her volcano information, and another pilot calmly explained Reykjavik, the surrounding area, and the geothermal springs.

The main drawback is the price: $529 per person for roughly an hour is a serious splurge. Weather also matters greatly, since clouds or poor visibility can reduce the value of the flight and the views.

Key points

• Hengill landing: Spend about 15 minutes on a geothermal area named for the Hengill volcano.
• Hellisheiði from above: See lava fields, basalt mountains, hot springs, cairn lines, and moss-covered rock.
• Small aircraft group: The helicopter carries no more than five participants, allowing a quieter, more personal flight.
• Two geothermal power areas: The route includes views toward Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun.
• English guidance: Expect live commentary and an English audio guide during the experience.
• Short, high-cost outing: The flight lasts about 50 to 70 minutes, with 25 to 35 minutes in the air and around 15 minutes on the ground.

Flying from Reykjavik into Iceland’s volcanic core

This is not a long sightseeing flight around the whole island. It is a compact trip into the volcanic country just outside Reykjavik, focused on Hellisheiði, Hengill, and nearby mountain areas.

From the air, you can expect a stark mix of lava-covered fields, bright basalt ridges, steaming hot springs, and moss-covered volcanic rock. The scenery is not polished or manicured. It is rough, dark, and full of signs that the ground below is still shaped by heat and pressure.

That makes the trip useful for anyone who wants to understand Iceland’s geology quickly. A road tour can bring you to a few famous sights, but a helicopter gives you the pattern of the land itself. You see how lava spreads across the plateau, how mountains rise from it, and how geothermal steam escapes in scattered pockets.

The route includes Hellisheidi, Vopnafjordur Iceland, Hengill in the South Region, Bláfjöll, and the areas around Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun. The supplied route information does not promise a separate stop at each place. Think of these as areas and landmarks connected by the flight rather than a list of ground visits.

Hellisheiði’s lava fields, cairns, and basalt mountains

The flight crosses the Hellisheiði plateau, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic areas. From the helicopter, the plateau should give you a wide view of old lava flows broken by sharp mountains and open stretches of rock.

The rows of cairns are a particularly appealing detail. From ground level, a line of small stone markers can be easy to miss. From the air, those markers may appear as thin lines running across the open land, adding a human trace to an otherwise severe setting.

You will also see moss spread over parts of the lava. That green cover softens the black rock, but it does not hide the rough surface underneath. The contrast is one reason this flight feels different from a standard city helicopter ride. Reykjavik is the starting point, but the subject is quickly the volcanic land beyond town.

The helicopter’s height gives you a useful sense of scale. Basalt mountains that seem large from a road can appear as part of a much wider volcanic system from above. Bright rock, dark lava, pale steam, and green moss create a strong set of natural colors without any need for dramatic editing.

The Hengill landing is the heart of the trip

The landing is what separates this experience from a simple scenic flight. You spend about 15 minutes on a geothermal area associated with Hengill, giving you time to leave the helicopter and look around.

That short stop will not turn into a long walk or a full geology lesson. It is better understood as a brief pause in a wild setting. You can take in the hot springs, the volcanic rock, and the views before returning to the aircraft.

One pilot described during the experience in a customer account guided the group around the landing area and pointed out geothermal sources. That detail matters because the stop is short. A guide who explains what you are seeing helps you use those minutes well instead of simply taking a few photographs and waiting to leave.

The setting may feel especially striking because the heat is visible. Steaming ground gives a direct sense of the activity beneath the surface. You are not just looking at a mountain that erupted long ago. You are seeing evidence of geothermal energy at work now.

Still, keep your expectations realistic. The landing lasts about 15 minutes, not an hour. You may have time to look around and hear explanations, but this is not a hiking excursion or a long visit to a geothermal bathing area. No bathing is included in the information provided.

Power stations and the practical side of geothermal energy

The route also includes views of Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun. These are important because they show another side of Iceland’s volcanic activity. The same heat that produces steam and hot springs can be used for energy.

From the helicopter, the power facilities add a human and practical element to the trip. You are not looking only at empty lava fields. You are also seeing how Iceland makes use of the heat beneath its ground.

The route mentions Hellisheiðarvirkjun at 816, Iceland, and Nesjavallavirkjun at Tryggvagata 34. These locations help define the flight area, though the experience does not promise a landing or extended visit at either power station.

Bláfjöll is also part of the listed route. The name refers to a mountain area near Reykjavik, and its inclusion helps broaden the view beyond Hengill itself. You will be covering several connected volcanic zones in a short period, rather than spending the whole flight over one crater or one spring.

What the 50 to 70-minute schedule really means

The activity is marketed as a one-hour experience, with the total duration listed as about 50 to 70 minutes. Around 25 to 35 minutes are allocated to the guided flight, and about 15 minutes are set aside for the geothermal landing.

That leaves some flexibility in the total time. The exact duration can vary, so do not plan another tightly timed activity immediately afterward. Helicopter operations are sensitive to conditions, and the published time range already signals that the schedule is not fixed to the minute.

The flight itself is short enough to fit neatly into a Reykjavik itinerary. You do not need to give up half a day, which is useful if you also plan a Golden Circle trip, a city walk, or another excursion. At the same time, the limited duration means the tour works best as a focused highlight, not as your only chance to see Iceland outside the capital.

The meeting point is Ace FBO Reykjavík. You should allow enough time to reach the airport facility and get ready without rushing, though the supplied information does not give a separate check-in time.

A small group makes a difference in a helicopter

The group is limited to five participants. That is one of the strongest practical features of the experience.

A small group means fewer people sharing the ground stop and less chance of feeling packed into a large organized outing. It also makes it easier to hear the guide and ask a quick question during the tour. In a helicopter, where space is naturally limited, a five-person maximum matters more than it would on a large bus.

The flight includes a live English-speaking guide and an English audio guide. One account specifically praised Laura for friendly, professional guiding and useful information about volcanoes. Another described a pilot who explained the flight calmly and provided information about Reykjavik and the surrounding area.

Those comments point to a useful strength: the experience is not just a silent ride with a view. The explanations help you connect the sights below with Iceland’s volcanic and geothermal activity.

The pilot’s role also affects your comfort. A calm briefing and clear explanation are valuable in any helicopter flight, especially if you have never taken one before. The available information does not identify every guide or pilot by name, so you should not expect a particular person unless the operator confirms that in advance.

Is $529 a fair price for one hour?

At $529 per person, this is an expensive Iceland activity. The price is not easy to justify if you measure it only by time. You are paying for a helicopter, a small group, an aerial view that roads cannot provide, and a landing in a geothermal area.

The value improves if you have limited time and want to see a lot of volcanic country without spending hours driving. It also improves if you care about photography, broad views, or the special feeling of stepping onto a remote geothermal site. The combination of flight and landing is more distinctive than a basic sightseeing loop.

The value is weaker if you already have several long day trips planned around Iceland. Road excursions will usually give you more total hours outside for less money, even if they cannot recreate the aerial perspective or the helicopter landing.

I would also think about your priorities. If your main goal is to experience hot water, a bath or geothermal pool may offer more time and comfort. If your main goal is to understand the scale of Iceland’s volcanic country, this flight offers something a road trip cannot.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 12 reviews, which suggests a generally strong experience with a small sample size. The most positive points are the guides, the smooth flight, the landing, and the information about volcanoes and the area. The weaker note concerns organization, so keep your expectations practical rather than expecting a highly elaborate arrival process.

Weather, comfort, and who should book

Weather is a major part of the value. Clear conditions can reveal lava fields, mountains, springs, and distant cairn lines. Poor visibility can turn the flight into a much less satisfying outing, even though the landing may still be worthwhile.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women. The information provided does not give additional medical, mobility, or weight guidance, so anyone with specific concerns should check directly with GlacierHeli before booking.

I think this suits you best if you:

• Have a short stay in Reykjavik and want a quick trip into volcanic country.
• Prefer a small group rather than a large bus excursion.
• Want both an aerial view and time on the ground.
• Enjoy geology, volcanoes, geothermal activity, and stark natural scenery.
• Are willing to pay for a special experience rather than maximize sightseeing hours.

It may not suit you if you dislike flying, need a long ground visit, or want a low-cost way to see Iceland’s countryside. The flight is brief, and the landing is measured in minutes.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning less risky. Still, cancellation flexibility does not remove the main issue: the experience depends heavily on weather and visibility.

Should you book the Hengill helicopter tour?

Book it if you want a short, personal look at Iceland’s volcanic power and the price fits your budget. The 15-minute Hengill landing gives the flight a clear purpose, while the small group and English guidance make the experience easier to follow.

I would choose this over a basic helicopter loop because you get out onto a geothermal area rather than viewing everything through glass. I would skip it if you would rather spend $529 on a full-day road trip, a bath, or several lower-cost activities.

For a first visit to Iceland, this is a memorable add-on, not a complete introduction to the country. You will see an impressive slice of the capital region, hear useful explanations from the guide, and get a quick physical connection to the hot ground below. Just book it for the aerial perspective and the landing, not for a long excursion.

FAQ

How long does the helicopter tour last?

The experience is described as lasting about 50 to 70 minutes, with the standard duration shown as one hour. About 25 to 35 minutes are used for the guided flight, and around 15 minutes are allocated to the geothermal landing.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at Ace FBO Reykjavík.

What language is the tour offered in?

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

How large is the group?

The tour is limited to five participants.

Is the Hengill landing included?

Yes. The landing is included, and about 15 minutes are allocated to spending time on a geothermal area in the Hengill region.

Can pregnant women take this tour?

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