Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: Glacier and Hengill Geothermal Area

A helicopter ride over Iceland sounds wild, and this one is practical too. You get a VIP-style feel in a small group, plus two real landings: time on the Þórisjökull glacier and a stop at the Hengill geothermal area.

I love that the flight isn’t just scenic. You also get actual ground time for photos and play, like a snowball fight on the glacier and close-up views of boiling mud pots. The other big win is how much you compress into about 2 hours, covering a glacier, volcano region, and Golden Circle highlights without long drives.

One drawback to plan around: it depends on weather. When conditions are rough, the route can change or the flight can be rescheduled or canceled, and wind can make glacier footing a little tricky.

Key things to know before you go

• Two landings in one flight with about 15 minutes on the glacier and 15 minutes at Hengill
• Small group size (maximum 6 travelers) for a more personal feel
• Glymur waterfall views during the flight toward Þórisjökull
• Real geothermal action near hot springs and boiling mud pots you can approach on foot
• A short, high-impact total time (about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours)
• Wind can be intense on glacier ground, so expect it to affect comfort and balance

Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: why this feels different from a typical Reykjavik excursion

If you want Iceland without the usual long car day, this tour is built for that. You’re based in Reykjavik, then you’re airborne fast, headed for a glacier landing first, then a geothermal landing second. The pacing is tight, but not rushed in the way some tours feel, because you get set times on the ground.

The VIP style part matters. With a maximum of 6 travelers, you get more room for questions and better viewing angles around the aircraft. People also talk about pilots being friendly and instructional during the flight, and names that came up include Oliver, Tasha, and Laura. That matters, because good piloting is only half the magic. The other half is having someone point things out clearly while you’re up in the sky.

The value question is the real one. At $953.39 per person, this is not a budget choice. But you are paying for access, time, and logistics that are otherwise hard to replicate, especially if you want both glacier and geothermal ground time in the same day.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $953.39

Let’s be blunt. This tour costs a lot. The only way it feels worth it is if you’re using it like a tool, not just an experience. You’re trading driving hours for a focused flight over major sights, plus two landing moments that most visitors only see from far away.

Here’s what that price buys you based on the tour details:

• Helicopter time to cover Reykjavik, glacier, and the Golden Circle area efficiently
• Two included landings (Þórisjökull glacier and Hengill geothermal area)
• English guide support
• A small group cap at 6, which often improves the overall experience in tight seating situations

You should also weigh what is not included. Food and drinks are not part of the package. So if you want water, snacks, or a warm drink, you’ll need to plan around that separately.

In short, I’d treat this as a “signature day” purchase. If your trip has limited time, or you want one unforgettable aviation experience, this is one of the most direct ways to do it.

Getting to Ace FBO Reykjavik: the part that can catch you off guard

The tour starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík, Reykjavík Airport. The exact address is listed as Reykjavík Airport area (101, 102 Reykjavík), and the tour says it’s near public transportation. In practice, most people use taxi since airports and terminal areas can be confusing even when you know the city.

One review detail that I think you should take seriously: finding the starting point inside the airport was hard for at least one person. My advice is simple. Give yourself extra buffer time, and don’t treat the check-in area like you’ve done it before.

Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket, which is convenient, but only if you can access it quickly when you arrive. Set it up on your phone before you head to the airport, then keep the screen ready.

The flight route you should expect: Reykjavik landmarks to the Glymur approach

Once you meet your pilot at the airport, the tour goes straight into the adventure phase. You’ll fly toward Þórisjökull, and along the way you’ll see Glymur, a famous waterfall near the north of Reykjavik’s sphere of sights. The tour description specifically highlights Glymur as part of the flight segment before the glacier landing.

You also get portions of the journey that feel like Reykjavik sightseeing from above. The route includes views of Hallgrimskirkja Church, a glimpse of Mount Esja, and an Icelandic fjord area referred to as Whale Fjordur (Hvalfjörður). These are described as stops, but the key point for you is that they’re scenic highlights during the flight, not long ground visits.

What I like about this structure is that it prevents the “just land and leave” feeling. You’re seeing city landmarks at the start, then shifting into true backcountry nature as the flight continues.

Stop 1 at Þórisjökull glacier: 15 minutes that feel like a movie scene

The first landing is on Þórisjökull glacier. This is the moment people remember most, because it’s not just a view. It’s hands-on time.

On the glacier, you can:

• meander across the ice
• take photos with huge panoramic views from your position
• enjoy glacier air and the open stillness
• do fun snow activities like snowball fighting, building a snow angel, and trying to make a snowman

The landing time is about 15 minutes, and that’s enough to do a quick loop, get photos, and still feel like you had a real break from sitting in a cockpit seat. Just understand the practical side: the glacier can be windy. One reviewer mentioned it was extremely windy on the glacier, with trouble keeping your balance. So if you’re sensitive to cold or wind, plan for it. Dress for a windy, chilly environment, not a mild outdoor walk.

Photo tip that matters more than it sounds: on a helicopter, everyone’s trying to snap fast. Before you step out, look around for the best direction of light and landscape angle, then start taking photos once the group settles. Your time on the ground is short, so give yourself a plan.

From the glacier to Þingvellir: Golden Circle history and tectonic views from above

After the glacier stop, you fly toward the Þingvellir National Park area on the Golden Circle. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s described as the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world. That’s the historical layer.

The tour also points out the science layer, and this is where being in the air helps. You’ll look down into the canyon that splits the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The tour description also notes you can see continental drift patterns from above.

There’s also a natural highlight: sparkling waters of Iceland’s largest lake, which relates to the Þingvellir area. Even without a long ground stroll here, you get to connect what you’ve learned from postcards and maps to what the land actually looks like when you’re above it.

Two things to keep in mind:

1) This section is about views, not long walking. Your ground emphasis is the glacier and Hengill landings.

2) If you’re hoping to learn the story of the landscape, use the flight time to ask questions. That’s when a good pilot helps you make sense of what you’re looking at.

Stop 2 at Hengill geothermal area: hot springs and boiling mud pots up close

The second landing is at Hengill Geothermal Area. The name comes from the Hengill volcano, and the tour description emphasizes that this valley is remote, and you can access it only by helicopter or by hiking.

This stop is the other half of the Fire and Ice idea. Instead of ice and snow fun, you get hot springs, boiling mud pots, and a valley feel that’s almost otherworldly.

The key detail for you: you’ll have time on foot. The tour says you can walk toward hot springs and boiling mud pots and observe them from very close range. That’s a big reason this tour is worth considering over a drive-based geothermal day. Getting that proximity quickly, without turning it into a half-day slog, is the benefit.

The landing time is about 15 minutes. So treat it like a quick, guided taste of geothermal Iceland. Move carefully, watch where you step, and prioritize photos that capture the steam and texture. The steam makes everything feel alive, but it can also blur images fast, so take a few shots in quick succession and then step back to let your eyes adjust.

The small-group setup: how it affects comfort, sightlines, and photos

This tour caps at 6 travelers, and that changes how the experience feels. You’re not competing with a crowd for windows or rushing through the ground stops with dozens of people. A smaller group usually means:

• better attention from the pilot
• more flexible repositioning during photo moments
• a more relaxed overall vibe during the landings

But there’s a tradeoff: helicopter seating is tight. One review mentioned that the back seats felt extremely close and not very comfortable, especially for taller people. Another mentioned that everyone got time to enjoy a good view near the pilot when the helicopter was repositioned for photos. So if comfort matters a lot, consider this a factor, especially if you’re tall.

Weight limit is also listed: 265 lbs per passenger (total weight per passenger). If you’re near that limit, confirm that your booking is within policy.

When weather changes the plan, how to stay calm and still get value

This experience requires good weather. That isn’t a small footnote, it’s central to the operation. Helicopters and glaciers are not the place for optimistic thinking.

What you can do as a traveler:

• Build flexibility into your schedule. If your Iceland plan has only one possible day for this tour, you’re taking a risk.
• Don’t assume the route will be identical every time. The tour can adjust based on wind and conditions.
• If something changes, focus on the principle: this is still about landing on glacier and Hengill when conditions allow.

One review mentioned a flight change due to Icelandic wind, and another described a route adjustment to include a more recent eruption site. That tells you the operator is likely trying to make the most of what the weather allows.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

You’ll love it if you:

• want one big aviation highlight in Iceland instead of another long car day
• have limited time in Reykjavik and want glacier plus geothermal in a single go
• care about close-up moments, not just distant sightseeing
• like the idea of fun, guided ground time on ice and around steaming geothermal features

You might want to think twice if:

• you strongly dislike cold and wind, since glacier ground conditions can be harsh
• you are very sensitive to tight seating, and you’re not comfortable in cramped spaces
• you can’t tolerate weather-driven schedule changes, because this type of tour runs on conditions

Also, with a price near $1,000 per person, this is best treated as a personal priority, not a spontaneous add-on you book last minute.

Should you book the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour?

I think it’s a yes if Iceland is your once-in-a-while trip and you want a signature day that mixes glacier play and geothermal reality with impressive aerial views. The two landings are the heart of it, and the small-group size makes the whole thing feel more personal and less chaotic.

If you’re price-conscious or you only have one day you can risk, I’d pause and compare. A cheaper day tour can cover parts of the Golden Circle and geothermal areas, but it won’t give you the same glacier landing and close-up Hengill experience within the tight 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours window.

My call: book it if it fits your schedule flexibility and you’re ready to dress for wind. This is exactly the kind of splurge that pays off when you want Iceland to feel both epic and efficient.

FAQ

How long is the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour?

The tour runs about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

You start at Ace FBO Reykjavík, Reykjavík Airport, and you return there at the end.

Is the tour limited to a small group?

Yes. The maximum group size is 6 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What landings are included?

Two landings are included: one on Þórisjökull glacier and one at the Hengill Geothermal Area.

How much time do you spend at each landing?

Each landing is about 15 minutes.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The total weight per passenger limit listed is 265 lbs.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience also has free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.