Reykjavik: Helicopter Flight Over Geothermal Fields & Volcano

Summary

Geothermal steam volcano ridges & cityscapes seen from above reykjavik

You’ll board a helicopter in Reykjavik with a local pilot for an aerial ride over Harpa’s glassy edges, wild lava fields, and steaming geothermal areas near Hveragerdi. Feel the city fade as you float above volcanoes and hot springs—sometimes eerily quiet except for your guide’s stories—before touching down again with your senses buzzing.

What’s the experience like?

The morning nearly got away from us — I’d forgotten how tricky Icelandic wind can be, even in summer. My scarf kept flapping around my face as we walked up to the Nordurflug Helicopter Tours base near Reykjavik, and I was honestly a little nervous. Our pilot, Jon (he had this calm, dry humor), just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, it’s always like this.” That helped. The helicopter itself looked smaller than I expected — you could smell engine oil and something faintly metallic inside, which somehow made it feel realer.

We lifted off so smoothly that my stomach barely noticed. Suddenly Reykjavik was shrinking below us — Harpa’s glass angles catching the light like fish scales. Jon pointed out where the old harbor meets the new buildings; I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared. The city faded fast and then it was all wild land: black lava fields streaked with moss, steam curling out of nowhere. We buzzed toward Hengill volcano and Hveragerdi’s geothermal area — you could actually see plumes rising out of the earth, white against all that dark rock. Jon explained how these hot springs power half the country (I probably should’ve listened more closely but my brain was busy trying to take it all in).

I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel up there — except for the thrum of rotors and Jon’s voice on the headset. Sometimes he’d point at a patch of land or a weird color in the soil and just say “That’s new.” It made me think about how alive Iceland is underneath our feet. At one point we hovered above a field where steam vents were dotting the ground like tiny geysers; you could almost smell sulfur through the air vents, or maybe I imagined that part.

The whole 50-minute flight felt both quick and slow at once — time gets strange when you’re floating above something so raw. When we landed back at base, my hair was a mess from pulling off the headset too fast (Jon laughed). But I still think about those silent moments over Hengill volcano, just hanging there between clouds and boiling earth.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour over geothermal areas

• Start at Nordurflug Helicopter Base
• Fly over Hengill Volcano Geothermal Area
• Overfly Reykjavik City and Harpa
• Return to Nordurflug Helicopter Base

Top questions

How long is the helicopter tour from Reykjavik?

The helicopter flight lasts approximately 50 minutes.

What do you see during the Reykjavik geothermal helicopter tour?

You’ll see Harpa concert hall, Hengill volcano, Hveragerdi geothermal area, lava fields, hot springs, geysers, and parts of Reykjavik city from above.

Is this helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants allowed on this Reykjavik helicopter flight?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Where does the helicopter tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Nordurflug Helicopter Tours base near Reykjavik.

Is pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the helicopter base in Reykjavik.

Will there be a local guide or pilot on board?

A professional pilot leads your flight; they share information during the tour.

What should I bring for this Iceland helicopter flight?

Dress warmly as Icelandic weather can be unpredictable; bring your camera for photos.

What’s included

Your experience includes a 50-minute helicopter flight with a professional pilot guiding you over Reykjavik city sights plus geothermal wonders like Hengill volcano and Hveragerdi; wheelchair access is available throughout so everyone can join in comfortably before returning to base together.