Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: Glacier and Hengill Geothermal Area

The most unusual part of this Reykjavik helicopter tour is the contrast: you go from snowball fights on Þórisjökull glacier to hot springs and boiling mud pots at Hengill in the same flight. Along the way, you see Glymur waterfall, Þingvellir’s tectonic divide, Mount Esja, Whale Fjord, and Reykjavik from the air.

I like the two real landings, which turn this from a sightseeing flight into a hands-on outing. I also like the small maximum of six people, plus the chance to rotate through the front seat beside the pilot. The main drawback is price: at $953.39 per person, this is a major splurge, and poor weather or low demand can cancel the flight.

Key points to know before booking

• Two landings, not just a flyover: Step onto a glacier and into the Hengill geothermal area.
• Glymur comes early: The flight passes over Iceland’s famous waterfall on the way north.
• Þingvellir looks different from above: You can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Six-person maximum: The small group keeps the flight personal, though four people in the rear can feel tight.
• Weather controls the schedule: Wind and cloud can delay or cancel the tour.
• Front-seat time may rotate: With two landings, each person may get a chance to sit beside the pilot.

From Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Glymur Waterfall

Your meeting point is Ace FBO at Reykjavik Domestic Airport. This is close to the city center and can be reached by taxi, but do not assume the airport layout will be obvious. One practical warning: finding the exact starting point can take a little patience, so allow extra time and confirm the FBO location before leaving your hotel.

The flight begins with a broad look at Iceland around the capital. You may see Reykjavik’s landmarks, Mount Esja, Whale Fjord, farmland, lava fields, craters, and other volcanic features from a perspective no road trip can match. The helicopter’s height gives you a clear sense of how quickly the city gives way to open country.

Glymur waterfall is an early visual reward. Rather than spending hours hiking to a viewpoint, you see the waterfall from above while continuing toward the glacier. The pilot can position the helicopter for good views, though everyone should remember that a helicopter cabin is a shared viewing space. Your seat may not offer the same angle at every moment.

The flight itself usually lasts between 1 hour 40 minutes and 2 hours, depending on conditions and the exact route. Strong Icelandic winds can affect the ride, but experienced pilots are used to changing conditions. Several pilots, including Laura, Oliver, and Tasha, have been singled out for calm handling, clear explanations, and a friendly manner.

Þórisjökull Glacier: Snow, Wind, and Wide Views

The first landing is on Þórisjökull glacier. This is not a quick touchdown for a photograph through the window. You get about 15 minutes on the ice, enough to walk around, take photographs, throw snowballs, make snow angels, or simply look across the white expanse.

That short stop works best if you keep your expectations sensible. You are not joining a full glacier hike, and there is no long trail or technical equipment involved. Instead, you get a rare chance to stand on a glacier without spending hours walking to it. For many people, that is the point.

The air can be cold and the wind strong. One departure found the glacier so windy that staying upright became difficult. Wear warm, secure clothing and shoes with a firm grip. A hat and gloves are sensible even if Reykjavik feels mild when you leave. The helicopter gets you there quickly, but it cannot make the glacier behave like a sheltered park.

Photography is a major part of the stop. The open views are striking, and the small group gives you room to move around without a large crowd. Still, keep track of time. Fifteen minutes passes quickly once everyone has taken photos and had a little fun in the snow.

A useful feature of the two-landing format is the chance to change seats between parts of the flight. If you do not start beside the pilot, you may get the front position later. That matters because the front seat offers a different view and a closer connection to the pilot’s commentary.

Þingvellir From Above: A Clear View of the Rift

After the glacier, the helicopter heads toward Þingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s most important historic and geological sites. From the air, you can see the canyon formed where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart.

On the ground, Þingvellir is often experienced through roads, paths, and crowded viewpoints. From a helicopter, the scale becomes easier to grasp. The fissures, water, and broad plain fit together in one view. You also see Iceland’s largest lake, whose waters add a calm contrast to the raw volcanic ground.

Þingvellir is also tied to the oldest existing parliament in the world. The site’s importance is not only geological. Vikings gathered here for political meetings, lawmaking, and public decisions. A pilot’s explanation can help connect the visible canyon and plain with that older human story.

There is no stated landing at Þingvellir, so treat this as an aerial stop rather than a chance to walk through the park. That is both a strength and a limit. You cover more ground and understand the setting quickly, but you do not get the close-up experience of walking the paths.

Hengill Geothermal Area: The Second Landing

The second landing is at the Hengill geothermal area, in a remote valley associated with Hengill volcano. This is the tour’s best contrast with the glacier. Instead of snow and ice, you find hot springs, steaming ground, and boiling mud pots.

You can walk toward the geothermal features and view them from close range. The setting feels raw and otherworldly, but do not treat it like a casual picnic spot. Stay alert around hot ground and follow the pilot’s instructions. The information provided does not describe marked trails or protective barriers, so sensible caution matters.

The landing lasts about 15 minutes. That gives you enough time for photos and a short look around, but not a long walk through the valley. The area can be windy, and the ground may not be perfectly even. Comfortable shoes are more useful here than fashionable ones.

This stop gives the tour its name in a very literal way. The glacier provides the ice, while Hengill supplies the fire. Few short excursions from Reykjavik combine such different environments with actual landings in both.

The Return Flight Over Iceland

The route back to Reykjavik may include more volcanic scenery, lava flows, farmland, and views toward Mount Esja and Whale Fjord. The exact order can change. Pilots have adjusted routes to show recent eruption areas when conditions and flight planning allowed, so you should see the route as flexible rather than fixed to every minute.

The helicopter can also circle or reposition for better views of features that are not landing sites. This helps everyone in the cabin, though it does not guarantee an unobstructed photograph from every seat. Reflections, window angles, and other passengers are part of the experience.

The final city views may include Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik’s most recognizable church. Seeing the church and urban streets after the glacier, lava fields, and geothermal valley makes the return feel especially sharp. You finish where you started, at the domestic airport.

What the $953.39 Price Really Buys You

At $953.39 per person, this is not a budget way to see Iceland. A road trip can cover many of the same broad regions for far less, especially if you have several days and are comfortable driving. You should not book this tour because it is an economical substitute for a rental car.

The value is in time and access. You reach a glacier and a remote geothermal valley without long drives or strenuous hikes. You also combine major sights that are spread across different directions from Reykjavik. If your stay is short, the helicopter can pack a remarkable amount of scenery into two hours.

The small group helps justify some of the cost. The maximum is six people, and the experience is designed to feel personal rather than like a large sightseeing departure. The pilot does more than fly. Pilots have been praised for explaining the sights, helping with photographs, and making nervous first-time helicopter passengers feel at ease.

Still, cabin space deserves honest attention. Four people seated in the rear can feel cramped, especially for taller passengers. One account specifically noted that people over 1.80 meters found the rear less comfortable. If you are tall or dislike close quarters, ask about the seating arrangement before paying.

The published score is 4.8 from 60 ratings, with 93 percent recommending the experience. That strong response fits the tour’s best qualities: dramatic scenery, two landings, skilled pilots, and a route that would be hard to reproduce quickly on the ground. It does not remove the risks of weather, cramped seating, or a very high price.

Weather, Cancellations, and Route Changes

Icelandic weather is the key practical issue. The tour requires suitable conditions, and wind or cloud can stop the flight or make the planned glacier view impossible. One departure was moved because of strong Icelandic wind, but the flight went ahead successfully on a later date.

Cloud is especially important for the glacier. If the view is closed in, the main promise of the tour can be weakened. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

There is also a minimum number of passengers. If that minimum is not met, the tour may be canceled, with a different date or experience, or a full refund offered. This matters because a small-group tour can feel personal, but small groups also make departures more sensitive to demand.

For your part, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. The cut-off follows local Icelandic time.

Who Will Enjoy This Helicopter Tour Most?

This is a strong choice if you have limited time in Reykjavik and want to see several sides of Iceland without spending a full day in a vehicle. It also suits photographers, first-time visitors, families with children, and anyone who wants a special occasion experience rather than a standard sightseeing bus.

Children have enjoyed the snow stop, and the two landings give the outing a playful quality. You can build a snow angel, throw snowballs, and then inspect steaming ground later the same day. That mix works well for families, provided everyone can manage the cold, wind, and helicopter environment.

It also suits people who value access over price. You save hours of driving and avoid the hike needed to reach some remote scenery. The trade is that each stop is brief and the flight costs more than a full day of ordinary sightseeing.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed clear views, dislike flying, require roomy seating, or are visiting on a tight budget. I would also avoid placing this on the final few hours of your trip. Weather and aircraft operations can change plans, so it is better to leave room for a rescheduled flight.

Food and drinks are not included. The tour begins and ends at the meeting point, so plan your meal before or after the flight. English guiding is provided, and confirmation is sent at booking.

Is the Fire and Ice Tour Worth Booking?

Book it if you want two genuine landings, a glacier visit, and a geothermal stop in one compact outing. The strongest reason to choose it is not simply the helicopter ride. It is the quick shift from Þórisjökull’s snow to Hengill’s hot ground, with Glymur and Þingvellir viewed from above between them.

Skip it if $953.39 would put pressure on the rest of your Iceland trip. A road-based Golden Circle visit gives you more time at Þingvellir, while other excursions may offer longer glacier or geothermal visits. This tour is for the person who wants rare access, dramatic aerial views, and a memorable short experience, and is willing to pay heavily for all three.

FAQ

Where does the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour start?

It starts at Ace FBO at Reykjavik Domestic Airport in Reykjavik. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the helicopter tour last?

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

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is six travelers.

Where does the helicopter land?

The tour includes two landings: one on Þórisjökull glacier and one in the Hengill geothermal area.

How much time do you get at each landing?

You get about 15 minutes at the glacier and about 15 minutes at Hengill.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

You can be offered a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.