Helicopter tour from Reykjavik: Hengill Area with at site landing

A few dozen minutes, and Iceland looks brand new. This Reykjavik helicopter ride focuses on the Hengill geothermal zone, with an actual touchdown there so you get more than just sky-high photos.

Two things I really like: the small group size (max 5) and the fact that landing fees and fuel surcharges are handled in the price. One possible drawback is simple, this tour needs good weather, so cloudy or rough conditions can affect the flight.

You’ll depart from Reykjavik domestic airport, fly over the Hellisheiði Plateau, then land at Hengill Geothermal Area for about 25 minutes. After that, the route continues over Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, and Bláfjöll, with a flyover of Reykjavik to wrap it up. The whole experience runs about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes, depending on conditions and routing.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

• At-site landing at Hengill for a chance to walk around geothermal features up close
• Small group of up to five so the flight feels personal, not crowded
• Power plants from above as you fly over Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun
• Hellisheiði Plateau flyover early on, with wide views that set the tone
• Reykjavik flyover after the geothermal stops to see the city from a different angle

From Ace FBO to Hellisheiði Plateau: the first views count

Your tour starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík at Reykjavik Airport, and it ends back at the same place. Expect a quick, no-drama start, then you’re up in the air over the surrounding volcanic and geothermal country. The route typically begins with a flyover of the Hellisheiði Plateau, which is the part of the experience that makes you realize how big Iceland feels from above.

What makes this opening stretch valuable is that it frames everything that comes after. You get quick orientation for where the geothermal areas sit relative to roads, rivers, and the general shape of the terrain. And because this is a helicopter with a short flight time, the scenery changes fast, so you stay engaged instead of waiting for one “big moment.”

If you’re worried about seat choice, this is one reason the reviews feel so positive: people report great sightlines from different seats. Still, do plan to stay attentive, listen for the pilot’s cues, and be ready to angle your camera when the route turns.

Hengill geothermal landing: walking where the heat is real

The heart of the experience is the stop at Hengill Geothermal Area, with about 25 minutes on the ground. This is a true at-site landing, which means you get a break from the views and step into the geothermal setting in a hands-on way. In particular, one of the standout details is getting to walk around a thermal pond near the landing area.

On a standard sightseeing flight, you watch geothermal steam and color from the air. Here, you get that extra layer: the textures and the sense of place that only shows up when you’re standing near the features. One review also mentions landing near sources of hot water and seeing incredible colors on the ground, which is exactly the kind of moment you can’t reliably replicate from a road viewpoint.

A detail that helps your planning: the admission ticket is free for this stop. So you’re not juggling additional local ticket costs while trying to enjoy the moment. The time is short, so bring your walking comfort and keep your phone fully charged if you want photos from the ground and the surrounding air views.

Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun from the air: power plants as scenery

After the landing, the helicopter continues with flyovers of Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun. From above, these spots are less about “industrial sightseeing” and more about scale and layout. You see how geothermal energy infrastructure fits into a raw volcanic environment, and that mix is often what makes people remember the route.

This is also where the pilot’s commentary matters. In the feedback you provided, pilot Clements (spelling varies in the notes) is called out for being an outstanding pilot and for passing slowly from side to side while pointing out key sights. That kind of movement helps, because it gives you time to look, not just glance, and it improves your chances of capturing the view you’re actually aiming for.

One practical thing to know: because this is still a helicopter with a compact route and a quick schedule, the sightseeing is fast. If you like taking photos, plan for bursts. Don’t spend too long on one frame, because the best light and the best angles move with the helicopter’s turning path.

Bláfjöll and the volcano views you can’t get by road

The route also covers Bláfjöll, which is a big part of why this tour feels different from regular bus or car outings. From land, you might get partial views or long distances. From the air, you’re looking down at the terrain in a way that helps everything connect, even in a short time.

This is where the value of a helicopter really shows. You’re not just seeing “more Iceland.” You’re seeing how Iceland is layered, how different zones relate to each other, and how volcanic and geothermal areas sit next to more built-up stretches around the Reykjavík region.

You should also consider the emotional side of this stop. Several reviews describe the experience as feeling like a mix of adrenaline and awe. That makes sense. When the helicopter changes altitude and direction quickly, your brain reacts fast, and you end up paying attention in a way that you don’t on slower rides.

Flying over Reykjavík after the geothermal route

After covering the geothermal and mountain areas, you’ll fly over Reykjavík to wrap up the tour. This is the perfect finishing move because it converts what you’ve seen in the wild country into a readable map. You can start to connect the city grid to the surrounding terrain.

I like this part of the itinerary for a simple reason: it helps you understand the geography you’ve been staring at from viewpoints since you arrived. Even if Reykjavík is not your main target, the flyover gives you a tidy “what’s where” moment without adding another activity to your day.

Keep in mind that the overall flight time is about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes, so this Reykjavík segment is usually not long. That’s okay. The point is a clear end-of-tour sweep and one more perspective before you land back at the meeting point.

Price, group size, and what you truly get for $599.56

At $599.56 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But the cost makes more sense when you look at what’s included and what’s not. Landing is included, and the listing data says fuel surcharge is included as well. That removes two common “surprise add-ons” that can hit hard with aerial tours.

The other big value factor is the group size: a maximum of five travelers. That matters more than it sounds. With fewer people, you typically get better sightlines and more room for the pilot to adjust the flight path for everyone’s views. It also tends to make the experience feel less like a production and more like you’re sharing a short journey with a small crew.

What’s not included is food. Since you’ll be airborne and outdoors near the geothermal area briefly, you’ll want to plan a meal before or after. If you’re doing this on a tight Reykjavík itinerary, it helps to schedule it when you can enjoy a proper post-flight snack without rushing.

What to bring, and how to pick your moment

Because you’ll start at Reykjavík Airport and spend part of the time on the ground at Hengill, wear practical footwear. The tour includes landing and a short walking window, so think about traction and comfort, not fashion. Dress for Iceland weather even if the morning looks fine. Helicopter tours are weather-dependent, and you’ll feel the temperature shift quickly once you’re flying.

Also, since the tour is offered in English and uses mobile tickets, keep your phone handy for your ticket. Confirmation happens at booking, so you should be able to move quickly at the start.

If you’re the type who likes structure, this tour has it. If you prefer long, slow sightseeing, you might find the overall time short. But if you want a high-impact Reykjavík-area aerial experience that stays efficient, this fits well.

This one is also ideal if you’ve already seen a few viewpoints and you’re hungry for a totally different angle. The at-site landing makes it more than a simple “flyover for photos.”

Weather, safety, and why the short duration is part of the plan

This experience requires good weather. That’s not small talk. Helicopter routes depend on visibility and flying conditions, and your day can change if weather forces a cancellation. The good news is the tour is set up to offer a different date or a full refund if the flight doesn’t run due to poor conditions.

Safety is built into the structure, with a modern, clean helicopter noted in one review and a skilled pilot praised by name. One review highlights a feeling of safety and a calm, experienced approach by the pilot and coordinator. If you get nervous in small aircraft, this is still a valid choice, but keep your expectations realistic: you’re dealing with Iceland weather, and the staff will prioritize safe conditions.

One more practical constraint: the data lists a total weight per passenger of 265 lbs. If you’re near that limit, double-check before booking so there are no surprises at the meeting point.

Should you book the Hengill Area helicopter tour?

I’d book this if you want a Reykjavík-area helicopter experience that does two things well: it flies you over the geothermal power and terrain you can’t fully see from land, and it lands at Hengill so you get a close-up moment too. The small group size and the included landing and fuel costs make it feel more “fair” for the money, even though it’s not cheap.

Skip it if your schedule can’t flex for weather, or if you hate the idea of an activity that depends on visibility. Also skip it if you’re looking for a long walking day. This is short, focused, and very much about views and the one geothermal landing.

If you want one do-it-now highlight in Reykjavík that feels special fast, this Hengill route is a strong bet.

FAQ

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

The duration is approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of five travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What is the meeting point for the tour?

The meeting point is Ace FBO Reykjavík at Reykjavik Airport.

Does the price include landing and fuel surcharge?

Yes. Landing and fuel surcharge are included.

Is food included in the tour?

No. Food is not included.

What stops are included during the flight?

You’ll fly over Hellisheiði Plateau, land at Hengill Geothermal Area, and cover Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, and Bláfjöll, with a flyover of Reykjavik at the end.

Does the tour require good 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.

Is there a weight limit per passenger?

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