Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: Glacier and Hengill Geothermal Area

Glacier landings beat the drive every time. Two things I like most are landing on the Þórisjökull glacier for snowplay and photos, and then stepping close to hot springs and boiling mud pots at Hengill. This tour turns Iceland’s big-ticket scenery into a short, story-packed flight instead of a long day of driving and hiking.

The main consideration is the price, and the fact that flights depend on good weather, so you need a little flexibility in your schedule.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 6 travelers means the experience feels more personal in the air and at the landings
• Two landings: one on a glacier, one in a geothermal valley
• Glymur waterfall flyover plus Golden Circle style highlights from the sky
• Þórisjökull time on the ground includes snowballs, photos, and glacier wandering
• Hengill geothermal stop gives you close views of hot pools and boiling mud pots
• A return route over lava fields helps you see Iceland’s geology from a fresh angle

Why this Fire and Ice helicopter combo feels worth it

This is one of those tours where you stop thinking about time and start thinking about sightings. In roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, you get two different worlds: cold, icy glacier air, then steam-and-sulfur geothermal ground. You also get to do it with minimal effort on your legs. That matters if your Iceland plan includes glaciers, waterfalls, and viewpoints, but you do not want to stack more hours of hiking.

What I love is the pacing. You are not stuck in a van. You are flying, landing, and moving again fast enough to feel like you are getting a full Iceland sampler without the usual logistics grind. The small group size (up to 6) helps, too, since everyone gets a better shot at windows and photo angles.

One more detail that adds up: you get an English guide/pilot who can explain what you are seeing as the scenery changes. Reviews also praise pilots like Laura, Oliver, and Tasha for staying calm in windy conditions and for making passengers feel safe and comfortable.

Where to meet: Ace FBO Reykjavik and what to expect

Your adventure starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík, Reykjavík Domestic Airport. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you are not left figuring out transportation after you land back on the airfield.

This matters because most Iceland helicopter days are built on a tight timetable. If you want the easiest start, give yourself extra buffer time to find the hangar area inside the airport complex. One passenger specifically noted it was hard to locate the starting point inside the airport, so if you are arriving close to your departure time, double-check directions.

Also, check your body math. The tour lists a total weight per passenger limit of 265 lbs. If you are near that threshold, do not assume it will be fine. Helicopter seating and safety rules are strict.

From Reykjavik toward Glymur: the view shift begins early

You do not start by driving into the wilderness. You start by flying out of the city, and the scenery starts changing right away. The route takes you toward the Þórisjökull glacier, with a flyover of Glymur, one of Iceland’s famous waterfalls.

Flying over waterfalls from the air gives you something cars and trails can rarely do: scale without the scramble. From above, you can actually see the water’s drop pattern and how the terrain funnels it. It is also a nice warm-up for the glacier part because you get used to the helicopter’s rhythm and the pilot’s navigation.

Expect the flight time to feel brisk. That is part of the appeal. Iceland is big, and helicopters cheat the distance.

Stop 1: Þórisjökull glacier landing and the snowball-fight logic

Landing on Þórisjökull is the headline. This is not just a hover-and-flyby. You land atop the glacier, and you get time on the ground (about 15 minutes) to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the experience your camera will love even if you only do the simplest shots.

The fun details are built in. You can throw snowballs, have a snowball fight, build a snow angel, and even try making a snowman. That sounds silly, until you realize it actually helps you relax in a place that is otherwise all sharp ice and wind.

Practical note: glacier wind can be real. One review mentioned it was extremely windy on the glacier, so while you can enjoy the views, you might struggle to stand comfortably for long. I would treat your landing time like a quick photo-and-walk window, not like a long hike.

Also, you will be higher up in the helicopter than you expect, which helps you see the ice’s texture from different angles. Reviews repeatedly call out how the view from the air is a big part of the value, even before you step onto the glacier.

Þingvellir National Park from the sky: UNESCO and the tectonic switch

After the glacier stop, the route continues toward Þingvellir National Park in the Golden Circle region. Þingvellir is UNESCO World Heritage, and it is tied to Iceland’s political story, often described as the birthplace of the oldest existing parliament.

From above, Þingvellir becomes more than a history stop. You get a bird’s-eye look at what makes it scientifically special: the canyon that splits the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. If you have ever seen photos of the rift, this is the version where the rift line makes visual sense. You are seeing the continental drift layout directly, not just reading about it.

You also get views of Iceland’s largest lake from the area, described as sparkling waters. From the air, it can look like a bright patch sitting in a world of rock and moss. The best part is that you are not doing more walking. You are getting a “big concept” stop without adding effort.

Downside: you are not landing here. So if you crave a long viewpoint walk and time in the park proper, you will want to pair this with a separate Þingvellir visit later. The helicopter view is about understanding what you are looking at, fast.

Bonus flybys: Hallgrimskirkja, Mount Esja, and Whale Fjordur

Between the landings, the ride also includes scenic glimpses that make Reykjavik feel connected to the broader island. You get a glimpse of Hallgrimskirja Church, a quick look toward Mount Esja, and an Iceland popular Whale Fjordur view.

These are not the main reason to pay for the helicopter. You are paying for the landings. But they add flavor. They also make the whole flight feel like more than two quick stops. You feel like you are touring the island’s variety in one loop.

Stop 2: Hengill geothermal landing, hot pools, and boiling mud pots

The second landing is at Hengill Geothermal Area, named for the Hengill volcano. This valley is remote, and the tour description notes it can only be accessed by helicopter or a hike. So landing here is doing the work that many ground tours cannot.

Just like the glacier stop, you get around 15 minutes at the geothermal site. What you do with that time is simple: look at hot springs, observe boiling mud pots up close, and walk toward them (as described) to get the scale and texture you would never see from a distance.

This is the Fire and Ice contrast at full volume. One moment you are thinking about cold and wind. The next you are near steam and bubbling ground. If you like Iceland as a geology playground, this part usually hits hard.

One more useful detail: the geothermal valley is accessed by helicopter or hike, which means the helicopter does not just provide views, it provides access. That is where the price starts to make sense for a lot of people. You are not paying only for scenery. You are paying to reach a place that is otherwise hard to reach.

The return flight: lava flows and a different kind of Iceland photo

On the way back, the tour route includes a view over centuries old lava flows. That return segment matters more than you might think. Iceland can look repetitive from ground level, especially if you spend your days driving between stops. From the air, lava patterns read like maps.

This part can also be mentally relaxing after you spend time outside on glacier and geothermal ground. Back inside, you can photograph more steadily and just enjoy the changing colors: rock, ice, steam, and water all show up differently when the helicopter climbs and turns.

Price and value: $953.39 per person, and how to decide if it fits you

At $953.39 per person, this is not a casual add-on. It is a splurge. The value comes from doing three things at once:

1) You compress distance. You see multiple regions without spending hours driving.

2) You get access. Two landings mean you are not only looking from above, you are stepping onto the terrain.

3) You get guided context in motion. A pilot explains sights while flying, which makes the time feel purposeful.

So who should book it? I think it fits best if you:

• want a signature Iceland experience without a full day on foot
• like geology and enjoy seeing how landscapes connect
• have limited time in Reykjavik and want more than city views
• are celebrating something and want a high-comfort, high-impact day

Who might pause? If you are on a tight budget or you hate weather uncertainty, this tour can be a tough match. The experience requires good weather, and flights can change. Also, you should be okay spending most of your time in a compact helicopter cabin. One review mentioned rear seating was very tight, especially for taller passengers, so think about your comfort needs.

How to get the best photos and the smoothest experience

You cannot control Iceland weather, but you can control how prepared you are.

• Wear layers you can adjust fast. Glacier wind can cut fast, and geothermal areas can feel warmer than you expect.
• Bring a good camera strap or secure gloves. If it is windy, you will want both hands steady.
• Put your phone and camera away between photo moments. Helicopter air can be jostly, and you will appreciate the calm between landings.
• If you are tall, plan for tight cabin seating. This tour can fit up to 6 travelers, but helicopter space is still limited.

Also, do not over-plan your schedule the day of your flight. If the weather shifts, you may get a different date or a full refund option, but it is still best to keep your day flexible so you do not lose precious vacation time.

Should you book Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour?

I would book it if you want the most dramatic version of Iceland scenery in the least amount of time. Two landings, a glacier stop where you can actually play in the snow, and a geothermal valley where you can get close to boiling mud pots is a rare combo. The small group size, plus pilots praised for safety, friendliness, and handling windy conditions, makes the day feel managed rather than chaotic.

I would hesitate if you hate splurges, have no flexible schedule, or expect the day to feel like a calm, long nature walk. This is a short, high-impact flight. The helicopter will not replace driving and hiking for everyone, but it can be the highlight that makes your whole Iceland trip feel bigger.

If you can fit it into your timeline and you are comfortable with the weather requirement, this is one of those experiences that tends to stick in your memory long after you get home.

FAQ

How long is the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour?

The flight duration is about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík (Reykjavík Domestic Airport) and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are in the group?

This experience has a maximum of 6 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

It is offered with an English guide.

How many landings are included?

The tour includes 2 landings.

Where do the landings take place?

One landing is on the Þórisjökull glacier, and the other is at the Hengill geothermal area.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there a passenger weight limit?

Yes. The total weight per passenger is listed as 265 lbs.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is included in the tour price?

The included items are an English guide and 2 landings. The tour also mentions a mobile ticket.