What is a helicopter tour in Iceland?
A helicopter tour in Iceland offers a unique way to explore the country’s landscapes from above, including remote areas that are difficult to reach by road.
Flights are typically operated in small groups, providing a more personal experience and unobstructed views through large panoramic windows. Depending on the route, you may fly over glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand areas and highland regions.
Not sure whether to choose a helicopter or airplane tour? You can compare two options here.
What can you see?
The scenery varies depending on location and conditions on the day, but helicopter tours in Iceland often include:
- Glaciers and icefalls
- Volcanic landscapes and lava fields
- Waterfalls and glacial rivers
- Black sand areas and braided river systems
- Highlands and remote mountain regions
Each flight is slightly different, as conditions such as visibility and light can change quickly in Iceland.
How long are the tours?
Helicopter tours in Iceland vary in length depending on the route and departure location.
Most scenic flights range from approximately 30 minutes up to 2.5 hours or longer, depending on the route and any planned landings.
Shorter flights focus on nearby highlights, while longer tours cover a wider area and more varied landscapes.
Do tours include landings?
Many helicopter tours include a landing at a scenic location, allowing you to step out and experience the surroundings on the ground.
Landing locations vary depending on the route and local conditions, and may include remote viewpoints, mountain areas or locations near glaciers.
Not all tours include landings, and in some cases landings may be adjusted due to weather or safety considerations.
Where do tours depart from?
Helicopter tours in Iceland typically depart from:
- Skaftafell (Southeast Iceland) – offering direct access to glaciers, icefalls and the surrounding highlands
- Reykjavík – with routes covering geothermal areas, coastlines and volcanic regions
Availability and routes may vary depending on season and current conditions.
What affects the experience?
Helicopter tours in Iceland depend on natural conditions, which can influence the experience on the day:
- Weather and wind conditions
- Visibility and cloud cover
- Seasonal changes in the landscape
- Volcanic activity, when present
Flights may be adjusted, rescheduled or cancelled if conditions are not suitable, with safety always taking priority.
Our helicopter tours
We offer a range of helicopter tours from Skaftafell and Reykjavík, focusing on small groups and high-quality scenic experiences.
In addition to standard routes, we also offer private helicopter tours, which are tailored and quoted individually based on your preferences.