Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: Glacier and Hengill Geothermal Area

The best of Iceland, seen from above. This small-group helicopter tour links Reykjavik, Glymur waterfall, Þórisjökull glacier, Þingvellir, and the Hengill geothermal area in roughly two hours. I like the two very different landings: one puts you in snow and ice, the other beside hot springs and boiling mud pots. I also like the personal feel, with no more than six people and pilots such as Laura, Oliver, and Tasha praised for calm flying and clear explanations.

The main drawback is the price, at $953.39 per person. That is a serious charge for a short outing, and weather can cancel the flight or block views. You should also expect a compact helicopter cabin, with one report noting that four people in the back felt tight, especially for taller passengers.

Fire and Ice at a glance

• Two landings in one flight: Step onto Þórisjökull glacier, then stop near the hot springs and mud pots of Hengill.
• A six-person maximum: The small group gives the flight a private, personal feel and helps everyone get a good view.
• Glymur from the air: Fly past Iceland’s famous high waterfall before reaching the glacier.
• Þingvellir from above: See the visible divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• A weather-dependent adventure: Wind and cloud can force a delay, changed route, or cancellation.
• A premium time-saver: Reach remote places by air instead of spending hours hiking or driving.

Taking off from Reykjavik Domestic Airport

You meet the pilot at Ace FBO Reykjavík, at Reykjavik Airport. The activity returns to this same meeting point after the flight. The airport is close to central Reykjavik, and a taxi is one practical way to reach it, though you should allow extra time to find the correct FBO entrance. One person had trouble locating the starting point inside the airport, so precise directions would be useful here.

The welcome is designed to feel more private than a standard sightseeing outing. You meet the pilot, receive an English-language briefing, and then head out in a helicopter carrying no more than six people. The small headcount matters. The pilot can point out sights, adjust the aircraft for views, and give the flight a more relaxed pace than a large bus tour.

The total outing lasts about one hour and 40 minutes to two hours. That is not a full-day excursion, and it does not include food or drinks. Still, the flight covers a remarkable amount of ground in a short time. You get city views, waterfalls, a glacier, a national park, a lake, volcanic terrain, and a geothermal valley without spending the day on the road.

Glymur waterfall and the route north

Soon after leaving Reykjavik, the helicopter heads toward Þórisjökull. Along the way, you fly over Glymur, one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. From the air, you can appreciate its setting in a way that a roadside stop does not provide. The aircraft gives you a broad view of the falls and the surrounding country, while the pilot can help you understand what you are seeing.

The flight also passes sights such as Mount Esja and Hvalfjörður, known in English as Whale Fjord. These are flyover views rather than landing stops, so your time for photographs depends on the aircraft’s route, weather, and visibility. The pilot may position the helicopter so both sides of the cabin get a useful look, but you should not expect every view to last as long as a ground visit.

This is one reason seating can matter. The experience is small-group, but not necessarily spacious. One account described four people in the rear as tight, particularly for passengers taller than 1.80 meters. Two landings give everyone a chance to sit beside the pilot at some point, which is a clever touch, but the rear seats may still feel cramped.

Þórisjökull glacier landing

The first landing is on Þórisjökull, a broad glacier reached without a long hike. This is the tour’s most playful stop. You can walk on the snow, take photographs, make a snow angel, build a snowman, or start a snowball fight if conditions allow.

You should treat this as a short taste of glacier travel, not a technical glacier expedition. The stop lasts about 15 minutes, so the point is the setting and the memory rather than a long walk across the ice. The helicopter saves you the hours that a ground approach could require, giving you a chance to experience a remote place during a short Reykjavik excursion.

The air can feel sharp and the wind strong. One flight had such heavy wind on the glacier that standing securely was difficult. Pack warm layers and sturdy footwear, even if you are visiting in a season that feels mild in Reykjavik. Snow, wind, and cold are part of the stop, not a minor footnote.

Your camera will work hard here. The glacier offers broad white views and a strong contrast with Iceland’s dark volcanic ground. Keep your photo plans flexible, though. Cloud can hide the glacier, and poor weather may prevent the landing altogether. One dissatisfied passenger reported missing the glacier because conditions were too cloudy. The operator’s policy says poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, but weather decisions can still be frustrating when you have built your day around the flight.

Þingvellir and the tectonic divide

After the glacier, the helicopter flies toward Þingvellir National Park, part of Iceland’s Golden Circle. This is an important stop even though the tour does not land there. From above, you can see Þingvellir’s fissures, the canyon associated with the meeting of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and the waters of Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake.

Þingvellir also has major political importance. It was the birthplace of the world’s oldest existing parliament, giving the site a human story alongside its geology. From the air, the long fractures and open ground make more sense than they often do from a busy walking path. You can see the place as a meeting point of earth movement, water, and Icelandic history.

The tradeoff is simple: you see a lot, but briefly. If Þingvellir is a priority, a separate Golden Circle day gives you time to walk the paths and spend longer at the historic sites. Here, you get the rare overhead view without giving up another half-day to driving.

Hengill’s hot springs and boiling mud

The second landing takes place in the Hengill geothermal area. The area is named for Hengill volcano and lies in a remote valley that can be reached by helicopter or on foot. This is where the tour earns its Fire and Ice name.

At the landing site, you can walk toward hot springs and boiling mud pots and see the geothermal activity at close range. Steam, hot water, and unstable ground create a scene very different from the glacier. The experience is less about a single grand viewpoint and more about seeing Iceland’s heat at work beneath your feet.

The stop lasts about 15 minutes, so listen carefully to the pilot and stay where directed. The supplied details do not describe marked paths, safety barriers, or a longer guided walk. You should not treat the geothermal area like an ordinary park. Stay alert around hot water and mud, and follow the pilot’s instructions.

This landing is also a strong reason to choose the helicopter over a standard city tour. You are not just looking at photographs of Iceland’s geothermal zones. You are brought to a remote place that would otherwise require a hike or a longer ground journey. The short stop will not satisfy someone seeking a full geothermal hike, but it gives you a vivid sample without a major time commitment.

The return flight over Reykjavik and volcanic ground

The route back includes views of Reykjavik, Hallgrímskirkja church, Mount Esja, Hvalfjörður, and volcanic terrain. Hallgrímskirkja is especially easy to recognize from above, with its tall church tower rising over the city. The aerial angle changes the way you read Reykjavik, letting you see the relationship between the urban center, coast, mountains, and open ground.

The return may also pass over old lava flows. Depending on the day’s route, the pilot might alter the flight to include a recent eruption site or another point of interest. That flexibility can add real value, but it also means the exact route is not guaranteed. Weather, wind, visibility, and local flight conditions all matter.

Several pilots received warm praise for their flying and explanations. Oliver was described as highly skilled and informative, while Laura and Tasha were singled out for making passengers comfortable. That personal contact is important on a helicopter flight. A calm pilot can make the aircraft feel reassuring, especially if this is your first helicopter ride.

What $953.39 buys you

At $953.39 per person, this is a luxury purchase. I would not call it a cheap way to sightsee, and you should not book it simply because you have one spare morning. The price makes more sense if you value time, small groups, and access to places that are difficult to reach by road.

A standard Golden Circle excursion can show you major sights for far less money, but it cannot land you on a glacier or in the Hengill geothermal valley. A glacier hike or geothermal trek may provide more time on the ground, yet each requires a different schedule and level of effort. This tour combines short visits to both environments with a broad aerial circuit around Reykjavik.

I see the strongest value in three situations:

• You have limited time in Iceland and want a concentrated view of several regions.
• You do not want to spend hours driving between Reykjavik, Þingvellir, and remote natural sites.
• You are marking a special occasion and care more about access and privacy than budget.

The value is weaker if you want long walks, a detailed glacier lesson, or a full day among the geothermal features. Fifteen minutes at each landing passes quickly. You are paying for the aircraft, the route, the small group, and the ability to touch down in remote places, not for hours of activity at either stop.

Weather, comfort, and practical details

The flight requires good weather. Icelandic wind can change plans quickly, and cloudy conditions may reduce the views even when the helicopter still flies. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Since the tour is commonly booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 53 days, I would reserve early if the dates matter to you, then keep a little flexibility in your schedule.

The maximum stated passenger weight is 265 pounds per person. The supplied information does not explain how seating is assigned or how the total aircraft weight affects individual seating, so ask the operator if you have concerns. Most people can take part, and the activity is near public transportation, but the helicopter cabin is still a confined space.

Bring warm clothing, even if you only plan to stand outside for a few minutes. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand or plan for your own refreshments around the flight. The ticket is mobile, and the tour is offered in English.

Who will enjoy this flight most?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a dramatic introduction to Iceland and can accept a premium price. It also suits couples, families, and small groups looking for a memorable outing without committing to a long hike or a full-day drive. Children enjoyed the snow stop on one flight, though the supplied information does not give a minimum age.

It is a particularly good match for photographers who want changing views: waterfall, glacier, lake, tectonic fractures, hot springs, church, fjord, and volcanic ground. The pilot may reposition the helicopter for better views, but you should still expect reflections, window angles, and brief sight lines.

I would think twice if you are uneasy with small aircraft, need generous legroom, or have only one fixed chance to see the glacier. Icelandic weather is part of the deal, and the tour cannot guarantee clear skies. A flexible day and realistic expectations will make a major difference.

Should you book the Fire and Ice tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety in minimum time, and if $953.39 feels acceptable for a private-feeling flight rather than a routine sightseeing ticket. The two landings are the heart of the experience: snow on Þórisjökull, then steam and hot ground at Hengill. The overhead views of Glymur, Þingvellir, Mount Esja, Hvalfjörður, and Reykjavik fill in the rest.

Skip it if your priority is value, long walks, or a detailed visit to one site. For everyone else, this is a rare chance to see Iceland’s ice and fire in one compact, well-run outing. Just leave room in your itinerary for a weather delay, dress for the glacier, and confirm the airport meeting directions before you go.

FAQ

Where does the helicopter tour start?

It starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík, at Reykjavík Airport in Reykjavik.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The flight and landings take approximately one hour and 40 minutes to two hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of six travelers.

How many landings are included?

Two landings are included: one at Þórisjökull glacier and one in the Hengill geothermal area.

How long is each landing?

Each listed landing lasts about 15 minutes.

What language is the tour offered in?

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

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What is the passenger weight limit?

The stated total weight limit 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.