Helicopter tour from Reykjavik: Hengill Area with at site landing

Heat and ice look better from above. This Reykjavik helicopter tour flies you over Hellisheiði Plateau, then takes you to the Hengill geothermal area for an on-site landing. I love the intimate feel with a max of five people, and I really like that you get a real walk-and-look moment on the ground, not just a quick stop.

The other thing that stands out is how easy it is to enjoy the views from almost any seat. The downside is simple: this trip needs good weather, so if conditions are poor you may have to reschedule or get a refund.

Key Highlights You Should Know

• Max 5 passengers for a calmer, more personal ride
• On-site landing at Hengill plus about 25 minutes on foot
• Aerial coverage of geothermal energy areas and nearby highland regions
• Nearly every seat gets strong views out the windows
• Fuel surcharges and landing fees included in the price
• English-speaking staff and a smooth, modern operation

Reykjavik Helicopter Tour With Hengill Landing: What You’re Really Buying

Paying for a helicopter in Iceland is not cheap, so I think the real question is what you get that you cannot get any other way. You’re buying three things: speed, height, and access. From the air, geothermal zones, power infrastructure, gorges, rivers, and the broader volcanic terrain make sense fast, without hours of driving. From a landing, you also get a short, physical connection to the place, like looking at a thermal pond up close.

This specific route is built around the Hengill area, a geothermal region close enough to Reykjavik that you can do the whole thing in under 90 minutes. You’ll depart Reykjavik domestic airport, fly over the Hellisheiði Plateau, and then land at Hengill for a set block of time. After that, you keep flying over nearby energy developments and volcanic highlands, then finish with a Reykjavik flyover.

One more value point I like: the experience includes fuel surcharges and landing fees. That matters because those add-ons often show up later on tours elsewhere, and here the price is meant to be straightforward.

From Ace FBO to the Hellisheiði Plateau: The First Views Hit Fast

The tour starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík at Reykjavík Airport. It ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the day simple if you’re building this into a tight Reykjavik itinerary. You’ll leave from the domestic airport area, then head out over Hellisheiði Plateau.

That early flyover is more than just a warm-up. Plateaus in Iceland can look flat until you’re above them, and then you start seeing the shape of the land, rivers cutting through it, and how geothermal activity sits within the wider volcanic system. This is where the helicopter part earns its price tag, because you can spot patterns you would miss from roads.

If you care about comfort, aim to get ready for the kind of viewing where you’ll be turning your head constantly. Reviews consistently mention that the views are great from all seats, so you are not locked into one perfect window spot. That also means you can switch attention between the horizon and the ground details as the pilot moves the aircraft.

Hengill On-Site Landing: Thermal Ponds, Colors, and a Short Walk

The main event is the Hengill landing. You’ll stop at Hengill Geothermal Area for about 25 minutes, and admission for that on-site time is free. This is where the experience turns from sightseeing into actually being in the geothermal zone.

The most practical expectation is that you’ll be on foot for a short stretch. You’re not walking for hours, but you do get the chance to step around a thermal pond and look at the vivid colors geothermal areas can produce. One review described incredible colors near hot water sources, and another specifically called out walking around a thermal pond at the landing site.

What makes this valuable is how quickly the senses kick in. From the air, geothermal zones look like abstract textures. On the ground, they look real, with steam, heat, and mineral colors you can see without leaning over a screen. If you’re the type who likes to pause and look closely, this landing time pays off.

A quick consideration: this is still Iceland, so expect wind and cold depending on the day. Dress for outdoors, bring a warm layer, and wear footwear that works well on uneven or potentially slick ground. If your goal is photos, you’ll also want your camera ready before you step out.

Flying Over Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun: Why Aerial Angles Matter

After Hengill, the flight continues with aerial coverage of Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun. You’ll also cover Bláfjöll before finishing with a Reykjavik flyover.

Even if you are not trying to “learn” Iceland’s infrastructure, these are the moments where helicopter routes shine. From the ground, it’s easy to get distracted by one road, one valley, one viewpoint. From the air, you see how geothermal systems, valleys, ridgelines, and human development relate spatially. The gorges and rivers some guests mention become obvious lines, not just scenic backgrounds.

Another thing I like from the reviews is that the pilot tends to slow down and shift the aircraft side to side over notable spots. That’s not just showmanship. It’s what lets you actually register what you’re seeing. One guest noted that the pilot passed slowly over the best sites while commenting and answering questions. That means you can get more out of the flight than simply looking down.

If you’re traveling with someone who gets bored by long drives, this section is a good peace treaty. The helicopter turns a lot of “driving time” into “looking time,” and the aerial view keeps everyone engaged.

Bláfjöll and the Highlands Feel Different From the Air

Bláfjöll is a highland area you’ll fly over after the geothermal stops. Highland Iceland can look dramatic from roads, but from the air it becomes about scale. You see how open the terrain is, where the steep drops are, and how weather and light change the way the land reads.

This segment works especially well if you like geology and big-picture views. The route is basically a quick survey of multiple Iceland “modes”: geothermal activity near Hengill, broader volcanic terrain around the wider area, then urban Reykjavik at the end.

If you get motion sensitive, helicopters can still feel smooth, but you should plan to sit back and keep your focus forward and out the windows rather than constantly checking your phone. The flight is relatively short, but the best experience comes when you’re tuned in to the views.

Reykjavik Flyover at the End: A Clean Finish to the Day

After covering the other spots, you’ll fly over Reykjavik. This final approach does two things. First, it helps you orient yourself, so Reykjavik stops looking like a map and starts looking like a place you can navigate. Second, it gives you a payoff moment, especially if you started the trip feeling like you were just “getting away from the city.”

From above, city shapes, coastlines, and the spacing between neighborhoods can click instantly. It’s also a nice way to end without needing a second activity afterward, since the tour returns you to the meeting point at Ace FBO Reykjavík.

The 5-Person Group Size: Why It Feels Less Tour, More Experience

This tour caps at five travelers. That small number matters more than it sounds. With fewer people, the crew can move at the natural pace needed for good viewing and smooth transitions during boarding, flying, and the landing time.

It also helps you feel safe and comfortable. Reviews highlight that people felt secure with an experienced, skilled pilot. In practice, that means you’re not sitting in a crowded cabin where you spend the whole time listening to strangers and missing details. You get a quieter experience, with more time for questions if you want to ask them.

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates feeling like you’re in a schedule-factory, this small-group approach is a big reason the rating is so high.

Price and Value: Is $599.56 Worth It?

Let’s talk money like adults. At about $599.56 per person, this is a premium activity. But for helicopter in Iceland, it’s not only about the thrill. The value comes from what’s included and what you get for that length of time.

Here’s the practical value case:

• The flight includes landing and fuel surcharges, so you are not hit with surprise add-ons.
• The experience time is short, about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes, so you’re not losing a whole day.
• You get an on-site landing with about 25 minutes at Hengill, which is more than “viewing only.”
• You get multi-site aerial coverage, including geothermal areas and a final Reykjavik flyover.

Is it “worth it” if you’re on a tight budget? Probably not. But if you want a top-tier, time-efficient Iceland experience that feels genuinely different from driving routes, this is priced for the segment you are choosing. One clue: it’s booked around 56 days in advance on average, which suggests people who care about this kind of experience plan ahead.

What to Expect on Timing, Seats, and Getting Ready

Total duration is roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes. Hengill is about 25 minutes of that, so you’re getting meaningful time on the ground without dragging the day.

You should also know there’s a stated maximum total weight per passenger of 265 lbs. If you’re near that limit, check before booking so you do not run into issues later.

The helicopter itself is described as modern and clean in reviews, and people liked the view access from multiple seats. That is good news if you don’t want to obsess over which seat you get.

For getting ready, keep it simple:

• Dress in layers for wind and changing light
• Bring warm outerwear for the on-site landing time
• If you’re photographing, be ready to move quickly, since the on-foot moment is time-boxed

Weather and Rescheduling: The One Thing You Can’t Control

This experience requires good weather. That means clouds, wind, or other conditions can affect the flight. The good part is that if the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

So the best approach is to build some flexibility into your Reykjavik days. If your schedule is locked into one fixed departure or one fixed activity window, you might be at risk. If you can, pick a day where you’re not juggling a dozen must-do plans.

This is Iceland, though, so expecting weather to be a factor is part of the game. If you’re okay with that reality, the reward is a smooth, high-impact flight when conditions cooperate.

Should You Book This Hengill Helicopter Tour?

I’d book it if you want a fast, high-value Iceland experience that combines aerial power with a real landing. This is especially good for couples, small groups, and anyone who wants to see more than Reykjavik without spending hours on roads. The max of five people helps it feel personal, and the on-site time at Hengill is the difference between watching and actually stepping into the geothermal world.

I would think twice if you are strongly budget-limited or if your schedule is too tight to allow weather-related changes. Also, double-check the stated weight limit before you commit.

If you’re craving that fire and ice feeling, with hot geothermal steam up close and volcanic terrain from the sky, this is the kind of helicopter tour that makes sense on paper and delivers in person.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter tour from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík at Reykjavík Airport and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do you land during the tour at Hengill?

Yes. You land at the Hengill Geothermal Area, with about 25 minutes on site.

What is the maximum group size?

The helicopter has a maximum of 5 travelers.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the landing and fuel surcharge.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

Is there a weight limit to participate?

The total weight per passenger is listed as 265 lbs.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If weather conditions cause cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.