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Operated by: Nordurflug/Norðurflug Helicopter Tours

Reykjavík: Private Volcano Helicopter Tour Over Eyjafjallajökull & Fimmvörðuháls

Fly over Iceland's most dramatic volcanic landscapes on this private 2-hour helicopter tour. Land on a crater at Fimmvörðuháls, soar above Eyjafjallajökull, trace the glacier tongue Gígjökull, and survey the Hengill geothermal area — all from the air.

Duration
2 hours
Starts From
Reykjavík
Pickup
No pickup
Difficulty
Very easy
Season
All year
Passengers
Min 1 · Max 1
Travel method
Flying

About this experience

Board your private helicopter at Norðurflug on Nauthólsvegur in Reykjavík and set course for some of Iceland's most extraordinary volcanic terrain. This approximately two-hour aerial experience takes you directly over landscapes shaped by fire, ice, and geological forces on a scale few travellers ever witness up close.

The centrepiece of the tour is Fimmvörðuháls, the high mountain pass between two glaciers, where your helicopter lands on an actual volcanic crater — a rare and unforgettable moment. From there, you fly above the now-dormant Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano, whose 2010 eruption disrupted air travel across Europe and made headlines worldwide. Descending from the summit, you trace the path of Gígjökull, the glacier tongue that was dramatically split in two by hot melting lava during that eruption.

The route also takes you over the sweeping wilderness of Þórsmörk Nature Reserve and the Hengill geothermal area, where you can observe working power plants harnessing Iceland's natural geothermal energy for clean, sustainable electricity. Weather permitting, you may also catch aerial views of Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano, and the distant Westman Islands rising from the sea.

This is a private tour operated by Norðurflug Helicopter Tours, departing from their base at Nauthólsvegur, Reykjavík. The total experience, including the crater landing on Eyjafjallajökull glacier, runs approximately two to two-and-a-half hours.

Highlights

  • Land on a volcanic crater at Fimmvörðuháls during your flight
  • Fly above the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano and its split glacier tongue Gígjökull
  • Overfly the wild Þórsmörk Nature Reserve from the air
  • Survey the Hengill geothermal area and its active power plants
  • Possible aerial views of Hekla volcano and the Westman Islands

Experience details

Your helicopter departs from Norðurflug's base at Nauthólsvegur in Reykjavík. After take-off, the flight heads south and east into Iceland's volcanic interior, covering a route that spans geothermal fields, glacier volcanoes, and protected nature reserves.

  • Þórsmörk Nature Reserve: Fly over this remote highland wilderness, accessible by few roads but fully visible from the air.
  • Fimmvörðuháls crater landing: Touch down on a volcanic crater at the mountain pass — the highlight of the tour.
  • Eyjafjallajökull: Circle the dormant glacier volcano and descend along Gígjökull, the lava-scarred glacier tongue.
  • Hengill geothermal area: Observe Iceland's geothermal energy infrastructure from above.
  • Hekla and Westman Islands (weather permitting): Catch glimpses of Iceland's most active volcano and the offshore island archipelago.

The total tour duration is approximately two to two-and-a-half hours. This tour is weather dependent; the operator will work with you to reschedule if conditions are unsuitable on your booked date.

Why choose this tour

Few experiences in Iceland match the perspective of a private helicopter flight over active and dormant volcanic landscapes. This tour with Norðurflug Helicopter Tours — one of Iceland's most established helicopter operators — goes beyond sightseeing by including an actual crater landing on Fimmvörðuháls, putting you physically on the volcanic terrain rather than simply above it.

The private format means the aircraft is yours alone, allowing for a more personal experience and unobstructed views from every seat. The route combines geology, glaciology, and geothermal energy in a single two-hour flight, making it one of the most content-rich aerial tours available from Reykjavík.

What’s included

Guided helicopter tour with a total duration of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, including a landing on Eyjafjallajökull glacier.

Pickup point

Pickup or meeting details are confirmed during booking.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the helicopter tour depart from?
The tour departs from Norðurflug's base at Nauthólsvegur in Reykjavík. There is no hotel pickup; you make your own way to the helipad. The operator will confirm your exact departure time after booking.
Do we actually land during the helicopter tour?
Yes. The tour includes a landing on a volcanic crater at Fimmvörðuháls, the mountain pass between two glaciers. The included facts also confirm a landing on Eyjafjallajökull glacier as part of the approximately 2 to 2.5-hour experience.
What should I wear on this helicopter tour?
Wear sturdy shoes, a warm jacket, a hat, and gloves. The helicopter cabin is comfortable, similar to a car interior, but the crater landing site on the mountain can be cold and windy, so layering is strongly recommended.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Price categories are available for adults (13 and over), children (2 to 12 years), and infants (0 to 1 years), so families with children of all ages can book. Confirm any specific requirements directly with the operator when they contact you after booking.
How long is the total helicopter experience?
The total tour duration is approximately two to two-and-a-half hours, which includes flight time and the crater landing on Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The operator confirms your exact schedule after your booking is submitted.

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