Helicopter tour from Reykjavik: Hengill Area with at site landing

See Iceland from a different angle. This short helicopter ride from Reykjavik gives you sweeping views of volcanic ground, geothermal sites, power plants, mountains, and the capital, with a 25-minute landing in the Hengill area. I like the small maximum of five people, which keeps the flight personal, and I like that the landing and fuel surcharge are already included. The main drawback is the price: at about $599.56 per person, this is a major splurge for roughly an hour in the air.

The best part is not simply flying over Iceland. It is stepping out onto the Hengill geothermal area, walking around near a thermal pond, and seeing the colors and steaming ground up close. You should also know that the flight depends on good weather, and the total time can vary from 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.

Key points to know before booking

• A 25-minute Hengill landing gives you time to leave the helicopter and walk around a geothermal area.
• The flight covers Hellisheiði, Bláfjöll, Reykjavik, and two major power stations, giving you both natural and human-made views.
• A maximum of five people means you are not packed into a large sightseeing aircraft.
• All landing fees and fuel surcharges are included, which makes the listed price easier to understand.
• The helicopter flies over volcanic ground that is difficult to see from roads, offering a clear view of Iceland’s geothermal forces.
• Weather can change the plan, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Taking off from Reykjavik Domestic Airport

The tour begins at Ace FBO Reykjavik, at Reykjavik Airport in the 101 or 102 postal area. This is a convenient starting point if you are staying in the capital, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

The flight itself lasts about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes. That range matters because helicopter tours are shaped by wind, weather, the landing, and the flight route. You should allow a little extra time around the stated duration rather than planning another activity immediately afterward.

The aircraft carries no more than five people. That is one of the strongest features of this experience. A smaller group usually means less waiting, easier communication with the pilot, and a better chance of getting clear views from your seat. The small scale also suits anyone who finds large sightseeing groups tiring.

The aircraft used on one highly praised flight was described as modern and clean, with an experienced pilot who made passengers feel safe. Pilot Clement was also singled out for his calm handling and friendly manner, although the spelling of the name is uncertain. Your pilot may be different, but the practical point is clear: the quality of the pilot matters greatly on a short scenic flight.

Flying over the Hellisheiði Plateau

Once airborne, the helicopter heads over the Hellisheiði Plateau. This broad volcanic area lies east of Reykjavik and is one of the clearest places to understand how Iceland uses its underground heat.

From the air, the plateau gives you a view that roads cannot provide. You can see the shape of the volcanic ground, the open stretches of the high country, and the way roads and power infrastructure cut through the area. The helicopter also lets you see parts of the volcanoes and surrounding terrain that are hard to reach on foot.

I like this opening section because it quickly puts Reykjavik in context. The capital is close to wide, raw volcanic ground. In Iceland, city sightseeing and wilderness sightseeing are often separated by only a short drive, and this flight makes that contrast visible within minutes.

The pilot may move slowly from one side to the other above notable features, pointing out gorges, rivers, and geothermal areas. That is useful on a helicopter tour because the scenery passes quickly, and you need help identifying what you are seeing.

Landing at the Hengill geothermal area

The main event is the landing at Hengill, where the helicopter remains on the ground for about 25 minutes. You can get out, walk around, and take in the geothermal setting at a pace that feels more human than simply looking down through a window.

Hengill is a volcanic and geothermal area, and the nearby thermal pond gives the stop a strong sense of place. You may see unusual colors, hot ground, and signs of underground heat. The exact appearance will depend on the weather and conditions on the day, but the landing gives you time to notice details that disappear during a flyover.

This is also where the tour earns much of its value. A standard helicopter flight can give you grand views, but getting out on the ground creates a sharper memory. You are not only looking at Iceland from above. You are standing in the kind of active geothermal setting that makes the country special.

The landing is not a long hike. It is a short stop, so you should not book this expecting a full walking excursion. It is better understood as a scenic pause with time to stretch your legs, examine the area, and take photographs.

Wear practical outdoor clothing and shoes suitable for uneven ground. The supplied information does not promise shelter, food, or a long walking route, so dress for an exposed Icelandic setting and bring anything you need for the short stop.

Hellisheiðarvirkjun and the story beneath the ground

After Hengill, the helicopter covers Hellisheiðarvirkjun, one of Iceland’s geothermal power stations. From ground level, power plants can look like functional industrial sites. From above, you get a clearer view of how roads, pipes, buildings, and volcanic terrain fit together.

This part adds useful context to the scenery. Iceland is not only using geothermal energy as a talking point. The country has built major infrastructure around underground heat, and the flight shows that relationship from the air.

I appreciate this combination of natural and human-made sights. You see steaming ground and volcanic formations, then the facilities built to draw energy from that heat. It gives the tour more substance than a flight focused only on pretty views.

The limitation is that the power station is a flyover, not a guided facility visit. You should not expect to go inside or receive a full technical tour. The value comes from seeing the site as part of the wider geothermal region.

Nesjavallavirkjun from the air

The route also includes Nesjavallavirkjun, another major geothermal power facility. Seeing both Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun helps you understand the scale of Iceland’s geothermal system.

The helicopter route connects these sites with the surrounding volcanic ground rather than treating them as isolated points. This makes the flight useful for anyone interested in geology, renewable energy, or the way Iceland’s natural resources shape daily life.

If you prefer only untouched scenery, this section may feel less exciting than the Hengill landing or the mountain views. If you enjoy seeing how a place works, it is one of the more interesting parts of the route.

The pilot’s commentary is important here. On a scenic flight, you can see the sites, but clear explanations and answers to questions make them easier to remember. A praised pilot took time to point out features and respond to questions, which is exactly the kind of personal service that a five-person flight can offer.

Bláfjöll and the volcanic high country

Bláfjöll is another major point along the route. The mountains add variety to the flight, shifting the view from geothermal infrastructure to broad volcanic slopes and high-country scenery.

From a helicopter, you can appreciate the form of the mountains more clearly than from a road. You see ridges, valleys, and open spaces at once. This is also where the advantage of flying becomes most obvious: you can cover several distinct areas in a short time without spending hours driving between them.

The views are weather dependent. Clear skies can reveal dramatic distances, while cloud, wind, or poor visibility may reduce what you see. That is not a flaw unique to this tour, but it is a reason to avoid scheduling your most important sightseeing immediately afterward.

Flying over Reykjavik before returning

The final part of the route takes you over Reykjavik after the other stops. This gives you a useful closing view of the city and its setting.

From above, Reykjavik appears as a compact urban area beside open volcanic country and the wider Icelandic coast. The contrast works well after the geothermal portions of the flight. You begin in the city, move into volcanic and geothermal terrain, then return with a better sense of where Reykjavik fits within Iceland.

You finish back at the original meeting point. Since the activity does not include food, plan to eat before or after the flight. The short duration makes this easy, but it is worth remembering if you book the tour around mealtimes.

Is $599.56 a fair price?

This is expensive. At $599.56 per person, the tour costs far more than a normal sightseeing bus or driving excursion. You are paying for the aircraft, the pilot, the small group, the special route, the landing, and the ability to cover several places quickly.

The price makes the most sense in three situations. First, you have limited time in Iceland and want to see a lot without spending a full day on the road. Second, you particularly want a helicopter landing rather than an ordinary scenic flight. Third, you are marking a special occasion and value privacy and a memorable setting more than keeping costs low.

The included landing and fuel surcharge help. There are no surprise additions listed for those parts of the experience. Still, food is not included, and the total cost remains high even with those fees covered.

I would not call this the best value for every visitor. If your budget is tight, you can see impressive Icelandic scenery through ordinary road trips and walking routes. But if you want an intimate flight with a real landing in a geothermal area, this tour offers something those lower-cost options cannot copy.

Who will enjoy this flight most?

I would recommend it most to couples, families, and small groups who want a special experience without committing to a full-day excursion. It also suits visitors who have already seen the main Golden Circle sights and want a different view of the country.

The maximum group size of five is useful for families or friends booking together. It also reduces the impersonal feel that can come with larger sightseeing flights.

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. However, the provided details only mention a 265-pound total weight limit per passenger. Anyone with mobility concerns should confirm the practical details of boarding and walking at the landing point before booking, since those specifics are not provided.

This is less suited to anyone who dislikes flying, needs a guaranteed schedule, or wants a long hike. It is also not ideal if you cannot adjust your plans for changing weather.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

Good weather is required. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached and the operator cancels the activity.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off is based on local Icelandic time.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is received when you book. Since the experience is often booked about 56 days ahead, I would reserve early if your Iceland schedule is fixed, especially during a busy travel period.

Keep your clothing practical, your camera ready, and your schedule flexible. You will have a short landing, not a long base camp, so travel light enough to move easily.

Should you book the Hengill helicopter tour?

Book it if you want a personal helicopter flight with a real geothermal landing, and if the price fits comfortably within your Iceland budget. The Hengill stop, the five-person limit, and the mix of volcanic scenery, power stations, mountains, and Reykjavik give the tour more variety than a simple city flyover.

Skip it if you are looking for the cheapest way to see Iceland, need a full-day walk, or cannot accept the possibility of a weather cancellation. For everyone else, this is a polished splurge with a strong sense of place. The most memorable element is not simply the view from the helicopter. It is stepping onto Hengill, near a thermal pond, and seeing Iceland’s underground heat at close range.

FAQ

Where does the helicopter tour start?

It starts at Ace FBO Reykjavik, located at Reykjavik Airport in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point at Ace FBO Reykjavik.

How long does the experience last?

The approximate duration is 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.

How long is the Hengill landing?

The helicopter stops in the Hengill geothermal area for about 25 minutes.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is five people.

Is the landing fee included?

Yes. The tour includes the landing and the fuel surcharge.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included in the experience.

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.