Reykjavik from the air is already a treat, but this one adds two real landings. I love how this trip mixes VIP-style access with time on a glacier and a geothermal area, so you get more than just a scenic loop. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour depends on weather and wind, and conditions can make steps on ice or getting around at the second stop a bit more demanding.

What I like most is the feeling of control in the schedule. You start at Ace FBO Reykjavik Domestic Airport, meet your pilot, and then get flown across major highlights like Glymur waterfall while you sit comfortably in a small cabin. You’ll also likely fly with a highly praised pilot, with names like Laura, Oliver, and Tasha showing up in past experiences, and each one seems to focus on safety plus clear explanations.

My only caution is the price tag. At $953.39 per person for a 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hour experience, you’re paying for helicopter time and the landings, not for a long itinerary. If you’re on a tighter budget, this will feel steep, even if it delivers a strong wow factor.

Key things to know before you go

• Two landings, not just flyovers, at Þórisjökull glacier and the Hengill geothermal area
• Small group size (up to 6 travelers), which helps keep views and photo stops more personal
• Glymur waterfall and Þingvellir National Park from above, including the tectonic split seen from the air
• Snow play on the glacier, including time to walk around and a snowball fight
• Geothermal sights on foot, like hot springs and boiling mud pots close up
• Weather and wind matter, so expect route changes when conditions shift

From Ace FBO to Iceland’s big-ticket sights in under two hours

This tour is built for people who want dramatic Iceland in a short window, without spending hours driving. You begin at Reykjavik Domestic Airport at Ace FBO Reykjavík, where you meet your pilot and then get whisked toward the Þórisjökull glacier.

The total time is about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. The helicopter route is a mix of flying and two scheduled landing stops, with other major viewpoints handled from the air, including parts of the Golden Circle and recognizable Reykjavik landmarks.

The vibe is hands-on. You’re not just watching scenery go by, you’re stepping out onto surfaces you’d normally need a long hike to reach. And since the group is capped at 6 travelers, it’s easier to get the pilot to shift the aircraft for better angles when photo time matters.

Þórisjökull glacier landing: snowballs, photos, and icy air

The first landing is on Þórisjökull glacier, and it’s the moment most people remember. Before you even touch down, you fly across Glymur, Iceland’s famous tall waterfall, which gives you a sense of scale right away.

Once you arrive on the glacier, you get a chance to explore on foot and take photos from close to where the helicopter lands. You’ll have time to move around, soak in the panoramic glacier views, and do the fun stuff like throwing snowballs, building a snowman, and trying snow angels.

The best part of a glacier landing is the contrast. From the air you see texture and shape, but from your feet you experience that bright cold air and the clean, open space. It’s also far more time efficient than trying to reach the glacier by hiking, especially when you only have a day or two in Reykjavik.

A real consideration is wind. One account noted that glacier conditions can get extremely windy, making it harder to keep your balance while you enjoy the views. If you’re sensitive to cold or gusts, dress for it and keep your footing in mind once you land.

Above Þingvellir: the tectonic split you can actually see

After the glacier stop, you head toward Þingvellir National Park, which sits on the Golden Circle and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You get to see it from the air, with a focus on the long, dramatic canyon where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

This part of the experience works well if you like “big idea” geology. From above, the pattern of the rift and the surrounding features can feel more readable than at ground level, especially for a short tour. You also get a chance to look at the sparkling waters of Iceland’s largest lake from the air.

Þingvellir is also tied to Iceland’s early parliamentary history, and seeing it from the helicopter makes it easier to grasp why this place mattered. The canyon lines, the water, and the surrounding terrain all create a clear sense of location, even if your time on foot is limited to the two landings on the tour.

The tradeoff is simple: you won’t be walking around Þingvellir on this itinerary. If you want a long hike through the park itself, you may prefer a land-based Golden Circle tour. But if your goal is to stack multiple highlights in one flight, this aerial look is an efficient win.

Hengill geothermal landing: hot springs and boiling mud pots up close

The second landing is at Hengill Geothermal Area. It’s named after the Hengill volcano and sits in a remote valley that you can reach by helicopter or by hiking, which is exactly why this stop feels special.

Here, you’re not just viewing geothermal activity from above. You can walk toward hot springs and observe boiling mud pots from very close range. It’s an otherworldly scene in person, and the sensory factor is strong even without extra add-ons, because the ground itself is acting like a living feature.

This stop is built around proximity. Helicopter access means you get to stand near activity that would take far more time to reach. And since the tour is small-group, you’re less likely to feel crowded while you take photos or reposition for the best angles.

The likely drawback is that geothermal terrain can be unpredictable underfoot. The tour doesn’t describe specific surface types, so treat this as a “move carefully” stop. Wear footwear that feels secure, and plan to take it slow when you’re near uneven ground or damp areas.

Reykjavik flyovers that help you connect Iceland’s map

Not every highlight requires a landing. This tour includes sightseeing from the air of major Reykjavik and nearby landmarks, giving you a fast sense of geography before and after the wilderness stops.

You’ll get a glimpse of Hallgrimskirja Church, plus a look toward Mount Esja. You also get a view connected to the popular spot called Whale Fjordur.

These aerial segments are valuable because they turn your flight into a story arc. You start in the city, fly out over iconic natural features like Glymur, land where the environment is intense, then return with a broader context for where everything sits relative to Reykjavik.

One note from experience style: helicopter views are all about timing and angle. Since this is a small group, pilots can typically reposition the aircraft for better sight lines, especially when people want photos of churches, coastlines, or mountains.

Cabin time, comfort, and the small-group advantage

This experience runs in a compact cabin with a maximum of 6 travelers, which is a big part of why people rate it so highly. Less crowding means you spend less time twisting around for a window shot, and you can generally see the pilot’s maneuvers more clearly.

Comfort is mostly about expectation. A helicopter ride is short, and the seat setup can feel tight, especially for taller guests. One review noted that being in the back seats can feel cramped and that legroom may be a limiting factor for people around 1.80 meters or taller. If you fall into that category, sit where you can, and accept that this is a tradeoff for the ability to land on a glacier and volcano-adjacent geothermal area.

Weight limit is listed at 265 lbs per passenger. If you’re near that number, it’s worth double-checking your fit before you book so there are no surprises later.

On safety and comfort, the tour emphasizes an experienced pilot and a friendly, informative approach. Several accounts praised pilots for being calm in high winds and for guiding passengers on what to do once you’re on the ground.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $953.39

At $953.39 per person, this is not a budget activity. You’re paying for three major things: helicopter time, two landings, and access to places that are otherwise hard to reach quickly.

The value equation changes depending on how you compare alternatives. If you would otherwise spend a full day driving plus long hikes, the helicopter can start to look like a time-saver. Here, you get a glacier landing with snow play plus a geothermal landing with close-up walking and observation, all in under two hours.

You’re also paying for the “how” of Iceland. The view of tectonic features from above, the waterfall seen from the air, and the sense of scale you get from flying over Iceland’s terrain is hard to replicate with a car. It’s not just seeing places, it’s seeing how everything connects.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes iconic highlights but also hates long transit days, this is a strong fit. If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers slow exploration on foot, you may feel the helicopter time is too short.

In other words, it’s value-packed if your priorities match the product. It’s expensive if your goal is leisurely sightseeing without paying for flight time.

Who should book this Fire and Ice helicopter tour

This one fits best if you check at least two of these boxes:

• You want two landings rather than only views from the air
• You’re short on time and want glacier plus geothermal in one shot
• You like aerial geology, especially Þingvellir’s tectonic split
• You enjoy photos and want good angles without planning hours of walking routes
• You’re traveling as a couple or small group and want an intimate feel

It’s also a good “first helicopter” choice. The ride is short, the pilot guides you through what you’ll see, and the landings give you payoff you can physically experience. For families, there are examples of kids loving it, likely because the snow play and the close-up geothermal feel interactive, not just observational.

Where it may not fit is if you have mobility concerns or you prefer steady, controlled walking environments. Glacier and geothermal ground can be less predictable than flat paths, and you’ll want to handle the cold and wind.

Booking decisions: when you should take the risk and when to pass

If you’re excited by the idea of stepping onto Þórisjökull glacier for snowball fights and then walking toward hot springs and boiling mud pots at Hengill, this tour is likely worth planning around. The small-group size and praised pilots help make it feel personal rather than rushed.

I’d book if your schedule can handle weather changes and you’re ready to dress for wind. Since the experience requires good weather, the day you book needs flexibility.

I might pass if you hate paying premium prices for short time on the ground, or if you know you’ll feel uncomfortable with cramped seating. And if you’re worried about finding the meeting point inside the airport, plan extra time at Ace FBO and use a taxi ride so you’re not stressed right before departure.

If your main goal is a long Golden Circle day with extensive walking, you may prefer a land tour. But if you want the most dramatic “Iceland in a hurry” day that still includes real terrain under your boots, this Fire and Ice helicopter experience is one of the strongest ways to do it.

FAQ

Where does the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour start?

The tour starts at Ace FBO Reykjavík at Reykjavik Domestic Airport. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the helicopter tour?

The flight time is listed as approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 6 travelers.

What is included in the price?

The included items are an English guide and 2 landings.

What are the two landing locations?

You land on Þórisjökull glacier first, and then you land at the Hengill Geothermal Area for the second landing.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What could cause the tour to be canceled or changed?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It can also be canceled if the minimum number of travelers is not met.