A short flight can feel like a whole Iceland education. This helicopter tour from Reykjavik pairs big bird’s-eye views with an on-site landing at the Hengill geothermal area, and I especially like that fuel surcharges and landing fees are already included. I also like the small max group of five, which makes the experience feel personal even with a tight flight schedule. One possible drawback: the itinerary depends on good weather, so you’ll want a little flexibility.

You’ll lift off from Reykjavik domestic airport, get aerial views of the Hellisheiði Plateau, then spend part of the tour on the ground at Hengill Geothermal Area (about 25 minutes). After that, you’re back in the air for views over major geothermal power facilities and nearby volcanic scenery before a final pass over Reykjavik.

Key highlights you’ll actually notice

• Hengill on-site landing: You’re not stuck looking only through glass.
• Max 5 travelers: Smaller groups mean more direct attention and a calmer experience.
• Geothermal power + volcanic terrain from above: You see zones you’d miss from land.
• Planned coverage of Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, and Bláfjöll: Great for first-time Iceland sightlines.
• All fuel and landing fees included: Fewer surprise costs when you book.
• English mobile ticket: Straightforward, easy to manage.

Entering the Hengill area in a helicopter

This is one of those Iceland experiences where the format matters. A helicopter can fly you along a line you’d never reach by car in the same amount of time, and it shows you how geothermal activity and volcanic landscapes fit together across wide distances. You’re basically doing aerial reconnaissance, then stepping onto the ground for a quick reality check.

The “Hengill” focus is smart. Hengill is tied to geothermal zones, and that matters because geothermal areas don’t read the same way from a road pull-off. From the air, you can spot patterns in terrain and color that look like nothing on a map. On the ground, you get the smell-and-texture side of it, which is the part that sticks.

You’ll be in a modern, clean helicopter (the kind of vehicle that feels well cared for), and the pilot matters here. In the best-case scenarios, a skilled pilot gives you smooth handling and helps you feel comfortable fast. One name that popped up in feedback was Pilot Clements, praised as outstanding, which is exactly the kind of detail you want to hear for a short, weather-dependent flight.

The flight plan: what you see from the sky

The timing is built around a tight loop. Expect roughly 50 minutes to about 1 hour 10 minutes in the air total, depending on conditions and the day’s flow. That’s not a long time, so the value is in getting a lot of variety packed into a short window.

You’ll depart from Reykjavik Domestic Airport and fly over Hellisheiði Plateau first. That early flyover is useful for orientation. Plateau views from above help you understand where things sit relative to each other, so the later geothermal stops and power plants make more sense when you’re looking down.

After that, the tour shifts from “viewing” to “landing.” You’ll then stop at Hengill Geothermal Area for about 25 minutes. From there, you continue with aerial coverage of Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun, plus views of Bláfjöll. Think of those parts as a curated aerial route over geothermal infrastructure and volcanic terrain—no extra wandering required.

Finally, you’ll fly over Reykjavik again after covering the other spots. That closing pass is practical: it helps you connect what you’ve seen in the wild with what you started the day near.

Hengill geothermal landing: the part you’ll remember

The most memorable element here is the landing experience itself. A helicopter tour where you never set foot outside is fine, but the Hengill stop changes the texture of the day. You’re given time to walk around the geothermal area, and feedback points to the chance to move near a thermal pond and enjoy the views from where the ground meets active geothermal features.

Even with only about 25 minutes on site, that walk matters. You’ll see steam, color changes, and wet ground textures that you simply can’t judge from above. It also breaks up the flight so the day doesn’t feel like one long hover-and-look moment.

There’s also a clear reason this stop is value-heavy. You get two perspectives in one tour:

• A wide aerial view that shows patterns across the region
• A close-to-the-ground view that shows what geothermal activity looks like up close

In other words, you’re not choosing between photo ops and a real sensory hit—you get both.

Seats, small group size, and why max five is a big deal

This is a small-group helicopter tour with a maximum of five travelers. That changes the vibe. Fewer people usually means less “everyone scramble to see” energy and more room for the pilot to focus on smooth flying. It also helps the flight feel less like a mass activity and more like a guided route, even if you’re the one doing the sightseeing.

The feedback I like most is that the views were amazing from all seats. On a short helicopter route, that’s the whole game. If only a couple of seats get the interesting angles, the tour feels unfair. But when everyone gets a solid sightline—especially over the stops—it makes the high price feel more justified.

Keep in mind the route is short and the aircraft is small. If you’re the type who needs lots of personal space or you’re easily bothered by confined seating, you’ll want to consider that. Still, a max-five setup usually helps.

Price and value: is $599.56 worth it?

Let’s talk money plainly. $599.56 per person is a serious line item. For many people, it’s also a once-or-twice-in-a-lifetime spend. So the real question is whether this tour delivers “enough” compared with other Iceland helicopter options.

Here’s what boosts value:

• Landing is included. You’re not paying extra just to touch down.
• Fuel surcharge and landing fees are included. That reduces booking friction.
• A short time window but high variety: Hellisheiði Plateau, Hengill landing, geothermal power plants, Bláfjöll, then Reykjavik from the air.
• Small group size (max five): You’re paying for access and attention, not just a seat.

Where it may feel steep:

• The time on the ground is limited, so this isn’t a half-day exploration.
• The weather requirement means you’re buying into conditions you can’t control.

If your goal is a compact, high-impact experience that checks a box you can’t check by road, I think the math works. If you’re chasing a long, slow exploration with lots of walking and time for detours, you’ll likely feel rushed.

Weather and practical realities (the stuff that can change your day)

This tour requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, your flight may be canceled and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s not a deal-breaker for Iceland, but it is something you should plan around.

There’s also a weight limit: 265 lbs total per passenger. If you’re near that mark, don’t guess—confirm before you book so you don’t end up disappointed.

On logistics, this is designed to be easy to manage. You’ll use a mobile ticket, the tour is offered in English, and the starting point is at Ace FBO Reykjavík (Reykjavík Airport area, 101/102 Reykjavík). It’s also described as near public transportation, which can be a relief if you’re not renting a car just for day-of airport movements.

What makes the Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun views special

The aerial passes over Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun are more than just “industrial scenery.” Geothermal power plants in Iceland are part of the landscape’s story, but you often don’t see the full picture from the highway.

From the air, you’re better able to connect these facilities to the geothermal terrain around them. You can pick out where activity seems to concentrate, how water and ground features relate, and how the terrain changes across a larger region than any single viewpoint from land. Even if you’re not a geothermal nerd, the pattern recognition is satisfying.

Bláfjöll rounds out the set. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to see multiple faces of Iceland in a single ride—activity, infrastructure, volcanic terrain—this section helps. It gives you a sense of how close major geothermal and volcanic features can sit to the Reykjavik area.

Reykjavik from above: the quick wrap-up that grounds the day

That final flyover of Reykjavik is a smart close. It helps you “re-map” the country you’ve been studying from above onto something familiar. You get a last chance to spot coastlines, roads, and city shape before everything ends back at the meeting point.

This matters if you’re trying to connect dots during a short visit. Iceland’s best views can make you feel like you’re floating above a random patchwork. The city pass stitches it together in your head.

Who this helicopter tour suits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A small-group helicopter experience with an actual landing
• A quick way to see geothermal areas and nearby volcanic terrain without long drives
• High-impact photos and views from multiple angles during one compact outing

It’s also a strong choice for first-timers who want a “wow” factor but still like structure. The flight is planned, and the time is focused—no wasted hours.

You might skip it if:

• You’re sensitive to weather uncertainty and hate plans that can shift
• You’re looking for a longer day on the ground
• You’re not comfortable with the 265 lbs limit

Should you book the Hengill Area helicopter tour?

I’d book it if your priority is a short, high-value Iceland experience that includes an actual stop on the ground, not just a flyover. The combination of the Hengill landing, aerial coverage of geothermal power sites, and the small max-five group makes the price feel more defensible.

If you want a calmer, weather-flexible plan and you’re ready to spend for access, this is one of the easiest “yes” decisions in the Reykjavik area. Just make sure you can work with good-weather timing, and you’ll be set for a memorable, no-drama helicopter day.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter tour from Reykjavik to the Hengill area?

It runs about 50 minutes to around 1 hour 10 minutes, depending on the day’s conditions.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík at Reykjavik Airport and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Do I need to buy admission for the Hengill geothermal area stop?

No. The admission ticket for the Hengill geothermal stop is listed as free.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes landing and a fuel surcharge.

What is not included?

Food is not included.

What is the maximum group size?

The helicopter tour has a maximum of five travelers.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The total weight per passenger limit is listed as 265 lbs.

What happens if weather cancels the tour?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.