Helicopter tour from Reykjavik: Hengill Area with at site landing

See Iceland from a very different angle. This helicopter flight from Reykjavik pairs wide aerial views with an actual landing in the Hengill geothermal area, so you do not simply look down at Iceland through a window. I especially like the small maximum of five people and the fact that landing fees and fuel charges are already included. The main drawback is the price: at $599.56 per person, this is a major splurge for a short outing.

The flight covers Hellisheiði Plateau, two major geothermal power stations, Bláfjöll, and Reykjavik before returning to the airport. The landing adds the most character, giving you time to walk around a geothermal area and see the ground-level colors and steam that are easy to miss from above. Weather matters, so a flexible schedule is useful.

Key points to know before booking

• A real landing at Hengill: You get about 25 minutes on the ground in one of Iceland’s most striking geothermal areas.
• Small group size: The helicopter carries no more than five passengers, making the flight feel more personal and giving everyone a better chance at clear views.
• Power stations from above: Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun show how Iceland turns volcanic heat into usable energy.
• City and volcano views together: The route combines Reykjavik, mountain areas, volcanic terrain, and geothermal sites in one compact flight.
• Premium pricing: The cost is high, but fuel surcharges and landing fees are included, with no separate charge for the Hengill landing.
• Weather-sensitive plans: Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, so avoid scheduling this as the only fixed activity on a tight itinerary.

Taking off from Reykjavik Domestic Airport

You meet at Ace FBO Reykjavík at Reykjavik Airport. The airport is in the city, and the meeting point is near public transportation, which makes this easier to reach than an excursion far outside Reykjavik.

The flight lasts approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes. That range matters because helicopter time can vary with the exact route, conditions, and operating details. I would allow extra time around the scheduled activity rather than booking a tight restaurant reservation or airport transfer immediately afterward.

The maximum group size is five people. That is one of the strongest features of the experience. In a larger aircraft, a passenger may spend much of the flight trying to see past someone else. With five or fewer people, the cabin should feel less crowded, and the pilot can give the flight a more personal touch.

The available details do not promise a particular seat, so I would not book this expecting a guaranteed front seat or a specific side of the helicopter. Still, the small cabin and the route itself give you a good chance to see the main sights clearly. A few people who have taken the flight especially praised the views from all seats, which is encouraging for anyone worried about being stuck on the wrong side.

Crossing the Hellisheiði Plateau

After takeoff, the helicopter flies over Hellisheiði Plateau. This is a strong opening because you quickly leave the urban setting behind and reach the broad volcanic terrain around Reykjavik.

From the air, the plateau helps you understand how close the city is to Iceland’s active geological areas. On a road trip, you see only the section beside the highway. From the helicopter, you can take in the scale of the open ground and the relationship between the plateau, mountains, geothermal facilities, and the capital.

This part of the route is also useful for orientation. Iceland’s scenery can seem like a series of separate sights when you visit by car. From above, the volcanic ridges and open highland areas make more sense as one connected region.

Do not expect a long sightseeing flight over every major Iceland attraction. This is a focused route around Hengill and the nearby geothermal and mountain areas. Its strength is the concentration of sights, not the sheer number of destinations.

The Hengill geothermal landing

The main event is the landing at the Hengill geothermal area. You spend about 25 minutes on the ground, and that short stop changes the character of the outing.

A helicopter flight can sometimes feel like a fast view through glass. Here, you get out and experience the setting at walking pace. The available descriptions mention a thermal pond and colorful hot spring areas, with striking views around the landing site. This is where you can appreciate the unusual colors and textures of geothermal Iceland without watching them pass below you.

The stop is brief, so think of it as a taste of the area rather than a hike. The published plan does not give a long walking route or a detailed trail description. You should be ready to follow the pilot’s instructions and stay within the permitted landing area.

The geothermal ground can be uneven, and conditions may be wet or windy. The supplied information does not specify required footwear or clothing, so practical Iceland gear is the sensible choice: warm layers, sturdy shoes, and protection from rain. Since this is an outdoor landing, the weather you feel on the ground may be very different from the calm conditions inside the helicopter.

One description of the experience refers to walking on a glacier, but the stated route focuses on the Hengill geothermal landing. I would not book this expecting a guaranteed glacier walk. If that is important to you, confirm the exact landing plan before paying.

Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Icelandic energy

The helicopter then covers Hellisheiðarvirkjun, one of the geothermal power facilities in the area. Seeing it from above adds useful context to Iceland’s energy story.

On a normal sightseeing drive, a power station can look like a quick roadside stop or an industrial interruption. From the air, you can see how the facility fits into the volcanic surroundings. That contrast is part of what makes the route worthwhile: Iceland’s dramatic geology is not only something to photograph, it also supplies heat and electricity.

The flight does not include a guided indoor visit or a technical tour of the plant. Your understanding will come from the aerial view and any commentary provided during the flight. One of the strongest comments about the experience praised the pilot for moving slowly over notable sights, explaining what passengers were seeing, and answering questions. That kind of narration makes a real difference on a short flight.

If you enjoy geography, engineering, or the practical side of Iceland’s volcanic activity, this section may be more interesting than you expect. If you want only untouched nature, the power station may feel less exciting than Hengill or Bláfjöll.

Nesjavallavirkjun from the air

The route also passes over Nesjavallavirkjun. Like Hellisheiðarvirkjun, it gives you a look at geothermal energy in operation, but the aerial view lets you compare the facility with the surrounding mountain and volcanic terrain.

This is a good example of why a helicopter can add value beyond a standard city sightseeing flight. You are not limited to Reykjavik’s streets or a single viewpoint. In a short period, you see natural features and the infrastructure built around them.

The tour summary does not promise a landing at either power station, and you should not expect to leave the helicopter there. These are flyover points. The Hengill area is the place where you get out.

Bláfjöll, volcanoes, and hard-to-reach views

Bláfjöll is another flyover point. The mountain area adds a different view of the volcanic region, with broad slopes and rugged terrain that can be difficult to appreciate from ground level.

The appeal here is access. Some parts of volcanic Iceland are visible from roads, but many ridges, folds, and isolated areas are not easy to reach without a long hike or a specialized vehicle. A helicopter lets you see those sections without spending a full day on the road.

The flight also offers views of parts of the volcanoes that you would not normally see from land. That does not mean you will land on a volcano or see a current eruption. It means the aircraft can show you the shape and extent of volcanic terrain from angles unavailable on a road or marked path.

If you enjoy photography, keep your camera ready throughout the flight. The route moves through several kinds of scenery, and the best view may last only a short time. Window glare and reflections can affect photographs, so your eyes may give you a better experience than your phone camera.

Returning over Reykjavik

After the geothermal and mountain areas, the helicopter flies over Reykjavik before returning to the meeting point. This final pass gives you a useful contrast with the open volcanic country.

From above, the city becomes part of the wider setting rather than an isolated base for excursions. You see how Reykjavik sits beside the surrounding mountains and open terrain. It is also a pleasant way to finish because you regain your bearings before landing.

The flight ends back at Ace FBO Reykjavík. There is no food included, and the experience is short enough that this should not be a problem. Eat beforehand if you need a proper meal, and bring water if that suits you. No food stop is listed.

What the $599.56 price really buys

At $599.56 per person, this is among the more expensive short activities you can book in Reykjavik. You are paying for aircraft operation, a pilot, a small group, a landing, and access to scenery that would require much more time and effort by road or on foot.

Fuel surcharges and landing fees are included. That is important because surprise charges can make helicopter tours feel even more expensive after booking. Here, the advertised price gives you a clearer idea of the total cost.

The value depends on your priorities. I think the price is easier to justify if you have limited time in Iceland, want an intimate flight, or have already seen the major sights from the road. The landing is also a real benefit. You are not paying only for a 50-minute aerial circuit.

The value is weaker if you are planning several expensive activities, dislike short tours, or want a long walk in the countryside. A road excursion can provide more hours outside, though it will not offer the same views or access to remote volcanic terrain.

This is a special-occasion purchase rather than a budget activity. Couples, small families, and photographers may find the small group worth the premium. Solo passengers should consider that the full per-person cost remains high, even though the experience is intimate.

Safety, weather, and practical limits

The operator lists a maximum total weight per passenger of 265 pounds. Check this requirement carefully when booking, especially if you are traveling with heavy clothing or equipment.

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. The available information does not identify any special fitness requirement. Still, you will need to get into and out of a helicopter and walk around the landing area for approximately 25 minutes.

Good weather is required. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is helpful, but you still need a backup plan if your schedule is short.

The tour also requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not met, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. For the best chance of fitting this into your trip, I would avoid placing it on the last possible day.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Cutoff times use local Iceland time.

Who will enjoy this flight most

I would choose this tour if you want several distinct views in one compact outing. It suits someone who values access and perspective more than a long ground-based walk.

It is particularly well matched to:

• Couples looking for a memorable splurge
• Small groups who prefer a quieter, more personal flight
• Photographers who want aerial views of volcanic terrain
• Visitors with limited time around Reykjavik
• Anyone curious about geothermal power as well as natural scenery
• People who have already seen Iceland’s main roads and want a fresh angle

I would hesitate if you are uncomfortable with helicopters, need a guaranteed long hike, or have a strict budget. I would also be cautious if your Iceland schedule cannot absorb a weather-related change.

The high rating and 93 percent recommendation indicate strong satisfaction, and the most praised points are consistent: spectacular scenery, a clean modern helicopter, a reassuring pilot, clear explanations, and the chance to walk around the thermal area. Those are meaningful strengths, especially for a flight this short.

Should you book the Hengill helicopter tour?

Book it if the Hengill landing is the part that excites you, not just the idea of seeing Reykjavik from above. The flight offers a good mix of volcanoes, geothermal sites, power stations, mountains, and city views, all within roughly an hour.

I would make it a top choice for a first trip with enough budget for one major splurge. The small group, included landing fees, and ground stop make it more substantial than a simple city flyover.

Skip it if you would rather spend $599.56 on a full-day road trip or if you need a guaranteed itinerary in all weather. For everyone else, this is a polished, focused way to see the Hengill region from angles that roads cannot provide, with just enough time on the ground to make the experience feel real.

FAQ

Where does the helicopter tour start?

It starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík at Reykjavik Airport, Reykjavík, 101, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Where does the experience end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Ace FBO Reykjavík.

How long does the tour last?

The approximate duration is 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of five travelers.

Does the tour include a landing?

Yes. The helicopter lands in the Hengill geothermal area, where the scheduled stop lasts about 25 minutes.

Are landing fees included?

Yes. The price includes the landing and fuel surcharge.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

What places does the helicopter cover?

The route includes Hellisheiði Plateau, Hengill, Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, Bláfjöll, and an aerial view of Reykjavik.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.