Reykjavik Helicopter Tour: Reykjanes Volcanic Landscapes & Blue Lagoon

Black lava fields and steaming geothermal vents from 500 feet up

You board a helicopter at Reykjavik's Nordurflug base and spend an hour flying over the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain, passing the Seltún geothermal field, two crater lakes, black-sand beaches and the Blue Lagoon with a professional pilot. No ground stops. It's pure flight time with window views the whole way. Book this if you want the peninsula's scale and drama without spending a day driving and hiking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight over Reykjanes Peninsula

• Start at Nordurflug Helicopter Tours Base
• Overfly Seltún Geothermal Area
• Overfly volcanic landscapes
• Overfly the Blue Lagoon
• Return to Nordurflug Helicopter Tours Base

The experience

The helicopter lifts off from Nordurflug's base near Reykjavik, and within minutes the ground drops away to reveal the Reykjanes Peninsula spread out below like a map of another planet. What strikes you first is the color, not the green you'd expect from Iceland, but charcoal black lava fields broken by patches of rust-colored earth and the sudden bright turquoise of crater lakes. The Seltún geothermal area passes beneath you, steam rising from the ground in thin white plumes, and you can see why people call this place lunar. It's the kind of view that makes you understand why Iceland became a filming location for sci-fi movies.

The flight lasts an hour and covers the peninsula's main features without rushing through them. You'll pass over Grænavatn and Kleifarvatn, two crater lakes that sit in the volcanic landscape like punctuation marks, then swing toward the black-sand beaches where the lava meets the ocean. The Blue Lagoon appears near the end of the route: that famous milky-blue water looks almost unreal from above, a sharp contrast to the dark rock surrounding it. Your pilot is a professional who knows the route and can point out what you're seeing, which helps make sense of the geography when you're moving that fast and that high.

The whole experience is straightforward: you arrive at the Reykjavik base, get a safety briefing, and board a small helicopter with other passengers. The aircraft is set up for sightseeing, so you get a window seat and clear views the entire way. If you weigh over 120kg, you'll need to purchase an additional half-seat directly with the operator on the day, which is worth knowing upfront. The flight runs regardless of season, though weather can occasionally force a cancellation. If that happens, you get offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What’s included

• One-hour helicopter flight over Reykjanes Peninsula.
• professional pilot.
• window seating.
• views of Seltún geothermal field, Grænavatn and Kleifarvatn crater lakes, black-sand beaches and the Blue Lagoon.
• departure and return from Nordurflug base near Reykjavik.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Departure Point: Reykjavik Domestic Airport /East Side Address: Nordurflug Helicopter Tours, Building 313, Nauthólsvegur 58d, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland Directions: Departs from building 313 at Reykjavik Domestic Airport.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Nordurflug Helicopter Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic scale and geothermal features without spending hours on the ground: the flight covers the main sights in an hour and shows you the landscape from a perspective you can't get any other way.

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Top questions

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 24h before the start.

How long is the helicopter flight?

One hour total, departing and returning from Nordurflug's base near Reykjavik.

What will I see on the flight?

The Seltún geothermal area, Grænavatn and Kleifarvatn crater lakes, black-sand beaches, lava fields, and the Blue Lagoon.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. All ages are welcome.

What if the weather is bad?

Bad weather can lead to cancellation after confirmation. If that happens, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Are there weight restrictions?

Passengers over 120kg must purchase an additional half-seat, payable to the operator on the day of the tour.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The base and transportation to the helicopter are wheelchair accessible. Accessibility on the aircraft itself depends on individual mobility needs. Contact the operator before booking.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the base?

Public transportation options are available near the Nordurflug base. You can also arrange a separate transfer or drive yourself.

What is included in the price?

The flight with a professional pilot. No meals, ground activities or additional attractions are included.