Helicopter Tour from Reykjavik: Hengill Area with Landing

Land on an active volcanic plateau and stand in the steam.

A helicopter tour from Reykjavik that flies over the Hellisheiði Plateau—Iceland's most active volcanic region—with a landing at the Hengill geothermal area. The flight covers lava fields, hot springs, geothermal power stations and basalt mountains, then circles back over Reykjavik. A live English-speaking guide narrates the route; children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Hengill area

• Depart from Reykjavik domestic Airport
• Fly over Hellisheiði Plateau
• Stop at Hengill Geothermal Area
• Fly over Hellisheiðarvirkjun
• Fly over Nesjavallavirkjun
• Fly over Bláfjöll
• Fly over Reykjavik

The Experience

How much of Iceland's volcanic heart can you see in under an hour? This tour answers that by taking off from Reykjavik domestic airport and flying directly over the Hellisheiði Plateau, where the landscape shifts between moss-covered lava fields, steaming geothermal vents, and bright basalt ridges. The helicopter passes over Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun—two of the country's major power stations—and swings past Bláfjöll before the landing at Hengill.

The landing is where the tour changes. You step out onto the geothermal area itself, close enough to see the hot springs and feel the heat rising from the ground. The cairns and rock formations that looked like threads from the air become real stone underfoot. A guide in English walks you through what you're standing in—how the volcanic activity shapes the landscape, what the geothermal infrastructure does, why this plateau matters to Iceland's energy. Then it's back in the helicopter for the return flight over Reykjavik.

The whole experience runs between 50 minutes and just over an hour. Fuel surcharge is included in the price. Public transit reaches the airport easily from central Reykjavik if you're not driving yourself.

What’s included

• Helicopter flight over the Hellisheiði Plateau and Hellisheiðarvirkjun and Nesjavallavirkjun geothermal power stations.
• landing at Hengill geothermal area with time on the ground.
• live English-speaking guide.
• fuel surcharge.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by GlacierHeli

Is this one for you?The flight runs 50 minutes to just over an hour, which leaves the rest of your day open for other activities in or around Reykjavik. If you want to see Iceland's volcanic geology from the air and stand on an active geothermal site without committing a full day, this fits the window.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Hellisheiði Plateau and why is it called Iceland's most active volcanic area?

The Hellisheiði Plateau is a geothermal region where volcanic and geothermal activity shape the landscape constantly. It sits above active hot springs and geothermal fields that power much of Iceland's electricity; the plateau itself is covered in lava flows, steam vents, and the infrastructure built to harness that energy. Flying over it shows the scale of both the natural forces and the human systems built into them.

Do I get to spend time on the ground at Hengill, or is it just a quick stop?

The landing at Hengill gives you time to step out and walk around the geothermal area on foot. You're not rushed back to the helicopter immediately; the guide shows you the hot springs and explains the landscape while you're standing in it, then you fly back to Reykjavik.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Children are welcome from age 2 onward. The flight is 50 minutes to just over an hour, and the landing involves walking on stable ground at the geothermal site, so it's manageable for kids who can sit in a helicopter and walk short distances.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The helicopter flight, the landing at Hengill, and fuel surcharge are all included. A live English-speaking guide narrates the route. Food is not included, so eat before you go or plan to grab something after. Wear layers—it's cold at altitude and windy on the ground, even if it's warm in Reykjavik.

How do I get to the helicopter departure point from central Reykjavik?

The helicopter departs from Reykjavik domestic airport. Public transportation options are available nearby, so you can reach it by bus or taxi without a rental car if that suits your plans.