Helicopter tours in Reykjavik

Iceland is an incredible place, full of out-of-this-world landscapes. Enjoy Reykjavik, its capital, aboard a sensational helicopter ride.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

8 min read

Helicopter tours in Reykjavik

Reykjavik | ©Ben

There is a lot to see and do in Reykjavik during your trip, but undoubtedly flying in a helicopter over all its natural wonders, its glaciers, its snow-capped mountains, the lava fields and getting some of the best views, has no comparison.

Within this type of excursion there are many options that exist. From short flights over a specific sector of Reykjavík to more extensive tours of all the points of interest in the region, and even some excursions that combine a four-wheel ATV ride with a helicopter ride. In this guide I have selected for you the best and most interesting options of helicopter rides so you can choose the one you like the most. Here we go!

1. Helicopter mountain tour with top landing from Reykjavik

Helicopter Tour| ©ierdnall
Helicopter Tour| ©ierdnall

Flying in a helicopter in Iceland is a unique experience in one of the most charming places in the world. On this tour, which departs from Reykjavik International Airport, you will be able to enjoy unparalleled aerial views of the city and its surroundings.

When you take one of these helicopter tours in Reykjavik, you will feel the adrenaline rush of being lifted off the ground and being driven through Iceland's breathtaking scenery.

During the tour you will enjoy the lava fields, the coast, the Langjökull glacier and the rooftops of the most picturesque city in the region.

If weather conditions permit you can land on top of Mount Esja, where you will feel part of nature. This is undoubtedly one of the best tours of Reykjavik and one of the most fascinating adventures you can experience.

This tour does not usually include pick-up from your hotel, however the distances in Iceland's capital city are very short and there are several transfer options to and from the airport.

Useful information

  • Price: from 270 Euros
  • Duration: approximately 30 to 45 minutes
  • Means of transport: helicopter
  • Pros: you will be able to see Reykjavik from the air in an incomparable tour.
  • Cons: You depend on good weather conditions to be able to land on Mount Esja.

Book your transfer from Reykjavík Airport

2. Helicopter tour with landing on top of Þórisjökull Glacier

Landing on Þórisjökull| ©AndreaVillega
Landing on Þórisjökull| ©AndreaVillega

Can you imagine touring some of the most breathtaking places in Iceland aboard a helicopter? This is one of the best experiences you can have in the city and surroundings of Reykjavík.

It is a very good option to do with children in Iceland, since they will have the chance to fly over the city and appreciate from the air some of its wonderful natural landscapes.

Together with your specialized pilot you will fly over the beautiful Thingvellir National Park, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Then you can see Mount Esja, the lava fields and the Skjaldbreiður volcano with its impressive crater, and finally land on the Langjökull glacier, where you can descend and take a walk through this majestic natural scenery. I assure you that there you will understand why Iceland is a kingdom of ice.

This is definitely a very good and original way to visit one of the best glaciers in Iceland.

Information of interest

  • Price: from 1049 Euros
  • Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Means of transportation: helicopter
  • Pros: It is truly an unparalleled experience, you will be able to fly over Reykjavik's sky and see its natural attractions.
  • Cons: It may be a bit expensive.

Book an excursion to the Thríhnukagigur volcano from Reykjavík

3. ATV off-road vehicle and helicopter tour in Reykjavik

Helicopter ride| ©ierdnall
Helicopter ride| ©ierdnall

One of the best options for adventure lovers. If you can't live without your adrenaline fix, this tour is definitely for you.

After being picked up at the designated meeting point (just a few minutes from the comfort of your accommodation), you can take a speed ride through the Icelandic wilderness on an ATV, a four-wheeled off-road vehicle.

For a whole hour you will be the pilot, seeing some of Iceland's most amazing scenery. A great way to warm up and one of the best things to do in Reykjavik in winter.

Afterwards you will reach one of the nearby mountains, where the second part of the tour begins.

There you will board a helicopter to tour Reykjavík and its surroundings from the air. You will have exceptional panoramic views of the Langjökull glacier, Mount Esja, its lakes and snow-capped peaks.

In short, you will have the opportunity to enjoy all the charm of Iceland in this 5-hour excursion and land on the summit of one of the mountains in the area.

Information of interest

  • Price: from 412 Euros
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Means of transportation: ATV, 4-wheel all-terrain vehicle and helicopter.
  • In favor: it is one of the most interesting experiences to do in Reykjavik, full of adrenaline and adventure, you will feel like an explorer.
  • Cons: The pick up is not at the hotel but at a nearby meeting point.

4. Fire and ice helicopter tour: Langjökull glacier and Hengill geothermal area

Snowmobiling on the Langjökull Glacier| ©Haukur Herbertsson
Snowmobiling on the Langjökull Glacier| ©Haukur Herbertsson

Among the helicopter tours offered in Reykjavik, this is one of the most interesting, since it combines all the charm of the geothermal area of Hengill with the snowy peaks and the Langjökull glacier.

Iceland is known for combining fire with ice, hence the name of this tour. This is one of the best ways to take a tour of Iceland's volcanoes.

Not only will you fly over the area, but the helicopter descends so you can see the towering crater of Hengill volcano up close and enjoy the hot springs and pots seen in the area. Everything here is on the boil.

Then you will fly over Thingvellir National Park, one of the wonders of the country, where you can perfectly appreciate the junction point of the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America.

If you want to learn more about this amazing place, you can hire one of the tours that allow you to visit Thingvellir National Park, an excellent way to discover the countless natural attractions of this place.

Finally, you will get back on the helicopter to see the iciest landscapes of Iceland. Your pilot will take you to the top of the Langjökull glacier, where you can descend and feel the cold of this large block of ice. Did you know that glaciers represent more than 11% of the entire surface of the country? That's why they are so important to Icelanders.

After visiting two such different landscapes in the same day, you will find it hard to believe that they are the same country. Iceland has that, it looks like many different countries. An absolutely magical place that you can't miss.

Information of interest

  • Price: from 1159 Euros
  • Duration: about 2 hours
  • Means of transport: helicopter
  • Pros: in only 2 hours you will get to know the extremes of Iceland, from fire to ice, in an amazing adventure that will help you understand this incredible place.
  • Cons: You will be left wanting more.

Book a tour to Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik

5. Helicopter tour: fly over all of Iceland with multiple landings

View from the helicopter| ©Christophe Trouillard
View from the helicopter| ©Christophe Trouillard

On this almost 4-hour helicopter tour around Reykjavik, you will have the opportunity to see some of Iceland's most important sights, such as the Gullfoss waterfall, as well as visit the famous Geysir, the world's first and largest geyser, after which all the others are named.

You will fly over the volcanoes and glaciers that have made Iceland so popular around the world, and then land and take a short walk through the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar. You can also tour part of the southern part of the region, where the Háifoss waterfall is located very close to the Hekla volcano.

Information of interest

  • Price: from 1670 Euros
  • Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes approximately, depending on weather conditions.
  • Means of transport: helicopter
  • Pros: a great adventure, you will see some of the most important points of Iceland in almost 4 hours.
  • Cons: the itinerary and landings are subject to weather conditions.

How to book a helicopter tour

Booking Online| ©Peter Olexa
Booking Online| ©Peter Olexa

The best way to book a tour is always online, since you can search through all the available options to find the one that best suits your desires and budget.

You can also read the comments and opinions of other travelers who have taken the tour, to see how it went and whether or not it is worth doing it.

Duration of the helicopter tours in Reykjavík

Helicopter and Glacier| ©Wonder
Helicopter and Glacier| ©Wonder

There are many options for helicopter tours and each one has a different duration, but in general they can be between 30 minutes and 5 hours, depending if it is just the helicopter ride or if they also include some walking tour, or maybe with another means of transportation.

One of the most popular is the one that combines a ride in a 4-wheel all-terrain vehicle with a helicopter tour. Choose the one you like best.

What will I see on this type of excursion?

Helicopter Tour Pilot| ©Eloisa Ozonas
Helicopter Tour Pilot| ©Eloisa Ozonas

In this type of tour or excursion you will see some of the most amazing places in and around Reykjavik. The itinerary usually includes many of Iceland's major points of interest. From volcanoes and geysers, national parks and incredible lakes, to glaciers. Iceland has it all for an incomparable experience.

If you were attracted by this helicopter ride, you might be interested in the many options for adventure lovers, book a horseback riding tour in Reykjavik, or maybe you prefer to tour the city and its surroundings by bike, for that you have at your fingertips one of the bike tours in Reykjavik. Whatever option you choose you will have a great time, I assure you.

Tips for a helicopter tour in Reykjavík

Inside a Helicopter| ©Christophe Trouillard
Inside a Helicopter| ©Christophe Trouillard
  • Keep in mind to bring some warm clothes, since it is usually much colder in the air than on the ground.
  • Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear. Keep in mind that the terrain can be very uneven and you will surely walk on snow or ice, so keeping your feet warm is essential.
  • Don't forget to charge the battery of your camera or smartphone, you don't want to miss out on taking some amazing pictures.

How much does a helicopter tour in Reykjavik cost?

Money in Euros| ©Pixabay
Money in Euros| ©Pixabay

The prices of this type of excursions vary according to the number of hours and the type of service offered. Values can range from 270 Euros for short tours of less than 1 hour to 1600 Euros for experiences of several hours.

Not necessarily a more expensive tour is better than a cheaper one, it all depends on what you want to do, if you want to treat yourself to a few minutes of helicopter ride and see some scenery, then a 5 hour tour can be tedious.

Why is it advisable to take a helicopter tour in Reykjavik?

A tour stop| ©Christophe Trouillard
A tour stop| ©Christophe Trouillard

A helicopter tour of Reykjavik is highly recommended because it is the only way to enjoy all the landscapes that this sensational country has to offer at the same time. In addition, you will add the necessary amount of adventure that every trip deserves.

When is the best time to travel to Reykjavik?

North of Reykjavík from the Helicopter| ©Christophe Trouillard
North of Reykjavík from the Helicopter| ©Christophe Trouillard

If you are wondering what is the best time to visit Reykjavik I can tell you that every season has its charm, besides, this is a country where you can enjoy the snow, ice and volcanoes all year round.

With a wonderful mix of natural landscapes and all the charm of its people, visiting Iceland is always a good plan.