Volcano country gets real fast from the air. This helicopter tour from Reykjavik puts you over the Hengill geothermal zone, with an actual on-site landing that makes the views more than just sightseeing. You’ll also get bird’s-eye angles on volcanic and geothermal terrain that are hard to understand from ground level.

I especially like how this route mixes dramatic flying with a short time on the ground at Hengill—so you see the steam, colors, and textures from above and up close. The second big win for me is the small size: a maximum of five people means the pilot can slow down for the best angles and keep things personal. One consideration: this ride needs good weather, so plan for the possibility of rescheduling if conditions aren’t right.

Key points to know before you go

• A true landing at Hengill: you step onto the geothermal area, not just hover overhead
• Small group (max 5): less waiting, more attention, better chance for great sight lines
• Fuel and landing fees included: you don’t get surprise add-ons once you arrive
• Modern, clean aircraft feel: multiple reviews called out the helicopter quality
• Route includes three major geothermal/power areas: Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, and Bláfjöll
• English offered: you’ll have commentary and orientation in a language you understand

Hengill geothermal from above: why this helicopter route works

Geothermal Iceland can be tricky to “read” when you’re only on foot. Up close you get steam, pools, and odd colors. From a car window you get fragments. From a helicopter, the whole system suddenly makes sense: where the ground heats up, how the terrain fractures, and how the power landscape fits into the bigger volcanic world.

This tour’s focus is the Hengill area, and that matters. Instead of doing a long, scattered route, the flight plan stays tight around the geothermal zone and the related power facilities. You start with a flyover of the Hellisheiði Plateau, then you work your way across the Hengill geothermal area and nearby sites, finishing with a Reykjavik flyover once the key views are done. It’s a smart use of time when you’ve got only about an hour in the air.

The flight path: Hellisheiði Plateau, Hengill, power plants, then Reykjavik

The timing is short and focused, roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes. You depart from Reykjavik domestic airport (Ace FBO Reykjavík is your meeting point), then the first big moment is the flyover of the Hellisheiði Plateau.

From there, the itinerary centers on Hengill and the geothermal/power footprint around it:

• Hengill geothermal area (landing stop)
• Hellisheiðarvirkjun (covered from the air)
• Nesjavallavirkjun (covered from the air)
• Bláfjöll (covered from the air)
• Reykjavik flyover after the other spots

What you gain from this sequence is clarity. The early plateau flyover gives you the wider context—how the land sits before it turns into steam and activity. Then the landing stop provides the grounded feeling, and the later flyovers connect that real-world steam to the power infrastructure you’d otherwise only see from a distance.

Hengill landing stop: what happens when you touch down

The most memorable part for me would be the landing itself, because it’s the difference between watching nature and being part of it. At Hengill, the schedule includes about 25 minutes on-site, and the admission ticket for that stop is free.

From the reviews, the landing area includes a chance to walk around a geothermal feature—one guest specifically talked about walking near a thermal pond and enjoying the colors and views from the landing site. That’s exactly the sort of short, tangible moment that makes helicopter tours worth the money: you don’t just look down, you experience the terrain at ground level for a brief window.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the pilot’s positioning. One review described the helicopter moving slowly from one side to the other while the pilot commented and answered questions. That’s the best-case scenario: the aircraft isn’t just passing over points—it’s shaping the view so you can actually take it in.

Seeing geothermal power from the air: Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, Bláfjöll

The flight also includes “covered from the air” segments over geothermal-related power sites and surrounding terrain:

• Hellisheiðarvirkjun
• Nesjavallavirkjun
• Bláfjöll

These are the kinds of places most visitors only understand as a vague industrial shape from a road. From the helicopter, you can connect the dots: geothermal activity often sits within broader volcanic terrain patterns, and the facilities can look like part of the land’s plumbing rather than something dropped in from nowhere.

This is also where the bird’s-eye view becomes practical. You’re not just grabbing photos. You’re learning how the steam/energy zone relates to the larger area—what’s concentrated, what’s spread out, and how the contours guide the activity. If you like science-meets-scenery travel, this section is the payoff.

A small caution: since these are covered from the air (no listed walk time), you’ll want to keep your camera ready and your seat belt on. You don’t want to spend the best sight window fumbling for a lens.

Group size and pilot skill: why max five matters

A helicopter can feel either rushed or personal, depending on the operator and the group size. Here, the tour has a maximum of five people, which is a big deal for two reasons.

First, it helps the pilot manage visibility. With fewer passengers, everyone has a clearer view window and there’s less jostling for the best angle. One review praised the views from all seats, which lines up with how a small cabin typically plays out.

Second, it changes the vibe. Reviews repeatedly mention a calm, safety-first feel and a pilot who handled the flight smoothly. One review specifically named the pilot Clements (spelling as written in the review wasn’t perfectly clear), and described him as outstanding, with the helicopter modern and clean. Another review said the coordinator was kind and accommodating, and that the group felt safe with an experienced pilot.

If you’re the type who likes questions—about what you’re seeing, how geothermal works, or why the land looks the way it does—this group size makes it more likely you’ll actually get answers, not just fast pass-through commentary.

Price and value: $599.56, plus what you don’t pay later

At $599.56 per person, you should expect this to feel like a splurge. The reason it can still be good value is what’s included up front.

You get:

• Landing
• Fuel surcharge
• Landing fees already folded into the total (per the tour highlights)
• A free admission ticket at the Hengill geothermal stop

And it’s a short duration, so you’re not paying for a half-day travel blur. You’re paying for a concentrated window of aerial views plus a ground landing where you can walk around a geothermal feature.

What’s not included is food. That’s normal for a tour of this length, but it does mean you should eat beforehand and plan for snacks later if you’re making a full-day Reykjavik itinerary.

Meeting point and timing: Ace FBO Reykjavik and a smooth return

The meeting point is Ace FBO Reykjavík, Reykjavík Airport (101/102 Reykjavík), and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. That matters because you don’t need to figure out another pickup plan after the flight.

The tour is also described as near public transportation, which is helpful if you don’t want to commit to a car. You’ll also receive confirmation at booking time, and the tour uses a mobile ticket, which usually means less paper and fewer last-minute worries.

One practical tip: since it’s weather-dependent, treat your day like it has a hinge moment. If your schedule is packed with other tours, keep some flexibility around your helicopter time.

What to wear and bring for a geothermal helicopter landing

You’ll be in Iceland, which basically means: dress for wind and change. Even in decent weather, helicopters can feel cooler at the edges and during landing. Bring layers you can manage quickly.

You don’t need to pack special gear based on the provided info, but you should still be prepared for a short walk at the Hengill landing site (including near a thermal pond). Wear shoes you’re comfortable taking onto uneven ground.

For your comfort, I’d also bring:

• A camera or phone with a secure way to hold it
• An extra lens cover or wipe if it’s misty
• A light jacket even if the forecast looks mild

Since food isn’t included, plan to eat before you go. That’s the simplest way to keep the experience relaxed.

Who should book this helicopter tour to the Hengill Area

This is a great match if you:

• Want volcano and geothermal views that are hard to get from roads or walking routes
• Like the idea of a short landing instead of a pure flyover
• Want an operator with a small group size (max five) so the pilot can give proper attention
• Prefer time-efficient sightseeing rather than half-day transfers

Skip or reconsider if:

• You have strict budgeting or you dislike high-cost tours
• You’re sensitive to weather changes. Since the trip requires good conditions, you may need to shift plans if rescheduling happens.
• You’re near the listed weight limit. The tour lists a total weight per passenger of 265 lbs.

If you want something more classic—like museums or long hikes—this won’t replace those. But if you want a strong, visual “I get Iceland now” moment, it fits perfectly.

Should you book the Hengill Area helicopter tour?

If your goal is to see Iceland’s geothermal heart with a mix of aerial context and a short ground landing, I’d say this is a book-worthy splurge. The combo of a max five group, included landing/fuel/fees, and a tight route around Hengill and the power facilities makes it feel purposeful rather than random sightseeing.

My only reason to hesitate is the weather requirement. If your trip dates are fixed with zero flexibility, you’re taking a gamble like you would with any Iceland helicopter ride. If your schedule has some breathing room, that weather dependency becomes less stressful.

Bottom line: book it when you can afford the price and you can handle the weather reality. When conditions line up, you’re getting the kind of perspective that’s genuinely hard to replicate any other way.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter tour?

It runs for about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.

How many people are in each tour?

This activity has a maximum of five travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Landing and fuel surcharge are included.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

What does the route include?

You depart Reykjavik domestic airport, fly over Hellisheiði Plateau, land in the Hengill geothermal area (about 25 minutes), then cover Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, and Bláfjöll, and finish with a flyover of Reykjavik.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

Is the Hengill geothermal admission ticket included?

Yes. The stop at Hengill Geothermal Area is listed with admission ticket free.

What is the passenger weight limit?

Total weight per passenger is listed as 265 lbs.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather cancels the tour?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.