Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: Glacier and Hengill Geothermal Area

The best part of this Reykjavik helicopter ride is the contrast: one landing puts you on the snow and ice of Þórisjökull glacier, while the other takes you into the hot, steaming world of Hengill. Between them, you fly over Glymur waterfall, Þingvellir, Lake Þingvallavatn, Mount Esja, and Hvalfjörður.

I like the small maximum group of six, which keeps the flight personal, and I like that the two landings let you step out rather than stare through glass for the full tour. Pilots such as Oliver, Laura, and Tasha have been praised for clear explanations and calm handling in strong winds.

The main catch is cost. At $953.39 per person, this is a major splurge, and the rear seats can feel tight when four adults sit together. Weather also matters greatly: cloud and wind can cancel the trip or spoil the glacier view.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different landings: Walk on a glacier, then visit hot springs and boiling mud pots in Hengill.
• Aerial view of classic Iceland: The route can include Glymur waterfall, Þingvellir, Lake Þingvallavatn, Mount Esja, Hvalfjörður, lava fields, and Reykjavik landmarks.
• Small-group format: The helicopter carries no more than six people, creating a more personal flight.
• About two hours door to door: Each landing lasts around 15 minutes, with the rest of the time spent flying and sightseeing.
• Pilot quality matters: Pilots including Oliver, Laura, and Tasha have been singled out for safety, explanations, and skill in rough wind.
• A weather-sensitive splurge: The price buys access to remote places without long hikes or drives, but poor weather can force a reschedule or cancellation.

Two Icelandic worlds in one short flight

Iceland is often sold as a place where fire and ice sit side by side. This tour makes that idea literal. You begin in Reykjavik, rise over the city, and head toward a glacier. Later, you land near steam, hot pools, and boiling mud in a volcanic valley.

That range is the reason to consider this experience. A road trip around Iceland can show you many of the same regions, but it takes far longer. A helicopter lets you connect Þórisjökull, Þingvellir, and Hengill in a single outing, without spending hours on the road or hiking into remote terrain.

You should think of this as a scenic flight with two short outdoor stops, not a full-day expedition. The listed duration is about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. Each landing lasts roughly 15 minutes, so your time on the ground is limited. That is enough for photos, a quick walk, snowballs, and a look at the hot ground, but not enough for a long glacier outing.

The flight is conducted in English, and the pilot acts as both aviator and guide. The best experiences depend partly on how well the pilot describes what you are seeing and positions the helicopter for views. Pilots named Oliver, Laura, and Tasha have received especially strong praise for their manner, explanations, and confidence in difficult wind.

From Reykjavik Domestic Airport toward Glymur

The meeting point is Ace FBO at Reykjavik Domestic Airport. This is not Keflavík International Airport, so check the address carefully if you are coming from the airport used for international flights. One person had trouble finding the correct starting point inside the airport, so allow time to get your bearings and ask staff for Ace FBO if needed.

The flight begins with views around Reykjavik before turning toward the countryside. One of the early sights is Glymur, Iceland’s famous waterfall. From the air, you get a useful sense of its setting, cut into a narrow valley north of the city. The helicopter can give you a perspective that a roadside stop cannot, especially when the aircraft circles or adjusts position so people on both sides can see.

This is also when you begin to understand the value of flying instead of driving. Roads follow the shape of the country. A helicopter cuts across it, linking distant features quickly and showing how waterfalls, lava fields, farmland, mountains, and water fit together.

The aircraft is described as comfortable by some passengers, but comfort depends on your seat and body size. With a full group, four people may sit in the rear, where taller adults can find the space cramped. The front seat beside the pilot may be available in rotation during the two landings, giving everyone a chance to enjoy that position, but you should not assume you will sit there for the whole flight.

Þórisjökull glacier: 15 minutes on the ice

The first landing is on Þórisjökull, a broad glacier that gives you the classic snow-and-ice moment without a demanding hike. You can step out, take photographs, walk around carefully, make snow angels, throw snowballs, or simply look across the white surface.

The stop is short, so keep your plans simple. This is not a guided glacier trek, and the information provided does not include specialist glacier equipment or a long walk. You get a rare chance to stand on the ice, breathe the cold air, and see the surrounding country from a remote high point.

Wind can be fierce on the glacier. One flight had enough wind to make standing securely difficult, even though the views remained impressive. Wear clothing that protects you from cold and moving air, and choose shoes that feel secure underfoot. The tour description does not list specific clothing or equipment requirements, but sensible Iceland weather gear is important for any outdoor landing.

The glacier stop is valuable because it changes your relationship with the scenery. From the helicopter, the glacier is a striking white shape. On the ground, you notice the cold, the wind, and the uneven surface. Fifteen minutes will pass quickly, so take a few photographs, then put the camera down long enough to enjoy being there.

Þingvellir from above

After the glacier, the route can pass over Þingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site matters for both geology and Icelandic history. It is associated with the country’s early parliament, and the visible divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates gives the area a clear physical drama.

From above, the fissures and canyon lines are easier to understand than they can be from ground level. You may also see Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, shining below the aircraft. The view connects the historic gathering place, the lake, and the split ground in one sweep.

Þingvellir is usually a major stop on the Golden Circle, but this flight does not list a landing there. You see it from the air rather than walking through the park. That is a strength if you want a broad overview and have limited time. It is a limitation if you want to inspect the trails, read the historical signs, or spend an hour at the site.

The pilot’s commentary makes a difference here. A good explanation helps you distinguish a natural fissure from a road or river and understand why Þingvellir matters. Pilots have been praised for pointing out sites and shifting the helicopter so people can get better views for photographs.

Hengill’s hot ground and boiling mud

The second landing is in the Hengill Geothermal Area, named for the Hengill volcano. The valley is remote and can be reached by hiking or helicopter. That inaccessibility is the point: you can get close to hot springs and boiling mud pots without committing to a long walk.

This stop supplies the fire side of the tour. Instead of snow and open ice, you see steam, hot water, and ground shaped by volcanic heat. The setting can feel strange and almost unreal, but you should treat it as an active geothermal area. Stay with the pilot’s instructions and keep a safe distance from hot ground.

You have around 15 minutes here. That gives you time to look closely, photograph the steam, and take in the contrast with the glacier landing. It does not allow for a leisurely geothermal hike or a soak. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no listed meal or bathing stop.

For many people, this will be the more unusual landing. Iceland has several famous geothermal areas accessible by road, but arriving by helicopter in a remote valley changes the scale of the experience. You are not just stopping at a roadside viewpoint. You are seeing a small volcanic basin from the air, then standing beside its hot features.

Reykjavik, Mount Esja, and Hvalfjörður on the return

The return route can include Reykjavik landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s distinctive church, along with a glimpse of Mount Esja. Depending on the exact flight path and weather, you may also see Hvalfjörður, the Whale Fjord.

These sights help round out the tour. The glacier and geothermal valley are the headline stops, but the return flight gives you a broader view of southwestern Iceland. You may see lava fields, farmland, waterfalls, craters, and the changing colors of the ground below.

Do not expect every listed sight to receive the same attention. Some are flyover views, and the pilot may change the route for weather, visibility, wind, or current conditions. One flight changed its route to include a recent eruption site, showing how the company can adapt when conditions and local events allow.

That flexibility is useful, but it also means the experience is not as fixed as a bus tour. You may not see every feature named in the planned route. Good visibility gives you the best chance of seeing the glacier, geothermal area, and distant landmarks clearly.

Is $953.39 a fair price?

At $953.39 per person, this is expensive by ordinary sightseeing standards. You are paying for a private-feeling aircraft experience, a maximum group of six, two landings, and access to places that would take much longer to reach on foot or by road.

The value makes sense for a few types of visitor. If you have only a short stay in Reykjavik, this flight can compress several major Iceland experiences into two hours. If you do not want to rent a car, drive the Golden Circle, and hike to remote terrain, the helicopter offers a convenient alternative.

The value is harder to justify if you have plenty of time, enjoy road trips, or already plan to visit Þingvellir and geothermal areas by car. A helicopter cannot replace the slower pleasure of walking through a national park or spending half a day at a hot spring. It gives you access and scale, not a long visit at each site.

I would also factor in the risk of disappointment from weather. Cloud can block the glacier and mountains. Strong wind can make the landing less comfortable. Since the flight requires suitable weather and a minimum number of passengers, the plan can change or be canceled.

Still, the combination is unusual. Two landings, a remote glacier, geothermal ground, and aerial views of southwest Iceland make this more than a standard city flight. For a special occasion, a first trip to Iceland, or someone who values time over budget, the price may feel worthwhile.

Practical details before you book

The maximum group size is six people. That keeps the experience intimate, but it does not guarantee generous personal space inside the aircraft. If you are tall or dislike close seating, ask about the aircraft layout before booking.

A useful feature is the chance for passengers to enjoy the front seat beside the pilot during the two landing stages. The exact arrangement may vary, but rotating positions can give each person a better view at some point.

The experience includes an English-speaking guide and two landings. Food and drinks are not included. The activity begins and ends at Ace FBO, Reykjavik Domestic Airport, and the listed price is per person.

A total passenger weight limit of 265 pounds is specified. Confirm how the operator applies this limit, especially if you are booking for a group, since the wording refers to total weight per passenger and may require clarification.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund under the stated policy. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants cancels the flight, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this flight most?

I would recommend it to you if you want maximum scenery in a short period and like the idea of stepping onto remote ground. It is also a strong choice for couples, small families, and anyone marking a special trip.

Children have enjoyed the experience, especially the snowball play on the glacier, but the short outdoor stops and wind mean you should judge your family’s comfort carefully. The helicopter setting may feel exciting to one child and cramped to another.

This is less suitable if you need a fixed schedule, dislike weather uncertainty, or want long walks at each site. It is also not the right purchase if your main aim is a full glacier hike or a bathing experience. The tour offers brief access and broad views, not extended activities.

Should you book the Fire and Ice helicopter tour?

Book it if you want to see Iceland’s ice and volcanic heat in one compact, highly scenic outing, and if $953.39 fits your budget. The two landings give the flight real substance, while Glymur, Þingvellir, Mount Esja, Hvalfjörður, and Reykjavik add variety from the air.

Skip it if you are counting every dollar, have several days for a road trip, or need a reliable plan in changeable weather. For everyone else, this is a memorable splurge with a clear advantage: you can stand on a glacier and beside geothermal heat in the same afternoon, without spending most of the day driving.

FAQ

Where does the Fire and Ice helicopter tour begin?

The tour begins at Ace FBO, Reykjavik Domestic Airport, in Reykjavik. It also ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours.

How many people can join the helicopter tour?

The activity has a maximum of six participants.

Which places does the helicopter tour visit?

The route can include Reykjavik, Glymur waterfall, Þórisjökull glacier, Þingvellir National Park, Hengill Geothermal Area, Hallgrímskirkja, Mount Esja, and Hvalfjörður.

How many landings are included?

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

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the activity.

What is the passenger weight limit?

The stated total weight limit is 265 pounds per passenger.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.