Lift off from Reykjavik and touch both extremes of Icelandic landscape: stomp on blue glacier ice then step into a steaming geothermal valley. This helicopter tour compresses hours of travel into a dramatic 1.5–2.25 hour flight with two landings and unforgettable aerial views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The rotor thumps like a living heart as Reykjavik falls away beneath you — a checkerboard of black lava fields, silver rivers, and the distant glint of the sea. In minutes the city becomes a memory and the island’s raw forces take over: a braided river carving new ground, a glacier's blue ice catching light, and fumaroles staking their claim on steaming earth. This is the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: a short, intense flight that drops you onto a remote glacier and then into the steamy amphitheater of Hengill volcano.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2.25 hours
Fitness Level
Basic mobility and ability to step in and out of the helicopter; no technical fitness required
Wildlife
History
Þingvellir is the site of the Alþingi, the world's oldest surviving parliament founded around 930 AD; the rift valley also marks the meeting of two tectonic plates.
Conservation
Helicopter operators follow strict landing zones to limit ground disturbance; visitors should avoid trampling fragile geothermal microbial mats and obey guides to protect sensitive features.
Reserve your spot on the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: Glacier and Hengill Geothermal Area today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures change fast between the cold glacier and windy aircraft; a windproof outer and insulated mid-layer keep you comfortable during landings.
Secure your camera
Use a wrist strap or chest harness — wind gusts and tight helicopter doors make loose gear easy to lose.
Listen to the crew
Follow pilot and guide instructions during landings — surfaces can be icy or volcanic and guides brief you on safe zones.
Check weight limits ahead
Bookings require passenger weights to balance the aircraft; provide accurate information during reservation to avoid denial at check-in.
Windproof shell
Protects against rotor wind and open-ice chill during glacier landing.
Warm mid-layer (fleece/down)
Insulates during brief landings on exposed ice or cold geothermal plateaus.
winter
Sturdy waterproof boots
Provides traction on icy glacier surfaces and uneven volcanic ground.
Mirrorless or DSLR with polarizer
A polarizing filter reduces glare on ice and enhances contrast in steam-filled scenes.
summer