A glacier landing in a helicopter beats hiking. I like how the Þórisjökull stop turns big Iceland views into a real walkable moment, not just a flyover. You also get the fire-and-ice feel right away, with glacier air and volcanic terrain in the same outing.

What I really love is the second touchdown near the Hengill Geothermal Area, where hot springs and boiling mud pots look close enough to be unreal. The one drawback to consider is the price, at $867 per person, which is a serious splurge even if the experience is worth it.

Key points that make this tour special

• Two landings: step onto Þórisjökull Glacier and onto Mount Hengill
• Glymur from the air: fly over Iceland’s famous high waterfall on the way to the glacier
• Golden Circle highlights from above: see Þingvellir and the continental split between tectonic plates
• Geothermal textures up close: steaming vents and bubbling mud pots at Hengill
• Small group feel: limited to 6 participants, so it stays personal

Fire and ice from above: what you’re actually paying for

This is a helicopter tour, but it is not just about fast travel and pretty views. You are paying for two rare things in Iceland: a glacier landing you can walk on and a geothermal landing where the ground is visibly alive.

That “walkable from the sky” combo changes the whole experience. A standard sightseeing flight gives you angles. This gives you moments you can step into, like fresh snow under your boots and steam rising from the earth while you stand nearby.

It also fits the way Iceland teaches you things. You see the glacier, then the tectonic story, then the heat machine. In two hours, it feels like you’re getting three lessons from the same seat.

Ace FBO Reykjavik to the first landing on Þórisjökull

Your adventure starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík, behind the Reykjavik Natura Hotel. From there, you are in the air quickly, and the pilot’s job is to get you to the glacier while showing you the good stuff on the route.

One highlight built into the flight is Glymur, Iceland’s celebrated tall waterfall. It is one of those places where, from the ground, you can only get so close without a long effort. From the helicopter, you see it with context, like how it sits in the valley and how the water cuts through the terrain.

Then comes the first big moment: arrival at Þórisjökull Glacier for landing. This is not a drive-by viewpoint. You get time to walk around on the ice, take photos, and soak in the quiet that makes glaciers feel unreal. The experience is hands-on enough to do fun, silly stuff too, like snowball throwing and getting your own snow-angel moment.

What to know before you go: glacier conditions can mean cold air and slick surfaces. Dress for winter weather, even if Reykjavik feels mild that day. You will enjoy the landing more when you are warm and not thinking about what your feet are doing every ten seconds.

The value here is simple: you save hours of hiking and still get the satisfaction of being somewhere few people reach.

Þingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle, seen from the air

After the glacier landing, the tour moves toward the Golden Circle area and includes a stop at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The time on the ground may be limited since you are flying between stops, but the key benefit is vantage.

From above, you can really grasp the big idea: Þingvellir sits where tectonic plates pull apart. You can look down at the canyon that splits the American and Eurasian continents, and you can also spot evidence of continental drift from the air.

Þingvellir is also tied to Iceland’s human story. The site is known as the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament in the world, so it is not only a geology stop. Even with a short flight-time overview, it helps you connect the landscape to what Icelanders built there and why the location mattered.

Another visual bonus is the chance to view the sparkling waters of Iceland’s largest lake, which is part of the Þingvellir region. Seeing it from the helicopter adds scale, especially when you can contrast water color with surrounding rock and snow patches.

Drawback to keep in mind: because you are in a helicopter, you are not lingering like you would on a full day at Þingvellir. If your travel style is all walking and reading plaques, this tour gives you a high-speed taste. If your style is “show me the big picture fast,” it fits perfectly.

Hengill Geothermal Area landing: hot springs and boiling mud pots

The second landing is at the Hengill Geothermal Area, connected to Mount Hengill. This place is remote by design, and that remoteness is part of its magic. You can access the valley by helicopter or hike, but either way you’re stepping into an active geothermal system.

The tour focuses on the things that make Hengill look otherworldly: hot springs, boiling mud pots, and ground-level geothermal features you can walk toward and view from up close. From the helicopter, you understand the geometry of the valley. On the ground, you see the details: steam plumes, color changes in the earth, and the way the area feels alive even when it is quiet.

A geothermal landing is one of those travel moments where photos only partially help. What matters is the sensory shift. Your brain goes from ice silence to warm steam, rust, gray, and yellow tones in the ground. You get that “this is real” feeling because the heat is right there under your boots.

From the provided experience info, the tour includes a landing at Hengill, but it does not guarantee specific eruption behavior. Still, one reason this tour is so loved is that helicopter flight often puts you close to volcanic scenery, and conditions can make the fire-and-ice story even more dramatic.

Quick practical note: geothermal areas can be slippery. Stick to the space your guide marks and avoid wandering off to chase the best view. Steam can also hide the ground texture, so watch your footing.

Photo plan for glacier and geothermal landings (without going nuts)

You will take photos on this tour. The question is whether you take good ones or just hold your phone up and hope.

Here’s a photo strategy that works well with two landings:

• On the glacier, prioritize wide shots first. You want your framing to show the ice shapes and scale, not only a close-up of snow. Then switch to portraits or fun action shots once you know your angles.
• On the geothermal landing, shoot in sequences. Steam moves fast, and the earth colors shift as you turn. Take a few quick frames, then adjust when you spot a clearer patch of ground.

Also, keep your camera secure. Helicopters have vibration, and cold air can make fingers clumsy. I like to practice my “grab and shoot” motion before the landing so I am not fumbling while the moment is happening.

If you are a serious photographer, bring gear with wrist straps or a secure way to carry it during boarding. You will move from seated helicopter time to standing on uneven surfaces in minutes.

Helicopter ride reality: timing, group size, and how it feels

This is a 2-hour tour with a small group capped at 6 participants. That small number matters. You’re less likely to feel crowded at the landing and it stays easy to hear the guide and follow directions.

It’s also the kind of experience where anxiety can sneak in. A helicopter ride feels intense before you’re actually in the air. The good news is that the tour includes an experienced pilot and a live guide in English, plus an English audio guide. That combination helps you feel oriented, and it turns waiting time into understanding.

One more practical point: there is a minimum of 4 passengers required to operate the flight. If you book and a small group is short, your plans could change based on aircraft requirements. That’s not unique to this tour type, but it is worth knowing.

Weight matters too. If you are over 125 kg, you will have to book an additional seat. That is a cost and logistics consideration, but it is also part of keeping flights safe and balanced.

Price and value: is $867 per person actually fair?

At $867 per person, this is not a casual activity. It is one of those “this is why people come to Iceland” splurges.

So what makes the value hold up?

• Two landings: glacier plus geothermal. Many tours give you views. This gives you footsteps.
• Golden Circle highlights without long travel days. You get Þingvellir’s big geology and history connections from the air.
• Time compression. In a short window, you see glacier, tectonic canyon, and geothermal heat, which would take multiple days on the ground.

The honest way to judge it is by comparing it to what you would do instead. If you want glacier walking, geothermal areas, and Þingvellir, you can build a trip. But you’ll spend time driving, adding hikes, and trading comfort for distance.

If you prefer a day that feels like you are living inside the science and scenery, this price makes sense. If you’re the type who hates paying for a “short hit” experience, you might feel the time limit more than most.

My rule of thumb: if you can afford it and you love once-in-a-lifetime access, this is a strong buy. If you only want a few quick views, you’ll probably regret not putting that money toward a longer day on the ground.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want maximum impact with minimum time. It’s ideal for:

• First-timers who want a big sampler platter of Iceland’s geology
• People who would rather land on ice than hike for hours
• Travelers who love photos and want variety in one outing
• Anyone curious about how glaciers and volcano-linked geothermal activity are tied together

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Hate cold weather and dislike being outside on uneven surfaces
• Want long, slow sightseeing blocks at Þingvellir or extended geothermal exploration
• Prefer budget days over premium experiences

Should you book the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour with 2 landings?

If you want the kind of Iceland memory that feels physical, not just scenic, I’d book it. The glacier landing on Þórisjökull and the geothermal landing near Hengill are the core reasons, and they are rare on any itinerary.

Choose this tour if you can handle the price and you like the idea of being in a small group of 6 with a live English guide and a pilot who gets you to the good points efficiently. If budget is tight, you can absolutely enjoy Iceland without this. But if you’re on the fence, this is the kind of splurge you’ll most likely feel later when you see glacier ice or steam vents from farther away.

If you do book, dress warm, keep your gear ready, and plan to trade patience for access. This is Iceland at speed, with two landings that turn the story into something you can stand on.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Meet at ACE FBO Reykjavík, behind the Reykjavik Natura Hotel, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is listed as 2 hours. Starting times vary based on availability.

What landings are included?

The tour includes a landing on Þórisjökull Glacier and a landing on Mount Hengill at the Hengill Geothermal Area.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What languages are provided?

The live tour guide is in English, and an English audio guide is included.

How large is the group?

The group is limited to 6 participants.

Is there a minimum number of passengers?

Yes. A minimum of 4 passengers is required for the flight to operate.

What if I weigh over 125 kg?

If you are over 125 kg, you have to book an additional seat.