From Reykjavik, Iceland feels twice as big. I love the bird’s-eye views of the volcanic and urban mix, and I really like the on-site Hengill geothermal landing that gets you out on the ground fast. The main drawback is weather dependence and short airtime, so it is not the pick for slow sightseeing.

GlacierHeli operates with a max of five travelers, which helps the pilot keep things personal and makes every seat feel like a front-row seat. You are looking at about 50 to 70 minutes total, starting and ending at Ace FBO Reykjavík near the airport.

Key things that make this Hengill helicopter stop special

• Small group of up to five means less crowding and more direct pilot attention
• A real landing at Hengill instead of only circling from the air
• Fuel surcharges and landing fees included so the price is simpler to plan
• Flyovers of Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun for a close look at geothermal power
• Hengill + Hellisheiði Plateau + Bláfjöll in one flight for variety without a car day
• English guided experience with a modern, clean helicopter

Why a Hengill helicopter landing makes sense from Reykjavik

This tour works because Hengill is one of the most visual parts of Iceland’s geothermal world. From the air, you can connect the dots between the plateaus, steam fields, and the power infrastructure that turns heat into electricity. Then the on-site landing at Hengill Geothermal Area adds a grounding moment, literally.

The big win here is time. A full geothermal road trip can be long and weather-challenging in its own way. This flight compresses the best aerial perspectives into about an hour, while still giving you that short chance to step around on the ground.

Price and what you really get for $599.56

At $599.56 per person, this is a splurge. There is no hiding that. But what you are paying for is not just the helicopter ride. The experience includes landing and the fuel surcharge, and it also covers landing fees in the total price.

That matters because helicopter pricing often gets topped up with extras. Here, the cost is more predictable. And the small group limit of five travelers helps too, since you are not sharing the experience with a big crowd.

The one clear miss: food is not included. So plan on eating before you go, or having something afterward when you are back near the airport.

Ace FBO Reykjavík check-in: the easy start before you lift off

You meet at Ace FBO Reykjavík, Reykjavík Airport, and the activity ends back at that same meeting point. You get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English.

It is also listed as near public transportation, which is useful if you are not planning to drive all the way to the airport area. The overall setup is simple: arrive, check in, and then the helicopter does the rest.

One practical note that you should take seriously: the tour lists a total weight limit per passenger of 265 lbs. If you are near or over that, confirm fit before booking.

Flyover Hellisheiði Plateau: seeing the big shapes first

After departing from Reykjavik domestic Airport, the helicopter flies over Hellisheiði Plateau. This is where the trip earns its ticket quickly.

Plateau terrain in Iceland can look open and endless from the road, but from the air you see the layers. You get a better read on how volcanic ridges, geothermal areas, and river lines fit together across the ground. Even if you have seen photos, the flight gives you scale and spacing that is hard to grasp on land.

This flyover also sets expectations for the rest of the route. You start with broad geometry, then move into specific geothermal and power sites.

The Hengill landing: short walk, big wow factor

The most hands-on part is the stop at Hengill Geothermal Area. The schedule shows 25 minutes, and the admission ticket for that stop is free.

In plain terms, you are not signing up for a long hike. You are getting a quick window to step into the geothermal atmosphere. One highlight from the experience is being able to walk around a thermal pond area right near where you landed, then look back toward the steaming activity with a fresh perspective.

This is also where the helicopter changes from just a view to a full experience. Seeing geothermal country from the air is great, but standing on the ground, watching steam and color changes up close, is a different feeling entirely.

Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, and Bláfjöll from above

After Hengill, you cover Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, and Bláfjöll. These are part of the itinerary as flyover coverage rather than separate time on the ground.

What is special about this section is the viewpoint. Geothermal power plants are often talked about like background infrastructure. From the helicopter, you can see how they sit in the wider volcanic setting, and how the land and human-built systems relate to each other.

Bláfjöll adds variety because it shifts your eyes from energy and steam to different terrain character. It also helps break up the flight visually, so it does not feel like one long look at the same type of ground.

If you like science, engineering, or just the sheer Iceland habit of using what the earth gives, these flyovers are the part you will remember.

Returning over Reykjavik: putting the city in context

Once the route covers the other spots, you fly over Reykjavik and then head back to where you started. This is not just a scenic wrap-up. It helps you compare what you saw in the geothermal and volcanic areas with the tight grid and shoreline shape of the city.

From above, you tend to notice boundaries fast: the edges of neighborhoods, the way coastline curves, and how land use changes as you move from built space back into wild country. It is a nice final way to absorb the trip, especially if Reykjavik is your base for other day tours.

The pilot, safety, and comfort in a modern helicopter

The overall quality depends heavily on the pilot, and the experience rate is high. Reviews point to a modern, clean helicopter, and a strong focus on safety. One pilot name that shows up in feedback is Clements, with guests praising the way he flew and explained what you were seeing.

That matters because in a helicopter you are moving, and you can miss details if nobody is guiding your attention. What you want is not a lecture, but clear cues, like when to look left, when to look down, and what feature you are actually over.

The small group size of five also helps comfort. With fewer people, the flight can feel less hectic. You spend more time simply watching, and less time dealing with crowd logistics inside a tight space.

Who should book this Hengill helicopter tour

This is a great match if you want aerial views, a quick on-site grounding moment, and a trip that does not eat your whole day with driving.

I would especially recommend it for:

• Couples and small groups who want a shared wow factor without crowds
• Travelers who are limited on time in Iceland but still want volcano-adjacent and geothermal-adjacent scenery
• People who like practical sightseeing, where the route has clear stops and visible reasons for each segment

It is less ideal if:

• You want a long hike or a half-day walk-based itinerary
• You have strict budget limits, since $599.56 is a premium
• You are set on visiting regardless of weather, because the tour requires good weather to run

Also, double-check the weight limit of 265 lbs before you commit.

When to book and how to plan around weather

On average, this tour is booked about 56 days in advance. That timing makes sense for a Reykjavik-based helicopter experience, since seats are limited by that max of five travelers.

Weather can be the deciding factor. The experience requires good weather, so plan to be flexible with your dates. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Since your airtime is about an hour, the weather window matters more than it would on a longer day tour. If you are building an Iceland schedule, I like to give this activity a spot where you can adjust other plans if conditions change.

Should you book this GlacierHeli Hengill helicopter ride?

If you want value for money in a splurge category, this is one of the cleaner options. You get an intimate flight with an on-site Hengill geothermal landing, plus fuel and landing fees are included in the price. The flight covers key sites around Hellisheiði and Hengill, and then ends with an aerial look at Reykjavik.

I would tell you to book if:

• You love views and you want them fast
• You want the best of both worlds, air plus a short walk on the ground
• You are okay with paying a premium for comfort, small group access, and landing time

I would think twice if:

• You are hoping for a long land adventure in Iceland
• Weather inflexibility is an issue for your travel dates
• The budget cannot stretch to around $600 per person

If your goal is a high-impact Iceland highlight that fits into a tight schedule, this Hengill helicopter tour is a strong yes.

FAQ

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

The flight is listed as about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.), including the route described.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Ace FBO Reykjavík, Reykjavík Airport. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What sites does the flight cover?

After departing, the helicopter flies over Hellisheiði Plateau, then stops at Hengill Geothermal Area, and covers Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, and Bláfjöll. It also flies over Reykjavik after those stops.

Is the landing included?

Yes. Landing is included, including the on-site landing connected with the Hengill stop.

Is the tour offered in English, and do I get a mobile ticket?

The tour is offered in English, and it includes a mobile ticket.

What is the maximum group size and passenger weight limit?

The tour has a maximum of five travelers. The listed total weight per passenger is 265 lbs.

What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.