From Reykjavik: Helicopter Tour to Hengill with Landing

The best part of this flight is the geothermal landing at Hengill, where Iceland’s volcanic power is not hidden behind a road or viewing platform. You fly over lava fields and basalt mountains, then step out near steaming ground and hot springs for about 15 minutes. That change from aircraft view to ground-level heat makes this more than a sightseeing flight.

I like the small group of no more than five and the amount of scenery packed into roughly an hour. I also like the clear focus on Hellisheiði, Hengill, Bláfjöll, and Iceland’s raw volcanic activity. The main drawback is the price: at $529 per person, this is a short and costly outing, and poor weather could reduce the views.

Key points to know before booking

• Hengill landing: Spend about 15 minutes on the ground in a geothermal area near steaming springs.
• Hellisheiði from above: See lava-covered fields, mossy rock, basalt peaks, and long lines of cairns.
• Small aircraft group: The helicopter carries no more than five participants, which keeps the trip personal.
• Short but full itinerary: Plan on 50 to 70 minutes total, including about 25 to 35 minutes of guided flying.
• English guidance: The pilot or guide provides live commentary, with an English audio guide also included.
• High cost per minute: At $529, the value depends on how much you want the helicopter view and landing rather than a longer road tour.

From Ace FBO Reykjavik to the Hellisheiði plateau

You meet at Ace FBO Reykjavik, the departure point for GlacierHeli. The tour is built around a compact helicopter flight, not a full-day excursion with road transfers or several long stops. That matters if you have only a short window in Reykjavik, but it also means every minute counts.

The total time is listed as 50 to 70 minutes. Of that, about 25 to 35 minutes is used for the guided flight, and roughly 15 minutes is set aside for the geothermal landing. The remaining time covers the practical parts of departure, landing, and moving between the flight sections.

The small group limit of five is a real advantage. You avoid the feel of a large sightseeing operation, and the guide can keep the explanation focused on the people in the helicopter. The aircraft is still a shared experience, so seating and views can vary, but a group this size gives the outing a more personal feel.

The language is English. You receive live commentary, along with an English audio guide. The information appears to focus on Reykjavik, the surrounding areas, and the volcanic forces that shaped the region.

Hellisheiði: lava, moss, and basalt from the air

Once the helicopter crosses the Hellisheiði plateau, the view shifts from city surroundings to broad fields of volcanic rock. The area is marked by dark lava, bright basalt formations, moss-covered stone, and patches of steam rising from the ground.

From a road, you see only pieces of this country at a time. From the helicopter, the lava fields connect into a much larger pattern. Rows of cairns snake across the distance, adding small signs of human passage to an otherwise rough and powerful setting.

The changing colors are one reason the flight works well as a first look at Iceland’s volcanic side. Black and gray rock contrast with green moss, while white or pale steam marks geothermal activity below. The view is not polished or gentle. It is raw, uneven, and shaped by heat, eruption, and weather.

You may also see the Hellisheiðarvirkjun geothermal power plant area during the flight. Its presence gives useful context: Iceland is not just displaying geothermal energy as scenery. It is also using that heat as part of the country’s power system.

The flight route includes the areas around Hellisheidi, Vopnafjordur, Hengill, Nesjavallavirkjun, and Bláfjöll. The exact order and visibility can depend on flight conditions, but these locations help define the volcanic zone around Reykjavik.

Hengill’s geothermal landing

The landing is the feature that sets this trip apart from a standard helicopter circuit. After seeing volcanic country from above, you land in the geothermal area named for Hengill volcano.

You have about 15 minutes on the ground. That is not enough for a long walk, and you should not expect a full hiking stop. It is enough to look around, take in the setting, and see geothermal features at close range. The pilot or guide may point out steaming springs and explain what you are seeing.

This short stop gives the geology a physical presence. From the air, steam looks like a pale mark in a much larger scene. On the ground, it becomes a reminder that heat is active beneath your feet. That is the kind of detail you cannot get from a regular road viewpoint.

The landing also depends heavily on weather and operating conditions. On a clear day, you can expect broad views around Hengill and the surrounding volcanic country. In poor conditions, cloud or low visibility could limit the payoff. For that reason, I would treat the landing as the main reason to book, but not assume it will look identical every day.

What the guide adds to the flight

A helicopter flight can become a quick ride with pretty views if the commentary is thin. Here, the guided part is important because the ground below you can be hard to read without context.

Laura is one guide named in the available feedback. She is described as friendly and professional, with useful information about volcanoes. Another account describes a pilot who explained the flight calmly, pointed out Reykjavik and the surrounding area, and showed the geothermal springs after landing.

Those details suggest that the quality of the experience depends partly on who is flying and guiding that day. The pilot may give the main commentary, or a guide may add more explanation. Either way, you should expect information in English rather than a silent scenic flight.

The helicopter’s noise also affects conversation. The included audio guide gives you another way to follow the information, but this is not the same as sitting across a quiet table with a local guide. If you want the most from the trip, listen closely during the flight and save questions for the ground stop when possible.

How the main sights fit together

The tour does not treat each named location as a separate stop. These are points and regions seen along the flight route, with Hengill serving as the landing area.

Bláfjöll adds a strong mountain element to the trip. Its basalt peaks help show how volcanic activity shaped the ridges around Reykjavik. The mountains are especially useful for understanding that Iceland’s volcanic areas are not all flat lava plains.

Nesjavallavirkjun is another geothermal power area connected with the region. Seeing it from above places Iceland’s energy system in the same frame as hot ground, steam, and volcanic rock.

Hellisheiðarvirkjun provides a similar connection near Hellisheiði. These power facilities may not be the emotional highlight of the flight, but they give practical meaning to the geothermal activity beneath the plateau.

The lava fields and cairns are likely to be the most visually striking parts. The named power areas add context, while the Hengill landing gives you the close-up moment.

Is $529 a fair price for one hour?

At $529 per person, this is an expensive short outing. You are paying for a helicopter, a small group, a guided aerial route, and a landing in an area that is not experienced from a normal road tour.

The value is strongest if you have limited time in Reykjavik and want an experience that combines flight and geothermal scenery. You can cover Hellisheiði and Hengill quickly, without spending much of the day on transport. The small group also makes the price easier to justify than a crowded sightseeing flight.

The value is weaker if you want many hours outdoors, a long walk, or several detailed stops. A road-based geothermal tour will generally give you more time on the ground, even though it cannot offer the same overhead view or helicopter landing.

I would ask myself one simple question: is the landing the thing I most want to remember? If yes, the cost may feel worthwhile. If you mainly want to see hot springs and volcanic scenery, there are likely longer ways to use the same budget, though this experience has a very different character.

Timing, weather, and practical limits

The listed duration is about one hour, but the more precise estimate is 50 to 70 minutes. Keep some flexibility around your schedule rather than planning a tight connection immediately afterward.

Weather matters greatly for an aerial tour. Clear conditions will help you see the lava fields, basalt mountains, cairns, and distant geothermal areas. Cloud or poor visibility can change the experience, even if the helicopter still operates.

Pregnant women should not book this activity, as they are specifically listed as unsuitable. Other restrictions are not provided, so you should confirm any personal concerns with the operator before booking.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Reykjavik plans. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Parking at the meeting point has been described as good, which makes arriving at Ace FBO Reykjavik simpler if you are using a car. No hotel pickup is listed, so plan to reach the meeting point yourself.

Who will enjoy this helicopter tour most?

I would choose this for a first visit to Iceland when you want a strong visual introduction to volcanic terrain without committing to a full day outside the capital.

It suits you especially well if you:

• Want a helicopter flight with an actual landing, not only an aerial circuit
• Prefer a small group to a large sightseeing operation
• Have limited time in Reykjavik
• Enjoy geology, volcanoes, and geothermal features
• Are comfortable paying a premium for a short, memorable experience

I would hesitate if you dislike aircraft noise, need a long walk, or are mainly searching for the lowest-cost way to see hot springs. The 15-minute ground stop is purposeful but brief. This is a concentrated experience, not a hiking day.

Should you book the Hengill helicopter landing?

Book it if you want to combine aerial views of Hellisheiði with a close look at geothermal ground around Hengill. The flight covers a lot in a short time, and the landing gives the trip a clear purpose beyond sightseeing from the window.

Skip it if $529 feels too high for 50 to 70 minutes, or if you would rather spend several hours walking through geothermal areas. For the right budget, this is a focused and unusual way to see the volcanic country near Reykjavik, with helpful English commentary and a small group that keeps the outing personal.

FAQ

Where does the helicopter tour meet?

You meet at Ace FBO Reykjavik.

How long does the tour last?

The total duration is about 50 to 70 minutes, commonly described as one hour.

How long is the geothermal landing?

About 15 minutes is allocated to the landing in a geothermal area around Hengill.

How much guided flight time is included?

About 25 to 35 minutes is allocated to the guided flight.

What places can I see from the helicopter?

The route includes Hellisheidi, Hengill, Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, and Bláfjöll.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guide and audio guide are in English.

How many people can join the helicopter tour?

The group is limited to five participants.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. Pregnant women are listed as unsuitable for this activity.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.