Reykjanes Peninsula Helicopter Tour: Volcanic Eruption Area

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.

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

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.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the Reykjanes Peninsula from Reykjavík, and how long does the flight take to get there?

The Reykjanes Peninsula lies 30 km (19 miles) from Reykjavík, and the entire helicopter tour runs 35–45 minutes, so you're airborne and back within less than an hour from takeoff.

Is the volcano still erupting, or am I flying over an old site?

The volcano is not currently active, but the region has experienced multiple eruptions since 2021 and remains one of Iceland's most geologically active zones. The aerial views show the freshly formed lava fields and crater formations that mark where those eruptions reshaped the landscape.

How many people fit in the helicopter, and will I have a good view?

Each helicopter holds only 5–6 passengers, which means the cabin is intimate and every seat has a clear perspective of the landscape below: no craning around other travelers to see out the window.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

Flights are weather-dependent, and if conditions are poor, you'll be offered either a reschedule to another date or a full refund, so you won't be pressured into unsafe flying.

What will I see besides the volcanic area?

The return flight passes over Reykjavík itself, where you'll see the city's colorful rooftops, coastline and Faxaflói Bay from above, offering a contrasting aerial perspective of Iceland's capital before you land.