From Reykjavik: Fire And Ice Helicopter Tour with 2 Landings

Fire and ice, up close from the sky. This GlacierHeli helicopter tour pairs a glacier landing with a walk at Hengill Geothermal, so you get Iceland’s drama without a long day on foot.

I like that you are not just looking down. You get actual time on the ice, plus a second landing where the ground is doing its own hot, bubbling thing. Þórisjökull is the first landing, and the day also connects you to the Golden Circle sights from above, including the Þingvellir rift valley.

The big consideration is simple: this is a high-cost splurge, and the operator can adjust or cancel landings based on safety and weather.

Key highlights you will care about

• Two landing moments: one on a glacier and one in the Hengill geothermal valley
• Up-close glacier time: meander and take photos, with time for fun on the ice surface
• Golden Circle views without the grind: Glymur, Þingvellir, and major geology seen from the air
• A short walk at Langjökull: 30 minutes to stretch your legs and shoot better angles
• Small group feel: limited to 6 participants for a more personal flight experience

How the Fire-and-Ice route works from Reykjavik’s ACE FBO

You start at Ace FBO Reykjavík, behind the Reykjavik Natura Hotel. From there, the tour is designed for quick, big-sight views, all within about 2 hours.

You fly with a small group capped at 6 people, and you will hear English narration from a live guide, plus an English audio guide. Food and drinks are not included, so plan on eating before you go or after you land back in Reykjavik.

One more practical detail matters for planning: a minimum of 4 passengers is required for the flight to operate. Also, landings are subject to weather and safety conditions, so flexibility helps.

From Ace FBO to Glymur: the fast pass over Iceland’s big sights

The flight begins with short sightseeing segments over the Capital Region and up toward Mount Esja. These early legs are less about walking and more about getting oriented quickly, seeing how Reykjavik sits against the surrounding terrain.

Then comes Glymur Waterfall. Seeing Glymur from the air gives you scale fast, because you can spot where the river drops and how the valley cuts through the mountains. If you have been staring at Iceland photos online, this is the moment where the place clicks into real depth.

This part of the day is also a big value booster. A helicopter turns what could be hours of driving and hiking into a tight route with constant views.

Þórisjökull glacier landing: time on the ice, not just photos

The first landing is at Þórisjökull Glacier, and that is the heart of this tour. Once you touch down, you get time to meander across the glacier, take photos, and take in the quiet that only comes with snow and ice.

The tour description specifically highlights getting playful up there: you can throw snowballs, build snow angels, and even try making a snowman. That is not just for kids, either. It is the kind of on-the-ground break that makes the day feel like an experience, not an airport transfer in the sky.

A glacier landing also helps you understand Iceland’s size in a different way. From the air you see shapes and colors, but on the ground you feel the cold texture and the real surface under your boots.

Golden Circle from above: Þingvellir’s rift valley and the oldest parliament

After the glacier time, the route heads toward the Golden Circle region, landing focus shifting to Þingvellir National Park. Even without a second landing here, the flight time is designed to show what makes Þingvellir famous: the visible continental drift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

From the air, the canyon that splits the plates is easier to grasp than from street level. You are also looking down at the area linked to the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world, which gives the geology a human story.

The tour also includes views of Iceland’s largest lake in this area, Þingvallavatn, described as sparkling from above. That combo is the point: one minute you are staring at tectonic lines, and the next you are seeing how water, snow, and cliffs layer together.

Langjökull glacier stop: 30 minutes to walk and shoot

There is a separate glacier-focused pause listed as Langjökull Glacier, with a photo stop and a walk (30 minutes). This is where you get a more traditional “get out, look around, take your time” moment, compared with the helicopter-only portions of the flight.

Because you are on the ice for a set window, you can plan your photos instead of constantly grabbing shots through the cabin windows. It is also a nice pacing change before you head to the geothermal area.

One naming wrinkle to be aware of: the tour highlights mention Porisjokull, while the route description lists Þórisjökull and Langjökull. The key practical move is to confirm which exact glacier name matches your landing day, since operators sometimes use local or branding variations.

Hengill Geothermal Area landing: boiling mud pots and steam action

The second landing is at the Hengill Geothermal Area. This is named after the Hengill volcano, located in a remote valley that is accessed by helicopter or by hiking.

This stop is built for close viewing. You get a photo stop and walk (30 minutes), with the chance to walk toward hot springs and boiling mud pots. On a day like this, the geothermal features feel otherworldly because they look both wild and carefully formed by nature’s heat.

Hengill is also a contrast to the glacier. Where the glacier is silent and cold, Hengill is active, steaming, and colored by minerals. Seeing both in one flight helps you understand that Iceland’s fire-and-ice theme is not just a slogan.

Photography, timing, and what the flight experience feels like

This is a photo tour even if you are not a “serious photographer.” The route stacks multiple view types: waterfalls from above, rift valley geometry over Þingvellir, and then two different kinds of ground texture during landings.

For cabin time, keep your camera ready early in each segment. Helicopters change angles quickly, and the best shots often happen right after you level out and the pilot lines up the sight.

For landing time, focus on fewer, better shots. You will have 30-ish minutes at the glacier stop and about similar on-the-ground time during the Hengill walk, so prioritize photos that show scale. Include people for size reference, then take a few wider frames to capture the surroundings.

Also, small group size can help. With only up to 6 participants, it is easier to keep your sightlines clear and move when the guide says it is time.

Comfort and safety: what the pilot and guide quality means

A helicopter tour lives or dies on pilot professionalism. The good news is that the tour experience is built around clear procedures and an English-speaking guide, plus a safety briefing before flight.

In past bookings tied to this operator, pilots like Oliver and Thomas were singled out for explaining safety steps and what you are seeing in plain language. Some groups also mentioned guides like Laura and the overall ground team as friendly and organized.

You should still treat the tour like a serious activity, even if it feels fun. Landings can happen or not depending on weather and safety decisions, and the operator notes that in advance. That is why you should arrive ready for either a full landing day or an adjusted one.

Finally, weight matters. If you are over 120 kgs, you will have to book an additional seat. Plan for that early so your flight does not get complicated at the last minute.

Price and value: is $931 really worth it

At $931 per person, this is not a budget decision. You are paying for three big things: helicopter time, access to remote landing sites, and the ability to touch two different environments that would be impractical to reach in a typical day.

If you compare this to driving tours, the math changes quickly. Helicopter access turns long days into short segments, and it skips the kind of hiking that would be required to reach glacier and geothermal areas on your own. One reason people call it “worth it” is that it removes effort and replaces it with view density.

Also, the value is stronger because you get more than a single sight. Two landing moments mean you are on the ice, then on geothermal ground, with major scenery in between.

The tradeoff is that food is not included, and the day is weather-dependent for landings. If you are the type who gets stressed by uncertainty, keep that in mind.

Who should book this Fire and Ice tour, and who should skip it

This tour fits you best if you want Iceland highlights without spending your whole day hiking. It also makes sense if you have limited time and want the classic geology and sights bundled into a tight schedule.

It is also a good “first helicopter” choice if you are a little nervous. Clear safety explanations, plus the fact that you are with a small group and guided the whole way, can make it feel less intimidating.

If you are traveling with kids, this can work well too. The glacier stop is built for hands-on fun, not just standing around for a photo.

I would skip it if you are cost-sensitive, or if you would be disappointed by the possibility that one landing gets adjusted for safety. Even with the best operators, Iceland weather can be fickle.

Should you book the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour with 2 Landings?

Book it if two things are true for you: you want real landings (not just views through glass), and you want the day to feel special without turning into a long physical hike. This is one of those experiences where the helicopter is not a gimmick, it is the whole point.

Don’t book it if $931 would cause stress. There are great Iceland tours that are cheaper and still amazing, especially if you are happy with ground time. But if you can afford it and you want glacier-and-geothermal in one unforgettable loop, this tour is a strong bet.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You meet at ACE FBO Reykjavík, located behind the Reykjavik Natura Hotel.

How long is the helicopter tour?

The duration is listed as 2 hours.

What landings are included?

The tour includes a landing on Þórisjökull Glacier and a landing on the Hengill Geothermal Area.

Is there time to walk on the glacier?

Yes. The plan includes a photo stop and walk (30 minutes) at Langjökull Glacier.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

How big is the group?

This is a small group limited to 6 participants.

What languages are the guides?

The tour includes a live English guide, plus an English audio guide.

What should I know about weight and seating?

If you are over 120 kgs, you will need to book an additional seat.