Touching a glacier changes your sense of scale. This two-landing flight pairs a touchdown on Þórisjökull with a stop at the Hengill geothermal area, while you also get big views of the Golden Circle from above. I love the glacier landing most, and I also like that it runs as a small group (limited to 6), so the pilot can keep things moving without a cattle-car vibe.

I’d call the main trade-off the cost. At $931 per person, it’s a splurge, and the landings can be weather-dependent, so the itinerary may adjust for safety.

The quality of the pilot experience is a big part of why this tour gets such strong feedback. People highlight pilots like Oliver and Thomas for clear safety steps and for explaining what you’re seeing as you fly, with guides like Laura also praised for being professional and kind.

Key things I’d circle before booking

• Two real landings, not just flying: walk on Þórisjökull Glacier and get out near Hengill’s hot-spring area.
• Fire-and-ice theme that’s actually literal: glacier first, then steaming geothermal ground and boiling-mud sights.
• Photo stops built in: you get time for photos and walking, including a 30-minute stop on Langjökull.
• Golden Circle context from the air and from the ground: Thingvellir’s tectonic views and UNESCO setting.
• Small-group feel: limited to 6 participants helps it stay personal and less chaotic.

Why this Fire and Ice helicopter route feels worth the money

This is not a “fly-by the highlights” tour. You get the rare combo of a helicopter ride plus two landings where you actually step onto dramatic Icelandic terrain. That matters because the best moments here are physical: cold glacier air under your boots, then the strange, sulfur-steam world of the geothermal valley.

You’re also paying for time. Instead of spending hours hiking to remote viewpoints (or settling for distant sightlines), you can see places most visitors only get by driving or long walks. The helicopter lets you connect multiple major Iceland sights into a tight 2-hour window without losing the sense of wonder.

And yes, it’s expensive. But the reviews are consistent about one idea: when you land somewhere you can’t reach easily by road, the experience stops feeling like sightseeing and starts feeling like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. If that’s what you want for your Iceland trip, this is one of the clearest ways to buy it.

From ACE FBO to takeoff: what to expect in the first minutes

Your tour starts at ACE FBO Reykjavík, behind the Reykjavik Natura Hotel. From there, you’ll do a short sightseeing segment and then get airborne pretty quickly, with flight time broken into multiple viewpoint sections.

The early part is practical: it gets your bearings fast. You’ll see parts of the Capital Region and also fly over Mount Esja for those first wide shots. Even if you’ve already toured Reykjavik on foot, the view from the air gives you a sense of how quickly Iceland’s scenery changes as you move away from town.

Helicopters are loud and you’ll be wearing headsets, so I’d treat this as an active experience, not a relaxed nap. The upside is that the cabin time is filled with clear sightlines and frequent “look here” moments from the pilot.

Þórisjökull glacier landing: the cold, quiet highlight

The star act is the first touchdown on Þórisjökull Glacier. You’ll fly toward the glacier for the landing, and once you’re there you get time to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the weirdly calm feeling that comes with standing on ice.

This is the part I’d plan around most carefully. A glacier landing is not the same thing as looking at ice from a distance. You can feel the ground, watch the texture of snow and ice underfoot, and take in the scale from a perspective you can’t get from trails.

You even get built-in “play time” ideas: the tour information specifically mentions snowball fun like a snowball fight, plus chances to make a snow angel or build a snowman. That’s not for everyone, but it does point to something important: the landing time isn’t just rushed photo ops. It’s meant to be lived in for a bit.

Photo tip: bring a lens or phone strategy you’re comfortable with. Glaciers have bright highlights and lots of contrast, so adjust quickly between wide shots and close details of ice textures. Headset-on, gloves-on is normal here, so plan to move slowly and steady your hands.

Glymur and the jump from ice to history

Between the glacier and the later Golden Circle stops, you fly across Glymur Waterfall, which the tour describes as the highest and one of Iceland’s standout waterfalls. From the air, it’s not just a waterfall—it becomes a moving ribbon cutting through rock and valley.

This flying portion matters because it keeps the trip connected. You’re not doing one big set piece and then driving for hours to the next. The helicopter stitches the day together: ice first, then a visual “bridge” toward Þingvellir and the continental geology you’ll see next.

You’ll also be seeing multiple regions from above during these segments. Those minutes can be surprisingly satisfying if you like patterns: rivers, ridges, and farm land lines that you can’t really interpret from car windows.

Þingvellir National Park: tectonic drama in one short stop

Next comes Þingvellir National Park, on the Golden Circle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where the tour shifts from pure scenery to earth science and human history.

You’ll spend time sightseeing with a dedicated flight segment over the area, and you also get the kind of overhead perspective that makes the tectonic setting feel real. The tour specifically calls out the canyon splitting the American and Eurasian continents, plus the idea that you can see the effects of continental drift from above.

What I like about this stop is that it gives you a reason to pay attention besides aesthetics. You get a “why Iceland looks like this” moment. When the ground is actively separating beneath you, Iceland stops being a postcard and starts feeling like a living system.

There’s also mention of gazing toward Iceland’s largest lake from the area, which adds a softer, reflective counterpoint to the sharp canyon views. Even with limited ground time, the views from above help you connect the dots quickly.

Quick realism note: this part is time-efficient, not a long wandering hike. If you want hours of wandering, plan something else for another day. Here, the goal is to see a lot, then get back into the air.

Hengill geothermal landing: boiling mud, steam, and color

The second landing is at the Hengill Geothermal Area. The name comes from the Hengill volcano, sitting in a remote valley that can only be accessed by helicopter or on foot—exactly the kind of access that makes this tour feel special.

When you arrive, you’re close to hot springs and boiling mud pots. The tour notes that you can walk toward them and observe from very up close. This is the “fire” half of the title, but it’s not dramatic in the Hollywood way. It’s more strange and earthy: steam drifting, ground steaming, colors showing up in rust reds, yellows, and grays.

What I’d do here is slow down and watch. Steam changes minute by minute, and the color streaks are easier to appreciate when you’re standing still for a few breaths. If you like photography, this stop is usually where you’ll want to switch from wide scenic shots to close textures.

Safety mindset: geothermal ground can be unpredictable. Follow the pilot and guide instructions carefully, and stay within the safe walk areas. This is one of the places where good procedure matters more than “getting the best photo.”

Group size, comfort, and how the flight actually feels

This is a small group tour, limited to 6 participants. That helps in two ways: it keeps the cabin calm, and it reduces waiting on the ground during boarding and between segments. You also benefit from a guide/pilot dynamic where explanations can stay clear, not rushed.

In the feedback, people specifically mention the helicopter being well maintained and comfortable, and they praise pilots for walking through safety procedures and where you’re going and what you’re seeing. That’s exactly what I’d look for if you’re even a little nervous about flying—clear, confident communication tends to make a huge difference.

You’re in the air for about 2 hours total, including the landing time and sightseeing segments. It’s long enough to feel like you actually toured Iceland, but short enough that you won’t lose your whole day.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $931 per person

At $931 per person, this is not a “cheap thrills” tour. You’re paying for three things at once:

1) Helicopter time across multiple high-demand areas

2) Two landings at places not reachable by road in the same way

3) Time savings versus hiking long distances for similar viewpoints

If your Iceland trip is short, or you’re choosing just a few “big ticket” experiences, this is one of the more coherent ways to spend money because you get more than one wow moment. The glacier landing alone is a major draw, but the geothermal stop is what completes the contrast: ice to steam, silence to heat, blue whites to rust colors.

Could you do cheaper tours? Yes. But you’d likely trade away the landings and the tight routing. For the kind of traveler who wants rare access—getting your boots on the ground at Þórisjökull and walking near boiling mud—this price starts to make more sense.

My practical rule: if the idea of landing somewhere you can’t reach easily by car is exciting to you, you’ll feel better about paying for it. If you mainly want views from a distance, you may get the same satisfaction from a lower-cost route.

Weather, weight, and the one thing you must accept

All landings are subject to weather conditions and safety considerations. That’s not a loophole—it’s reality in Iceland. Cloud cover, wind, and safety factors can change what’s possible, so build flexibility into your schedule when you can.

There’s also a minimum number of passengers: at least 4 are required to operate the flight. If you’re booking late in your trip and the forecast isn’t ideal, plan for that possibility.

Weight matters too. If you’re over 120 kgs, you’ll need to book an additional seat. That’s important to know early so there are no surprises later.

Practical tips for getting the most out of your flight

If you want this to feel smooth rather than chaotic, plan for the working details:

• Bring layers. Even if Reykjavik feels mild, glacier and geothermal air can feel much colder or harsher once you’re actually outside.
• Dress for wind. Helicopter rides can stir up chill fast, especially during landing transitions.
• Think about photos in phases: wide shots during flight, then steady close-ups during the glacier and geothermal stops.
• Expect brief walks, not a long hike. The glacier and Hengill segments include walking time, and the Langjökull photo/walk stop is listed as 30 minutes, so plan to move comfortably.

The other smart move: schedule this for a day you can afford to be weather-flexible. If Iceland decides to be Iceland, you’ll want your day to absorb the change.

Should you book this two-landing Fire and Ice helicopter tour?

Book it if you want maximum “rare access” in a short time: a Þórisjökull glacier landing, a Hengill geothermal walking stop, plus major Iceland sights like Glymur and Þingvellir connected by helicopter flight.

Skip it (or consider a different format) if $931 feels like too much for a single activity, or if you’re the type who hates any chance of itinerary adjustment due to weather. This tour’s value depends on landing. If landing feels like a “maybe,” you’ll want to decide based on how flexible your vacation days really are.

If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: for the kind of traveler who wants a true step-onto-ice, walk-near-boiling-mud story, this is one of Iceland’s most direct paths to that kind of memory.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

Meet at ACE FBO Reykjavík behind the Reykjavik Natura Hotel.

How long is the Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour with 2 Landings?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What landings are included?

You’ll have a landing on Þórisjökull Glacier and another stop at the Hengill Geothermal Area.

Is food included in the price?

Food and drinks are not included.

What group size is this tour?

It’s listed as a small group, limited to 6 participants.

What languages are provided?

The live tour guide and audio guide are provided in English.

Can the helicopter landings be cancelled due to weather?

Yes. All landings are subject to weather conditions and safety considerations.

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

If you are over 120 kgs, you will need to book an additional seat.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.