What is a flightseeing tour in Iceland?
Flightseeing tours offer a unique way to explore the country’s landscapes from above, giving you access to remote areas that are difficult to reach by road.
Depending on the type of tour, you can experience everything from glaciers and volcanoes to waterfalls, black sand areas and highland regions — all from a completely different perspective.
Tours are operated either by helicopter or airplane, each offering a different way to experience the landscape.
Quick comparison
| Helicopter tours | Airplane tours | |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Flexible and immersive | Smooth and continuous |
| Coverage | Focused on specific areas | Covers larger areas |
| Landings | Often included | Not included |
| Flight time | 30 min – 2.5+ hours | 15 min – 2+ hours |
| Best for | Up-close exploration | Seeing more in one flight |
| Price level | Typically higher | Often lower |
What can you see?
The scenery varies depending on location conditions on the day, but flightseeing tours in Iceland often include:
- Glaciers and ice caps
- 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.
Helicopter vs Airplane – what’s the difference?
Helicopter tours
Helicopter tours offer a more flexible and immersive experience, with the ability to hover, change direction easily and land in remote locations.
Many helicopter tours include a scenic landing, allowing you to step out and experience the surroundings on the ground.
Airplane tours
Airplane tours focus on covering larger areas efficiently, offering a smooth and continuous flight over a wide range of landscapes.
They are well suited for those who want to see more of Iceland in a shorter time, often at a lower price point.
How long are the tours?
Flight times vary depending on the type of aircraft and route:
- Helicopter tours: typically 30 minutes up to 2.5 hours or longer, often including a landing
- Airplane tours: typically 15 minutes up to 2 hours or longer, focused on continuous scenic flying
Where do tours depart from?
Flightseeing tours in Iceland are operated from different locations depending on the aircraft:
- Helicopter tours: Skaftafell and Reykjavík
- Airplane tours: Skaftafell
Availability and routes may vary depending on season and current conditions.
What affects the experience?
All flightseeing 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.
Which one should you choose?
The best choice depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.
- Choose a helicopter tour if you want to land, explore remote locations and have a more flexible experience
- Choose an airplane tour if you want to cover a larger area and see more landscapes in one flight, often at a lower price point
If you are unsure, feel free to contact us — we are happy to help you choose the right option based on your plans and preferences.