Reykjavik Helicopter Tour and Mount Esja Landing — Sky-High Views of Iceland’s Capital
Difficulty
easy
Duration
25–35 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; able to step in/out of helicopter and stand on uneven ground for ~10 minutes
Overview
Lift off from Reykjavík for a 25–35 minute helicopter flight that combines panoramic city views and a brief landing on Mount Esja. It’s a compact, high-impact look at Iceland’s volcanic geology and coastal capital—perfect for travelers short on time but hungry for perspective.
Reykjavik Helicopter Tour and Mount Esja Landing — Sky-High Views of Iceland’s Capital
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The helicopter lifts off from a quiet heliport on the edge of Reykjavík and, within minutes, the city contracts into a patchwork of colorful roofs and glittering harbors. You tilt forward, the bay widening beneath you, and Mount Esja—rocky, wind-scoured, and improbably close—appears like a sculpted ridge rising from the sea. The pilot banks gently, giving a slow sweep of the capital below before settling into a controlled hover over a small alpine plateau for a ten-minute landing.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress for wind and layers
Bring a warm, windproof outer layer—temperatures on Esja can be 5–10°C cooler than Reykjavík and the wind bites unexpectedly.
Secure cameras and phones
Helicopter doors and headsets mean gear can shift; use straps and small bags to prevent dropped items.
Arrive early to check in
Meet at the designated heliport on time—operators run tight schedules and boarding begins promptly.
Follow crew safety briefings
Stay within the marked landing perimeter during the ground stop; volcanic terrain is fragile and exposed.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Arctic tern (seasonal; coastal sightings)
- Arctic fox (rare, typically seen farther from Reykjavík)
History
Esja’s volcanic rocks were formed by repeated eruptions and lava flows; the ridge has long acted as a visual landmark for Reykjavík’s residents.
Conservation
Stick to marked landing areas—alpine mosses and lichens recover slowly. Operators follow strict environmental guidelines to limit foot traffic and fuel use.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavík
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof shell
Blocks the sharp mountain wind during the landing window.
Ear protection or quality headset
Reduces rotor noise and improves in-flight communication and photography.
Sturdy shoes
Provides traction on rocky, sometimes slippery landing surfaces.
Camera with spare battery
Captures wide aerial panoramas and close-ups of basalt formations.