Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: Glacier and Hengill Geothermal Area

Iceland looks different from the sky. This 1-hour-40-minute to 2-hour helicopter flight links Reykjavik, Glymur waterfall, Þórisjökull glacier, Þingvellir, and Hengill’s steaming valleys in one compact outing. I especially like the two outdoor landings, which turn a scenic flight into something you can physically experience, and the small maximum of six people gives the trip a personal feel. The main drawback is the price: at $953.39 per person, this is a major splurge, and poor weather or low enrollment can cancel the flight.

I also like the way the route mixes famous sights with places that are hard to reach by road. You may throw snowballs on a glacier, stand near boiling mud pots, and see the North American and Eurasian tectonic divide from above, all before returning to central Reykjavik. Still, you should know that the helicopter can feel tight in the back, especially if you are tall, and strong wind may make the glacier stop less comfortable than the photos suggest.

Key points to know before booking

• Two landings make this more than a sightseeing flight: You get time outside on Þórisjökull glacier and in the Hengill geothermal area.
• The group is capped at six people: That supports a more personal flight, though the rear seats may feel cramped.
• The route covers a remarkable range of Icelandic scenery: Expect waterfalls, lava fields, farmland, a glacier, hot springs, volcano country, and tectonic features.
• You fly over Glymur waterfall and Þingvellir: These views add real geographic and historical context to the trip.
• Weather matters greatly: Wind and cloud can affect comfort, visibility, and whether the flight operates at all.
• The price buys time, access, and convenience: You see remote terrain in roughly two hours instead of spending a full day driving and hiking.

Meeting the pilot at Reykjavik Domestic Airport

The tour begins at Ace FBO at Reykjavik Domestic Airport. This is close to the city center, and a taxi can get you there without much trouble. The tricky part is finding the correct airport area. One person found the meeting point confusing and suggested that clearer directions would help, so give yourself extra time rather than arriving at the last minute.

The base offers a more polished start than a simple curbside pickup. The experience includes a comfortable welcome area with hot drinks and sofas, according to one detailed account. You then meet your pilot, receive the briefing, and board the helicopter for a private-feeling flight.

The group limit is six people. That is small enough for the pilot to speak with you and point out features along the route. The two landings also create a useful seating rotation. One account noted that everyone had a chance to sit in the front beside the pilot during one part of the trip.

That front seat is likely the best place for photographs and views, but the rear seats deserve honest attention. Four people may sit behind the pilot, and one tall passenger found the arrangement very tight and not especially comfortable. If you are over six feet tall, or simply dislike close seating, ask about the cabin arrangement before paying.

Flying past Glymur waterfall and Mount Esja

The flight heads toward Þórisjökull glacier, passing over Glymur waterfall. Once considered Iceland’s highest waterfall, Glymur drops through a dramatic canyon in the Hvalfjörður area. From a helicopter, you get a perspective that would require a separate hike and a fair amount of time on the ground.

The pilot may adjust the aircraft so people on different sides can see important sights. This matters because helicopter windows do not give every passenger the same view at every moment. Several accounts praise the pilots for moving the aircraft to help everyone take photographs.

You may also glimpse Mount Esja and the popular Hvalfjörður, or Whale Fjord. These landmarks help you understand how quickly Reykjavik gives way to open countryside, steep ridges, water, and old lava flows. The views can include farmland, craters, lava fields, waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal areas.

This is one of the tour’s strongest features. You are not simply flying to a glacier and back. The route shows how varied Iceland can be within a short distance of the capital.

First landing: 15 minutes on Þórisjökull glacier

The first landing is on Þórisjökull, a broad glacier reached far faster than by hiking. You get about 15 minutes on the ice, enough for photographs, snowballs, a snow angel, or a quick look around the glacier surface.

That short stop works best if you treat it as a rare photo and sensation break, not a glacier trek. You will not have hours to walk across the ice. Instead, you step out, feel the cold air, take in the open view, and enjoy the odd pleasure of standing in snow while Reykjavik remains close enough for a helicopter return.

The weather can shape this stop more than any other part of the tour. One account describes powerful wind on the glacier that made it hard to stay steady. Bring secure footwear and warm clothing, even if the day feels mild in Reykjavik. The tour information does not promise special glacier equipment, so do not assume you will receive crampons or technical gear.

Cloud is another concern. A separate cancellation complaint came from someone who reached the flight with heavy cloud and could not see the glacier. The operator requires suitable weather and may offer another date or a full refund if conditions are poor. That policy is sensible for a helicopter trip, but it also means you should avoid scheduling this as the only major activity on your final day in Iceland.

Þingvellir from above: geology and parliament

After the glacier, the helicopter flies over Þingvellir National Park, part of Iceland’s Golden Circle. Þingvellir has two major claims to fame. It is tied to the world’s oldest existing parliament, and it sits where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart.

From the air, the cracks and canyon lines are easier to understand than they can be from ground level. You can look down into the divide and see how the rock has split over time. The flight also reaches toward Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, whose broad water surface provides another striking view.

There is no landing at Þingvellir. You see it from the helicopter, so this is not a replacement for a full Golden Circle visit if you want to walk the park’s paths. It is, however, a good way to add the site without spending hours in a road vehicle.

I find this portion especially valuable because it gives the trip more meaning than a string of pretty views. The pilot can connect the visible canyon to Iceland’s geology and early political history. The result is a quick but useful introduction to one of the country’s most important places.

Second landing: Hengill’s hot springs and mud pots

The second landing takes place in the Hengill Geothermal Area, near Hengill volcano. The remote valley is difficult to reach except by hiking or helicopter, which gives this stop a stronger sense of access than the more famous Þingvellir views.

You get about 15 minutes here as well. The main attraction is the geothermal activity: hot springs and boiling mud pots that you can approach and observe from close by. The ground may look quiet in one spot and active in the next, with steam and mineral colors showing what is happening below the surface.

This stop contrasts nicely with the glacier. Þórisjökull is cold, bright, and open. Hengill is warm, steamy, and shaped by underground heat. That contrast explains the Fire and Ice name without needing any special effects.

You should stay with the pilot’s instructions around the hot ground. The tour allows you to walk toward the springs and mud pots, but the description does not promise marked paths, safety equipment, or extended hiking. Fifteen minutes goes quickly, so focus on the setting and photographs rather than trying to explore the entire valley.

The pilots make a real difference

The pilots receive some of the strongest praise attached to this experience. Laura, Oliver, and Tasha are singled out by name in the feedback, with particular approval for their friendly manner, explanations, and calm handling of the aircraft.

That matters on a helicopter flight. A good pilot does more than operate the controls. The pilot helps you feel safe, explains what you are seeing, adjusts the route when possible, and positions the aircraft so more people get useful views.

Wind is a recurring part of flying in Iceland. Several accounts describe strong conditions, yet praise the pilots for handling them smoothly. That does not mean you should expect a perfectly still ride. It means an experienced pilot can make the flight feel controlled even when the weather is lively.

The route may also change. One flight was adjusted to include a recent eruption site, showing that the operator can sometimes respond to current conditions and volcanic activity. Do not treat that as a guaranteed feature, though. The fixed highlights are the glacier, Þingvellir, Hengill, and the views around Reykjavik.

Cabin comfort, photographs, and the small-group promise

The six-person limit is a major advantage for anyone who dislikes large sightseeing groups. You have a better chance of hearing the pilot, asking questions, and getting time at each landing without a crowd around you.

The cabin itself is less luxurious than the price might suggest. A small helicopter provides an intimate ride, but the rear can be close. Tall people may find four passengers across the back uncomfortable. Since the tour lasts close to two hours, this is worth considering before you book.

Photography is a major reason to choose this outing. You can photograph Glymur, Þingvellir, the glacier, Hengill, Hallgrímskirkja church, Mount Esja, Hvalfjörður, and the changing countryside below. Reflections, window angles, and seat position can affect your pictures, so use the landing time for the images you most want.

The flight returns to the same airport meeting point. Food and drinks are not included, apart from the reported welcome drinks at the base, so eat beforehand and do not expect a meal during the excursion.

Is $953.39 per person good value?

At $953.39 per person, this is not a casual add-on. A couple will spend more than $1,900 before any other costs, and a family will reach that figure quickly. You need to decide if saving driving time and reaching remote terrain is worth the premium.

I think the value is strongest for a short Reykjavik stay. In roughly two hours, you cover sights that could otherwise require separate road trips, hikes, and careful planning. The glacier and Hengill landing are the real value because neither is simply a roadside photo stop.

The price is less convincing if you already plan a full Golden Circle drive, a glacier excursion, and a geothermal hike. In that case, the helicopter adds a fresh viewpoint and convenience, but it may repeat places you have already seen.

This tour also works well for a special occasion or for anyone with limited mobility who cannot spend hours hiking to remote terrain. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility specifications. Ask the provider directly if you need help with boarding, walking on uneven ground, or managing the glacier stop.

Weather, cancellations, and smart planning

The tour can be canceled because of bad weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. The operator can also change the flight date and time when Icelandic wind makes the original plan unsafe.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since weather can change quickly, book this early in your Reykjavik stay if your schedule allows it.

The product is booked an average of 53 days ahead, which suggests that popular dates can fill well in advance. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity is offered in English with an English-speaking guide.

Each passenger has a stated maximum weight of 265 pounds. The listing gives a total weight limit per passenger rather than a combined group rule, so contact the operator if your party has special seating or weight concerns.

Who should book the Fire and Ice flight?

I would choose this for someone who wants maximum scenery with minimum road time. It suits first-time visitors with only a few days in Reykjavik, photographers, couples marking a special trip, and families who want a memorable activity without a full-day bus excursion.

It is also a strong choice if you want to feel Iceland’s contrasts directly: snow under your boots, steam in your face, and tectonic fractures below the aircraft. The two landings make it far more personal than a flight that stays in the air.

I would hesitate if you dislike small aircraft, need generous legroom, have a strict budget, or expect guaranteed clear views. Wind, cloud, and the compact cabin are real considerations, not minor footnotes.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you can afford the splurge and want to see a glacier and geothermal valley in the same morning or afternoon. The pilot quality, small group, flexible route, and two landings make the experience feel special rather than like a quick aerial loop.

Skip it if you can comfortably reach these places by road and hiking, or if the price would force you to cut other Iceland experiences. For the right visitor, though, the tour delivers an unusually efficient look at Iceland’s ice, fire, geology, and capital-area scenery.

FAQ

Where does the helicopter tour begin?

It begins at Ace FBO, Reykjavik Airport, in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Reykjavik Domestic Airport.

How long does the experience last?

The approximate duration is 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of six participants.

Which languages are offered?

The tour is offered in English and includes an English guide.

How many landings are included?

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

How long do you spend at each landing?

The stated time is about 15 minutes at the glacier and about 15 minutes at Hengill.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

What is the passenger weight limit?

The stated maximum total weight per passenger is 265 pounds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation. A different date, another experience, or a full refund may also be offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.