If you happen to be staying in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, helicopter tours are a great way to make your stay in the country extra-special.
(Photo: Viator.com)
There’s nowhere quite like Iceland. The combination of volcanic fire and glacial ice makes for some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. While observing some of the highlights from the land, such as the Seltún geothermal area or Thingvellir National Park is a fantastic experience, nothing can beat getting airborne for a true appreciation of the scale and magnitude of these remarkable Icelandic wilderness spots. A surprising number of helicopter tours are available from in and around Reykjavik. Itineraries vary wildly, from half-hour buzzes over the landscape offering thrilling views, to longer trips that push a little deeper into the island’s wild interior. Time to take flight.
Mountain Helicopter Tour with Summit Landing from Reykjavik
Getting airborne in a helicopter needn’t break the bank, as this brief flight from Reykjavik proves. Fly over the Icelandic capital city before pushing north towards the mountains that border Reykjavik. You will get the chance to touch down on the top of Mt Esja or one of the other nearby peaks for views out over the city before heading back to Reykjavik’s domestic airport again. You can either take this helicopter tour in the morning or afternoon, and flights, which are available daily, generally last between 30 and 40 minutes. From $302 per person.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Reykjavik Helicopter Flight over Iceland’s Geothermal Landscapes
Looking out over Iceland from above is the only way to fully appreciate the unique beauty of this volcanic island. The geothermal processes that shape and color Iceland are still very much at work and this 50-minute helicopter tour passes above geysers, hot springs, mud pits and Hengill geothermal area’s lava fields to the east of Reykjavik, as well as the unique natural colors of Seltún, which forms part of the Krýsuvík volcanic area. During the flight, you pilot will provide insightful explanations of the remarkable natural processes going on below you. From $471 per person.
Volcanic Craters Fly Over Tour by Helicopter
If you’re travelling in a group of up to five people, you can rent out your own private helicopter tour from Reykjavik. Gaze out over Iceland’s ethereal volcanic interior during the one-hour flight. Over near Iceland’s southeast coast, you’ll get the chance to see the remarkable colors and weather-beaten coastline as the Atlantic pounds the cliffs. The destination is Seltún geothermal area, where your helicopter will touch down near one of the craters for a chance to get a closer look at the landscape, before taking off again and flying towards the Blue Lagoon, green Lake Grænavatn and the urban sprawl of Reykjavik. From $3021 per group.