Reykjanes Peninsula Helicopter Tour: Volcanic Eruption Area

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/8

Duration35m–45m

GroupUp to 5

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Soar above freshly formed lava fields and see Reykjavík's coastline from the air in under an hour

A helicopter tour over the Reykjanes Peninsula, 30 km from Reykjavík, that flies you above Iceland's newest volcanic landscape—lava fields, crater formations and the transformed terrain left by eruptions since 2021. The tour runs 35–45 minutes with a live English guide and holds only 5–6 passengers per helicopter, so views are close and unobstructed. Flights are weather-dependent; if conditions turn poor, you'll be offered a reschedule or full refund. Children from age 2 are welcome.

35m–45m

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over volcanic sites

Fly from Reykjavík by helicopter
View Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields
See Reykjavík city aerial views

The Experience

What does the Reykjanes Peninsula actually look like from the air? The helicopter lifts off and climbs toward a landscape that has been remade in the last few years—lava fields still raw and dark, crater formations that mark where the earth opened, and the geological scars of more than 50,000 recent earthquakes. The region sits just 30 km from Reykjavík, so the flight reaches it quickly. With only 5–6 seats per helicopter, you're not crammed in; the small capacity means panoramic views and the chance to see details—the texture of the lava, the shape of the craters—instead of scanning from a distance.

The 35–45 minute flight includes passes over Reykjavík itself on the return, where the city's colorful rooftops, sweeping coastline and the icy blues of Faxaflói Bay come into view. A live guide in English narrates throughout, so you understand what you're seeing as it unfolds below. The helicopter is weather-dependent—if conditions deteriorate, you'll be offered a reschedule or your money back, which means the operator is not pushing you into a rough flight just to keep the booking.

The volcano is not currently active, but the landscape tells the story of what happened when it was. The aerial perspective is the point here; you're not landing or hiking into the zone. Flights require a minimum of four passengers to depart, and children from age 2 can come along. The tour suits all fitness levels since you're airborne the whole time.

What’s included

Helicopter tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula volcanic area.
live guide in English throughout the flight.
fuel surcharge.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by GlacierHeli

Is this one for you?The 35–45 minute flight fits a morning or afternoon slot without consuming your whole day, leaving time for other activities in Reykjavík or elsewhere on the peninsula. Weather-dependent departures mean you should book this early in your trip so a reschedule doesn't collide with your flight home.