Iceland is known as one of the most diverse, beautiful places in the world. Known as “the land of fire and ice” it’s no secret that it’s filled with dramatic mountain ranges, volcanoes, clear blue lakes, thermal pools, and much more to experience.

While there are plenty of great ways to see this natural beauty from land, one of the best ways to cover it all is from an aerial view. While airplanes are great for transportation, helicopters take the cake when it comes to sightseeing.

If you really want to experience Iceland in all its splendor, check out one of the top Iceland helicopter tours available!

Be sure to see our reviews of Northern Lights Tours, Whale Watching Tours and ATV Tours.

Best Helicopter Tours in Iceland

	Mountain Helicopter Tour with Summit Landing from Reykjavik	Reykjavik Helicopter Flight: Geothermal Landscapes	New Active Volcano: Helicopter Tour in Iceland
Departure Location:	Nauthólsvegur, 102 Reykjavík	Nauthólsvegur, 102 Reykjavík	Reykjavik Airport
Departure Time:	Anytime from 9 am to 5 pm	Anytime from 9 am to 5 pm	Anytime from 8:30 am to 7 pm
Duration:	30 to 45 minutes	Around 1 hour	40 minutes
Includes:	Professional pilot, summit landing	Professional pilot, commentary	Professional pilot, commentary
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 3 Best Rated Iceland Helicopter Tours For 2024

1. Mountain Helicopter Tour with Summit Landing from Reykjavik
2. Reykjavik Helicopter Flight: Geothermal Landscapes
3. New Active Volcano: Helicopter Tour in Iceland

Iceland Helicopter Tour Reviews

1. Mountain Helicopter Tour with Summit Landing from Reykjavik

The Mountain Helicopter Tour with Summit Landing from Reykjavik is an unreal excursion that is perfect for people of all experience levels. Lasting 30 to 45 minutes and with the ability to schedule throughout the entire day, it’s super easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules.

If you want to try out a tour that most people haven’t, this is a great option. Meet up with your pilot at the Reykjavik Domestic Airport at the agreed-upon time and they’ll provide you with an informative briefing.

They’ll tell you what you can expect throughout the entire tour and answer any questions you may have at this time.

Now, it’s time to don all necessary equipment and take a seat either next to your professional pilot or in the row of seats behind them. This is a tour that’s fun to do in small groups but can also be done solo.

Once you’re up in the air, you’ll head towards Mount Esja and land on one of the summits! You’ll have around 20 minutes here to look around and take in the insane views. Fly over Reykjavik city where you’ll surely recognize some of the sights you’ve already seen from the ground.

If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see a volcano erupting and other natural phenomena! Of course, it’s not guaranteed as the pilots cannot predict something like this, but that only adds to the excitement. The pilots are incredibly engaging, providing fun anecdotes and informative commentary about the areas as you pass by.

You can expect a very smooth flight, with a high-quality helicopter and professional pilot that knows just about everything about what to see in Iceland. The views you’ll get to see are absolutely breathtaking, and this mode of transport is perfect for adrenaline junkies.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

2. Reykjavik Helicopter Flight: Geothermal Landscapes

Next up is the Reykjavik Helicopter Flight: Geothermal Landscapes tour. Lasting approximately 1 hour long, it’s easy to fit into a busy schedule as well. You can choose any start time (so long as it’s not already booked) between 9 am to 5pm, however morning flights tend to be particularly beautiful.

Once you arrive at Nordurflug Helicopter Tour Base, you’ll meet your professional pilot who will welcome you and give you a safety briefing. At this time, you can ask any questions you may have to ensure everyone feels comfortable boarding. The helicopter is very well-maintained and looks pristine.

Climb on board, buckle up, and enjoy the view! You’ll start heading east of Reykjavik and get further and further away from civilization. Your first stop is the legendary Geothermal Park Hveragerdi, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore on land.

This picturesque spot is somewhere the majority of tourists don’t get to experience, so make sure to take photos! The hot springs located high up the mountains certainly is unique.

Throughout the entire smooth and expertly-navigated flight, your pilot will offer up an interesting narrative. You’ll learn all about everywhere you fly over and pass by, which only enhances what you’re seeing.

Blasting geysers, heat vents, craters, hot springs and more are all there to experience from a birds-eye view!

Flying over Reykjavik city is also quite the experience, as you’ll see the concert hall, conference centre, and many other notable landmarks you may already recognize. Iceland is absolutely a country that you have to see from the air to really appreciate it the way it should be.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. New Active Volcano: Helicopter Tour in Iceland

If you are in Iceland you really need to see the volcanoes the country is known for. While on other tours seeing the volcanoes may or may not be part of the tour on this one it is the central part of it!

You will meet the pilots at the Reykjavik Airport and after a short flight briefing it’s time to take to the air on your adventure. You will start your tour with a flyover of Reykjavik and see the city from the air. The pilots will tell you the history of the city and how it was founded.

After seeing Reykjavik it’s time for the main event and you will head for the Fagradalsfjall Volcano. This is the most active volcano in Iceland at the moment and you will have an excellent chance of seeing an actual eruption!

I was really impressed with the pilots knowledge of the geology and volcanoes of Iceland. You will learn as much as you want to know. They encourage you to ask questions. Be sure to have a good quality camera or your phone handy as you are sure to get some spectacular pictures to show everyone back home.

After sppening about 20 minutes admiring the volcano and the fissures where you will see the red lava flows it’s time to head back. However you are still in for a treat! You will fly over Faxafloi Bay. The aquablue waters of the bay are a sight to behold!

After your 40 minute flight you will land back at the airport for a few last photos of you with the helicopter and the pilots.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

FAQs About Iceland Helicopter Tours

Q: What Will I See on an Helicopter Tour of Iceland?

The Golden Circle: This is the most famous route in Iceland. It covers the three most impressive attractions of the country: the Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall.  You will fly over these landmarks and see them from a different perspective. You can also land at some of them and explore them on foot.

The Vatnajökull Glacier: This is the largest glacier in Europe, covering about 8% of Iceland’s surface. It is also contains the most active volcanoes in the country, Grimsvotn and Bardarbunga. You can fly over this glacier and marvel at its ice caps, crevasses, and calderas. You can also land on it and walk on the ice or visit an ice cave.

The Reykjanes Peninsula: This is a volcanic peninsula that is located southwest of Iceland. Here you will see lava fields, hot springs, and geysers. You can fly over this peninsula and enjoy the views of the Blue Lagoon, the Seltun geothermal area, the Kleifarvatn lake, and the Reykjanes lighthouse. You can also land at some of these places and relax in the mineral-rich waters or take photos of the colorful landscapes.

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon:  This is a glacial lagoon is in the south coast of Iceland. It is formed by the melting of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, which is part of the Vatnajokull glacier. You will see icebergs in all shapes, sizes, and colors. You can fly over this lagoon and admire its beauty and tranquility. You can also land near it and take a boat ride among the icebergs or visit the nearby Diamond Beach.

Q: Why Should I Take a Helicopter Tour of Iceland?

A: You can see more in less time. Iceland is huge with a lot to see! Driving will take hours or even days to get to some of the more remote areas. By helicopter, you can fly over the distances and reach your destination in minutes. You can also see more places in one day, as you can hop on and off the helicopter at different locations.

By helicopter, you can see these natural wonders from above and appreciate their beauty and magnitude. You can also see things that are otherwise inaccessible or hidden by land, such as ice caves, calderas, or lava fields.

You can have a more personalized and flexible experience. Helicopter tours are more intimate and exclusive than other tours. You can choose from private or shared tours, depending on your preference and budget.

Some helicopter tours allow you to customize the itinerary so you can see only what you want to see. You can also change your plans according to the weather or your mood. You have more freedom and control over your helicopter tour.

You can have more fun and excitement. Helicopter tours are not only informative and educational, but also thrilling and adventurous. You can feel the adrenaline rush as you fly over the landscapes and enjoy the views.

Q: What Should I Bring on a Helicopter Tour?

• A valid ID or passport. You will need to show your identification when you check in for your helicopter tour.
• A camera or phone. You will want to capture the amazing views and memories of your helicopter tour. Bring a camera or phone that has enough battery and storage space.
• A warm jacket, gloves, and boots if will be landing and doing some hiking. You should ask if your jacket, gloves and boots are suitable for the weather.
• Some helicopter tours are a few hours so bring a bottle of water and some snacks that you can keep in your pockets. You can also bring some gum or candy if you want to prevent motion sickness or ear pressure.

Q: What is the best helicopter tour of Iceland?

A: If you don’t mind spending a little more money, we recommend the Reykjavik Helicopter Flight: Geothermal Landscapes. On this tour you will land and get to see up close geysers and volcanoes. You will have a full hour of flight time to observe these wonders!

Q: What is the cheapest Iceland helicopter tour?

A: If you are looking for the most inexpensive helicopter tour we recommend the Mountain Helicopter Tour with Summit Landing from Reykjavik. This one has the shortest time in the air, so as you can imagine you won’t see as much as the other tours we cover. But if it is all your budget will allow, it’s your best bet!