From Reykjavik: Helicopter Tour to Hengill with Landing

Hengill is where Iceland’s volcanic power becomes easy to see: black lava fields, pale moss, steaming ground, and sharp basalt ridges spread out below you. The helicopter then sets down in this geothermal country, giving you a short walk among hot springs instead of only a quick look from above.

I love the small group of up to five, which keeps the flight more personal, and I like the way the route links several major geothermal sites in one short outing. Laura has been praised for clear volcano information, while pilots also explain Reykjavik and the surrounding countryside during the flight.

The main drawback is the price: $529 per person for about an hour is a serious splurge. The exact air time can also vary, with the full outing listed at 50 to 70 minutes, so you should book it for the flight and landing itself, not for a long ground visit.

Key points at a glance

• Land on Hengill’s geothermal ground: Spend about 15 minutes on volcanic terrain near steaming springs.
• Cross Hellisheiði by helicopter: See lava-covered fields, basalt mountains, mossy rock, and distant cairn lines from above.
• Visit Iceland’s energy country: The route includes views toward Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun, two major geothermal power areas.
• Keep the group intimate: The helicopter carries no more than five participants.
• Expect English guidance: Live commentary and an English audio guide are included, with volcano information from guides such as Laura.
• Plan around weather and comfort: Pregnant women cannot join, and the short landing means this is a scenic stop rather than a full hike.

Flying out of Reykjavik with GlacierHeli

Your starting point is Ace FBO Reykjavík, the airport facility used for private and charter flights. That location matters because you are not spending half the morning riding a bus out of the city. You arrive at the flight base, meet the crew, and move quickly into the main event.

GlacierHeli keeps this a small-group experience, limited to five participants. That is a useful detail for a helicopter tour. You are not sharing the outing with a large crowd, and the guide has a better chance to explain what you are seeing instead of delivering a one-size-fits-all speech.

The flight is conducted in English, with a live guide and an English audio guide included. Laura is one of the guides associated with the experience, and her approach has been described as friendly, professional, and strong on volcano facts. Another pilot took time to explain Reykjavik and the surrounding area during the flight, so the commentary is not limited to the landing site.

The tour is generally described as lasting one hour, but the more precise estimate is 50 to 70 minutes. About 25 to 35 minutes goes to the guided flight, and roughly 15 minutes is reserved for the landing in the Hengill geothermal area. The remaining time covers the practical parts of getting airborne and returning to base.

That range is worth noting when you plan your day. A helicopter flight can feel long when you are looking down at a huge volcanic region, but the outing is still compact enough to fit around other Reykjavik plans. Do not treat it as a half-day excursion. It is a concentrated scenic flight with a brief ground visit.

Hellisheiði, a high plateau shaped by fire

The route crosses Hellisheiði, also written Hellisheiði plateau, one of the most active volcanic areas near Reykjavik. From the air, you see broad fields of old lava rather than the neat green farmland found closer to the capital.

The view changes through textures. Bright basalt mountains interrupt dark rock. Moss softens parts of the lava. Steam rises from geothermal ground. Lines of cairns reach across the distance, small human marks in a setting shaped mostly by heat, ice, and eruptions.

A helicopter gives you a useful sense of scale here. From a road, you may see a ridge or a patch of steam and move on. From above, the volcanic features connect into one large system. You can look toward Hellisheiðarvirkjun, the geothermal power station, and see how Iceland draws useful heat from the same forces that make this area look wild.

This is not a tour built around famous buildings or a long list of photo stops. Its appeal is the chance to see Iceland’s raw geology from a position that roads cannot provide. If you already plan to visit the Golden Circle, this flight adds a different view of the country rather than repeating the usual roadside stops.

Hengill and the geothermal landing

The main reward comes when the helicopter lands in the Hengill geothermal area. Hengill takes its name from the Hengill volcano, and the setting shows why geothermal activity is central to Iceland’s identity.

You get around 15 minutes on the ground. That is enough for the pilot or guide to lead you around and point out geothermal springs, but it is not enough for a long walk or a broad exploration of the region. Keep your expectations in the right place: this is a short, carefully timed stop that lets you stand in volcanic country.

The landing adds something a normal sightseeing flight cannot. You are no longer watching steam and rock through a window. You can pause beside the geothermal ground, take in the air, and look across the mountains without the noise and motion of the helicopter in the air.

The guide’s explanation matters here. The tour is more than a photo stop if you understand what you are looking at. Laura has been noted for sharing useful information about volcanoes, and the pilot may point out the hot springs and explain the connection between the volcanic area and the power plants below.

Because this is active geothermal country, the guide’s directions are important. Stay with the group and follow instructions around the hot springs. The supplied information does not promise a particular trail, a specific spring, or a chance to walk wherever you please. You should expect a guided visit, not an independent hike.

Views toward Nesjavellir and Bláfjöll

The listed highlights include Nesjavallavirkjun and Bláfjöll, giving you a broader picture of the region around Hengill. Nesjavallavirkjun is another geothermal power area, while Bláfjöll is a notable mountain zone near Reykjavik.

The value of these views is context. You are not seeing one isolated volcano. You are looking across a connected belt of volcanic mountains, lava fields, geothermal activity, and modern energy production. The helicopter route brings those parts together in a short flight.

You may also see Reykjavik and its outskirts from above, depending on the exact route and conditions. That contrast can be striking: the capital’s built-up areas give way quickly to dark lava, pale rock, and steaming ground.

The tour is especially useful if your time in Iceland is limited. You can reach a volcanic area that would otherwise require a longer road journey, and you do not have to give up a full day for it. On the other hand, the short duration means you will not get the slower pace of a land excursion. If you enjoy stopping often, walking trails, or studying geology at ground level, a helicopter landing alone may feel too brief.

What the flight feels like for you

The helicopter offers the classic Iceland view: large spaces, clean lines, and a quick shift from city to wilderness. The route is not about speed for its own sake. It is about seeing how the ground changes as you leave Reykjavik and cross into the volcanic highlands.

The pilots have been praised for being calm and clear. One pilot took time to explain the route and the surrounding area, which helps you stay oriented as the helicopter moves over Hellisheiði. A good explanation is important because the view can be hard to read from the air. A black field may be old lava, a pale patch may be moss-covered rock, and steam can mark heat below the surface.

The small group makes it easier to hear the guide and ask a question. It also gives the flight a more private feel without becoming a fully private charter. You should still expect to share the helicopter with other participants, but the cap of five keeps the group manageable.

The tour includes an audio guide in English as well as live English guidance. That gives you two ways to follow the commentary, though the live guide is likely to be the more useful part during the landing. At Hengill, you will want to watch where you are walking and take in the setting rather than keep your attention fixed on recorded information.

The $529 question: is the view worth it?

At $529 per person, this is one of the more expensive short activities you can add to a Reykjavik stay. You are paying for aircraft operation, a pilot, a small group, and access to a volcanic area that is difficult to reach in such a short time by road.

I see the value if you have limited time, want a strong aerial view, and care more about a special moment than about covering many sights. The combination of flight and geothermal landing is the key. A scenic flight without landing would be less distinctive, while a road trip would give you more time on the ground but require far more of your day.

The value is weaker if you are looking for a long excursion or a budget-friendly way to see geothermal country. You could spend far less on road-based sightseeing around Reykjavik, though you would not get the same angle or the same quick access to Hengill.

Think of this as a premium add-on. It works best after you have already planned your main Iceland sights and want one memorable experience near the capital. It is not the practical choice for covering the most ground. It is the choice for seeing a volcanic region from above and then standing in it for a few minutes.

Practical details before you book

The tour allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around it.

Pregnant women cannot take part. The supplied information does not give a separate list of mobility requirements or clothing rules, so you should ask GlacierHeli directly if you have concerns about boarding, walking at the landing site, or medical conditions.

Parking at the base has been described as good, which helps if you are making your own way to Ace FBO Reykjavík. The operator provides the flight and landing, but no separate hotel transfer is listed, so do not assume a pickup from your accommodation.

Weather can affect any helicopter experience, and this one depends on seeing volcanic ridges, lava fields, and steam from the air. The available information does not state a specific weather policy beyond the general cancellation terms, so confirm how schedule changes are handled before departure.

The experience has a 4.4 rating from 12 reviews. The strongest praise centers on the friendly pilot or guide, clear explanations, a comfortable flight, and the landing itself. The one practical warning is that organization has not always felt perfect, even though parking was reported as convenient. That is a small concern, but it is worth allowing a little breathing room in your schedule.

Who will enjoy this Hengill flight most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a compact, high-impact outing from Reykjavik. It suits first-time visitors who want to see volcanic Iceland without committing to a full day on the road, and it works well for people who enjoy geology, photography, and unusual views.

It also suits couples or small groups who value a quieter experience. With five participants at most, you get a better chance of hearing the explanations and enjoying the landing without a large crowd around you.

I would think twice if your main goal is hiking. The ground portion lasts about 15 minutes, and the information promises a guided look at the geothermal area, not a substantial walk. I would also hesitate if $529 feels uncomfortable for a one-hour activity. The price is not hidden by a long schedule. This is an expensive, focused experience.

Should you book the Hengill helicopter tour?

Book it if you want to combine an aerial view of Hellisheiði with a real landing among Hengill’s geothermal springs. The volcano commentary, small group, and short travel time from Reykjavik make it more than a simple sightseeing loop.

Skip it if you prefer long hikes, low-cost sightseeing, or a full day of stops. For everyone else, this is a memorable splurge with a clear purpose: see Iceland’s volcanic power from above, then step onto the ground that created it.

FAQ

Where does the helicopter tour begin?

The meeting point is Ace FBO Reykjavík in Reykjavik.

How long does the experience last?

The activity is listed as one hour, with a total duration of about 50 to 70 minutes. Around 25 to 35 minutes is allocated to the guided flight, and about 15 minutes to the geothermal landing.

Where does the helicopter land?

The helicopter lands in the Hengill geothermal area in South Iceland, near the Hengill volcano.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide and audio guide are in English.

How many people can join the flight?

The tour is a small-group experience limited to five participants.

Can pregnant women take part?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.