Landmannalaugar: Helicopter tour with 3 Landings

A Helicopter Tour Through Iceland’s Iconic Landscapes: Landmannalaugar and Beyond

If you’re dreaming of seeing Iceland’s most dramatic sights in a compact, exhilarating package, this helicopter tour with 3 landings could be just what you need. Covering everything from the historical Þingvellir National Park to the fiery glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull, this experience promises spectacular aerial views plus the chance to get close to some of Iceland’s most photogenic spots — if weather allows.

What truly caught our eye is how the tour balances aerial sightseeing with landings that give you a taste of the wilderness and geothermal marvels. It’s a chance to see Iceland’s diversity in a relatively short time and from a perspective that’s hard to match. That being said, because the tour is heavily weather-dependent, flexibility is key — even if the day is cloudy, you’ll still enjoy the views from the sky.

This experience is best suited for those who have a sense of adventure, love stunning landscapes, and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability with weather. Perfect for photography buffs, nature lovers, or anyone eager to tick Iceland’s highlights off their bucket list with a unique aerial twist.

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: You’ll fly over iconic landmarks like Gullfoss, Geysir, and the rugged Highlands, offering unmatched photo opportunities.
• Multiple Landings: With three planned stops, you’ll get the chance to explore, walk, and snap photos in some of Iceland’s most breathtaking spots.
• Expert Guides & Small Groups: The tour is limited to five participants, ensuring personalized attention and insights from knowledgeable guides.
• Weather Flexibility: The itinerary includes several weather-dependent landings, but even the aerial views are worth the trip.
• Unique Perspective: Seeing Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal areas from above offers a truly fresh experience.
• Added Luxury: The tour now includes a serene geothermal bath, adding a relaxing, thermal experience to the adventure.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The adventure begins at the Ace FBO in Reykjavík, where you meet your pilot and guide. The small group size means you’re not just a face in the crowd — expect a more intimate, tailored trip. Once airborne, the helicopter takes you on a roughly 3-hour journey through some of Iceland’s most famed sights.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start with Reykjavík & Þingvellir
Just a quick 10-minute flight from the capital, the tour kicks off with a bird’s eye view of Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll see the Almannagjá fissure and the Silfra rift, geological features born from the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drifting apart. This area is also historic, being Iceland’s site of political assembly since 930 AD. It’s a must-see for history buffs and those fascinated by Earth’s geological forces.

Next stop: Geysir
A brief 5-minute flight lands you near the bubbling geothermal area, home to the famous Great Geysir. Watching these eruptions from the air is impressive, especially as boiling water shoots up to 70 meters in the air. The geothermal pools, with their rainbow hues, add vibrant colors against the steaming landscape. Weather can influence the landing here, but the aerial views alone are enough to wow.

Gullfoss Waterfall
Another 5-minute hop delivers you over Gullfoss, Iceland’s iconic double cascade. From above, the waterfall plunges into a deep canyon, creating a spectacular scene that’s hard to beat from any angle. It’s a perfect example of Iceland’s raw power and beauty.

Haifoss & Wilderness Waterfalls
One of the highlights, Haifoss, provides a 30-minute stop. The waterfall drops an impressive 122 meters into a narrow gorge — a stunning sight that many travelers miss due to its remote location. You’ll have time for photos and a short walk, which some reviewers, like Lesley, say was “a magnificent wilderness waterfall.”

Fjallabak & Landmannalaugar
This part of the tour takes you over the highlands’ volcanic terrain, with its vibrant rhyolite mountains. Landmannalaugar, in particular, is famous for its surreal colors — reds, yellows, greens, and purples — inspired by volcanic activity. Even if landing isn’t possible, the aerial view alone makes it clear why this area is a favorite among hikers and photographers. The guide’s insights help you understand the geology behind these striking landscapes.

Thórsmörk
Next, you fly over Þórsmörk, a lush, forested valley surrounded by glaciers and mountains. From the helicopter, you’ll see the contrast of dense vegetation amid the otherwise barren highlands — a true testament to Iceland’s diverse climate zones. The 20-minute flight here grants you a panoramic look at this lush retreat, which reviewers note is “an escape into Iceland’s wilderness.”

Eyjafjallajökull Glacier
One of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes, Eyjafjallajökull, known for its 2010 eruption, gets a dedicated stop. The glacier’s icy cap and the volcanic crater beneath are awe-inspiring. You might get a chance for a short walk, weather permitting, to internalize the scale of this natural marvel.

Final Stops: Gullfoss & Háifoss from the air
The tour wraps up with a flight over Gullfoss once again, this time from a different perspective, and culminates over Háifoss, a hidden gem for lovers of waterfalls and pristine nature. Both sites offer perfect photo ops from the sky, leaving you with unforgettable images of Iceland’s majestic waterfalls.

The Added Touch: Secluded Geothermal Bath

What elevates this tour beyond just flying over landscapes is the inclusion of a geothermal bath. After the aerial adventure, you get the chance to relax in soothing thermal waters, a perfect way to unwind and reflect on your journey. This feature is especially appealing after a physically active day, combining the thrill of flight with the serenity of nature’s own spa.

Practical Details & What You Need to Know

• Duration: The entire experience lasts around 3 hours. Make sure to check the available starting times when booking.
• Small Group: Limited to 5 participants, which ensures a more personal and flexible experience.
• Language: Guides and pilots speak English, and an audio guide is included, providing contextual insights during the flight.
• Price & Value: While not cheap, the price reflects the exclusivity, the multiple landings, and the scenic variety. The experience offers a rare blend of aerial and land-based exploration, making it a worthy splurge for those eager to experience Iceland’s highlights without long drives or crowds.
• Weather Considerations: Since several landings depend on weather, flexibility and patience are necessary. Even if some stops are altered or canceled, the aerial views compensate—reviewers mention that even when landings are limited, the views are still “magnificent.”

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

Lesley’s review echoes the sentiments of many: “Outstanding trip. Our pilot plotted a route to avoid bad weather and because it wasn’t possible to land at the thermal pool, we had an extra landing at a magnificent wilderness waterfall.” This highlights that guides are attentive and flexible, making the best of the day’s conditions.

Another review points out the value of the personalized nature of the tour — with only five guests, everyone gets a good view and plenty of time to ask questions or take photos. The pilot’s knowledge, combined with the scenic variety, makes this a memorable adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This helicopter experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a comprehensive, visually stunning tour of Iceland’s highlights in one go. Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, or those celebrating a special occasion, it appeals to anyone eager for a luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime view of Iceland’s diverse terrain.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who don’t mind weather-dependent plans, as the tour is designed to maximize sightseeing whether or not every planned landing is possible.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a unique perspective on Iceland’s most iconic sights, blending aerial views with land explorations. While the weather can influence the experience, the combination of stunning landscapes, knowledgeable guides, and the thrill of flight makes it a standout choice for anyone with a sense of adventure and a love for nature.

The inclusion of a geothermal bath adds a relaxing finish, making it more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s a full sensory experience. Though it’s on the pricier side, the exclusivity and variety of sights justify the cost for many travelers.

For those looking to see Iceland’s highlights from above with the added thrill of landing amid some of its most stunning scenery, this helicopter tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized, and truly memorable adventure.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts about 3 hours, including flights, landings, and sightseeing stops.

Are there landings at all the sites?
There are 3 planned landings, but some may be weather-dependent. Even without all landings, aerial views are spectacular.

What sites will I see from the helicopter?
You’ll see Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Haifoss, Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, Eyjafjallajökull, among others.

Is the tour suitable for photography?
Absolutely. The views are photo-perfect; the small group size also means plenty of time for photos.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly and in layers — weather can be cool and windy even in summer. Secure your hat and glasses if you have them.

Is the geothermal bath part of the package?
Yes, the experience now includes a secluded thermal bath, perfect for relaxing after the flight.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is flexible, and guides will try to maximize sightseeing even if some landings are canceled. The aerial views are often still impressive.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay closer to the date, which helps with flexible planning.

Whether you’re after breathtaking vistas, a taste of Iceland’s geothermal energy, or just a thrilling adventure, this helicopter tour delivers all that with style. Just remember to keep your camera ready and your sense of wonder alive — the skies over Iceland are truly unforgettable.