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Taking an Iceland helicopter tour is an incredible experience that allows you to see this beautiful country from a different perspective. While soaring high above the island, you’ll see glacial rivers winding through lava fields, majestic glaciers, uniquely shaped volcanic cones, and much more.
The landscapes of Iceland are stunning, which is why we travel to the island every year to run our Iceland photography tours. On our last trip, we book a helicopter ride over Iceland and it was an experience we will never forget. We took this tour and if you’re like us and have a passion for photography, it’s a must-do!
But keep in mind that not all heli-tours in Iceland are the same and it can be difficult to choose. There are various Iceland volcano helicopter tours, others that include whale-watching, and some that only fly over Reykjavík. So, in this guide, I’ll help you find the perfect tour for your interests and budget.
8 Best helicopter tours in Iceland
Once you’ve decided what things you want to do in Iceland, and you know which parts of the island you’d like to see from the air, it’s time to choose a tour. In a nutshell, these are the best helicopter tours in Iceland:
- Geothermal Tour, the most popular Iceland helicopter tour
- Fagradalsfjall Volcanic Eruption Tour, a top-rated Iceland volcano helicopter tour
- Reykjavík Panoramic Flight, the best Iceland helicopter tour from Reykjavík
- Helicopter Tour in Iceland with whale-watching
- Volcanic Craters Tour, the best helicopter tour over Iceland’s volcanoes
- Helicopter Tour with Happy Hour, the most romantic helicopter tour in Iceland
- Helicopter Ride & Volcano Tour, another breathtaking helicopter tour of Iceland
- ATV Ride & Heli-Tour, another Iceland helicopter tour we recommend
1. Geothermal Tour, the most popular Iceland helicopter tour
Iceland is known for its geothermal activity, which creates amazing landscapes full of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. So, if you’re looking for a helicopter ride in Iceland that flies over these features, I recommend this geothermal tour.
1. Geothermal Tour, the most popular Iceland helicopter tour
This is the tour we did, and it began at Reykjavík National Airport, which is just 1.2 miles from the capital. After enjoying the views of the city, you’ll soar over lava fields, craters, and some of the country’s main power plants. Icelanders are especially proud of these plants, as they harness geothermal power to generate clean energy.
Before heading back to the airport, you’ll enjoy a short stop to see some of Iceland’s best hot springs, which makes this one of the best helicopter tours from Reykjavík.
- Price: $400+
- Duration: 1 hour
- Departs from: Reykjavík National Airport
- Highlights: Reykjavík, geothermal power plants, volcanic craters, and hot springs. You’ll make a landing to see the hot springs up close.
2. Fagradalsfjall Eruption, the best Iceland volcano helicopter tour
The Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted in March 2021 and although experts say that the volcano will remain active for a long time, I recommend booking this tour if you’re going to be in Iceland soon. Flying over this volcanic eruption will be a unique experience that you won’t want to pass up!
This helicopter ride over an Icelandic volcano departs from Reykjavík National Airport, so you’ll start the tour with beautiful views of the capital city. Keep an eye out for famous sights like the Hallgrímskirkja church and the Harpa Concert Hall.
2. Fagradalsfjall Eruption, the best Iceland volcano helicopter tour
Then, you’ll fly to the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the landscape transforms into a geothermal wonderland. As you soar over the Fagradalsfjall volcano, you’ll be able to see the fissures and the great column of black smoke emanating from the eruption. If you go when the volcano is highly active, you may see rivers of molten rock and fire spouting from the craters.
Without a doubt, it’s an impressive scene that you’re not likely to see anywhere else, so it’s one of the most worthwhile helicopter tours in Iceland.
- Price: $439+
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Departs from: Reykjavík National Airport
- Highlights: Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Fagradalsfjall volcano.
3. Iceland helicopter tour over Reykjavik
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, so it’s not surprising that most travelers start their trip here or spend the majority of their time in this city. If you want to experience Reykjavík from the air and enjoy the urban views, you can book this panoramic tour of the capital.
3. Iceland helicopter tour over Reykjavik
During this Reykjavík helicopter tour, you’ll fly over some of the most iconic places to visit in Reykjavík, such as the Hallgrímskirkja church, the Harpa Concert Hall, and the Old Harbour, among others. Then, you’ll land on one of the nearby mountains and get an amazing view of the surrounding Icelandic landscapes with the capital in the background.
Keep in mind that this Iceland helicopter tour focuses exclusively on Reykjavík, so you can familiarize yourself with the capital city by air. If you’re interested in discovering the surrounding areas, it’s worth booking an excursion from Reykjavík, too.
- Price: $257+
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Departs from: Reykjavík National Airport
- Highlights: Reykjavík.
4. Helicopter tour in Iceland with whale-watching
If you want to book the ultimate Icelandic adventure, I highly recommend this combo tour, which includes an Iceland helicopter trip and a whale watching boat tour.
The tour starts at Reykjavík National Airport, where you’ll take to the skies and soar over the entire capital and its surroundings. While you get the perfect birds-eye view of Reykjavík, you’ll also be able to see the nearby mountain ranges, lakes, and lava fields. Then, you’ll land on one of the most iconic peaks in the city, where you can take in the majestic views.
4. Helicopter tour in Iceland with whale-watching
After enjoying a helicopter flight over Iceland’s capital city, you’ll have the option of getting picked up at the airport hotel or going to Reykjavík’s Old Harbour to take one of the best whale watching tours in Iceland.
This combo tour also includes admission to the Whale Watching Museum, where you can learn endless curiosities about these magnificent animals.
- Price: $338+
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departs from: Reykjavík National Airport
- Highlights: Helicopter flight over Reykjavík and its surroundings, with a landing on one of the most iconic peaks. This package includes a whale watching boat tour and admission to the Whale Watching Museum.
5. Volcanic Craters Tour, the best helicopter tour over Iceland’s volcanoes
One of the most characteristic features of Iceland is the volcanic landscape. The country has about 130 volcanoes scattered throughout the island, so if you’re looking for an Icelandic volcano helicopter tour, I can’t recommend the Volcanic Craters tour enough!
The excursion begins at the Reykjavík National Airport, so you can see the urban center of the capital before enjoying the natural landscapes that surround it.
5. Volcanic Craters Tour, the best helicopter tour over Iceland’s volcanoes
Your tour will focus on the volcanic areas around Reykjavík and the Reykjanes coast, so you’ll see the Kleifarvatn and Grænavatn lakes, the Gunnuhver hot spring, and the famous Blue Lagoon from the air. Then, you’ll make a brief stop in a lava field, next to a crater, in one of the most impressive lunar landscapes on the island.
- Price: $616+
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Departs from: Reykjavík National Airport
- Highlights: Helicopter flight over Reykjavík and the Reykjanes Peninsula, with a landing on a volcanic peak and lunar lava field.
6. Helicopter Tour with Happy Hour, the most romantic helicopter tour in Iceland
This Helicopter Tour with Happy Hour is another one of the best helicopter tours in Iceland, especially if you’re traveling as a couple.
The excursion starts at the Reykjavík National Airport where you’ll lift off and fly over the capital city. Enjoy magnificent aerial views of iconic sights like the Harpa Concert Hall and the Hallgrímskirkja church, as well as beautiful views of the nearby Faxaflói Bay, Esja Mountain, and the lava fields and volcanoes.
6. Helicopter Tour with Happy Hour, the most romantic helicopter tour in Iceland
Best of all, this Iceland helicopter ride includes a landing on one of the island’s western peaks, where you’ll be able to take in the incredible views of the Reykjanes coast and Snæfellsnes Peninsula while sipping a glass of wine.
Without a doubt, this is a lovely Iceland heli-tour that allows you to see the different landscapes of the island from the air.
- Price: $300+
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Departs from: Reykjavík National Airport
- Highlights: Helicopter flight over Reykjavík and the surrounding areas, plus a helicopter landing on a peak overlooking the Reykjanes and Snæfellsnes Peninsulas. The tour includes a complimentary glass of wine.
7. Helicopter Ride & Volcano Tour, another breathtaking helicopter tour of Iceland
The Helicopter Ride & Volcano tour is another Iceland volcano helicopter tour that I highly recommend since it’s one of the few opportunities you have to go inside a volcano, specifically Þríhnúkagígur.
7. Helicopter Ride & Volcano Tour, another breathtaking helicopter tour of Iceland
You can choose from a morning or afternoon tour, and you’ll depart from the Reykjavík National Airport. After flying over the city and its famous attractions like the Hallgrímskirkja church, you’ll head towards the Blue Mountains and the Þríhnúkagígur volcano.
It’s an inactive volcano, so visitors can safely go inside. All the necessary safety equipment will be provided, so you can explore the interior of the volcano without any risks.
I can assure you that witnessing the colors and shapes of the volcano’s interior is an incredible experience, so don’t forget your camera! This is one volcanic helicopter tour in Iceland that you won’t want to miss!
- Price: $685+
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Departs from: Reykjavík National Airport
- Highlights: Helicopter flight over Reykjavík, the Blue Mountains, and Þríhnúkagígur. The tour includes a visit inside the Þríhnúkagígur and all the necessary safety equipment.
8. ATV Ride & Heli-Tour, another Iceland helicopter tour you should do
Finally, if you’d like to see the island from different points of view, I recommend booking this helicopter and ATV tour. This is one of the best ways to get to know the country, especially if you’re short on time.
8. ATV Ride & Heli-Tour, another Iceland helicopter tour you should do
The tour package includes transportation from your hotel in Reykjavík to the quad base, where you’ll get all your ATV gear and a safety lesson. Then, you’ll hop on your quad bike and ride through the mountains around Reykjavík, taking in the beautiful landscape from the ground.
The excursion continues with an Iceland helicopter flight over the capital city. From the helicopter, you’ll be able to see all of Reykjavík, as well as the nearby mountain ranges. You’ll even land on one of the peaks, where you’ll be able to take amazing landscape photos.
- Price: $392+
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departs from: Your accommodation in Reykjavík
- Highlights: ATV tour and a helicopter flight over Reykjavík and its surroundings, plus a helicopter landing on top of a mountain.
What is the price of an Iceland helicopter tour?
As you may have already guessed, taking a helicopter over Iceland isn’t exactly the cheapest activity. That said, tours vary in terms of duration and attractions covered, so the cost can vary quite a bit. To help you choose the best tour for your budget, here is a comparison chart of Iceland helicopter tour prices:
TOUR | DURATION | PRICE | HIGHLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|---|
1 hour | $400+ | • Reykjavík |
|
45 minutes | $439+ | • Reykjavík |
|
30-45 minutes | $257+ | • Reykjavík |
|
5 hours | $338+ | • Reykjavík |
|
1.5 hours | $616+ | • Reykjavík |
|
45 minutes | $300+ | • Reykjavík |
|
2.5 hours | $685+ | • Reykjavík |
|
5 hours | $392+ | • ATV excursion |
|
BEST ICELAND HELICOPTER TOURS |
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My experience flying over Iceland
While we had photographed the island countless times, taking a helicopter tour over Iceland opened up a whole new world of possibilities for us. Even though it was a short tour, I know that we’ll do it again as soon as we have the chance.
During our Iceland volcano helicopter tour, we were able to see places we wouldn’t have otherwise seen, and at the same time, we enjoyed some completely new perspectives of places we have seen a thousand times from the ground. It was incredible getting aerial views of some of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland!
We booked our Iceland heli-tour for the first day of our trip, but the weather conditions weren’t ideal, so we had to postpone the tour for the last day of our visit, about 15 days later. Luckily, the weather was amazing this time, so we got wonderful views. In short, I suggest booking your tour for the beginning of your trip just in case you have to reschedule it.
My experience flying over Iceland
Moreover, if you book any of the helicopter rides in Iceland that I recommended in this guide, you’ll be in for a treat. The pilot will point out all the important sights and tell you interesting information during the tour. This way, you’ll get the most out of your flight and understand exactly what you’re looking at as you soar over the island.
I recognize that this is an expensive activity, but it’s 100% worth it. So, if you have your heart set on flying over Iceland by helicopter, don’t overthink it!
That’s it from me! I hope you enjoy this stunning country and your helicopter tour of Iceland. If you have any questions, leave me a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help you.
Happy flying!
I am looking for chopper ride to Yellow River.
Hi Sherry,
All the helicopters going through the South of Iceland go over the Yellow River,
Ascen