Iceland Travel Guide logo Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND My trip Talk to a local

Waterfalls & Valleys Helicopter Tour

70–90 minutesGroup: Shared flightEasyHelicopter from ReykjavíkAll agesAll year
5.0(1 review)
Glymur waterfall from the airHelicopter and passengers after landingWaterfalls in a green canyonGlymur waterfall and its gorge
Passengers beside the helicopter at sunset

A shorter helicopter tour from Reykjavík that flies you over Glymur, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, and the Þingvellir rift valley, then lands in a quiet geothermal valley with hot springs and mud pots.

Reykjavík and Mount EsjaGlymur waterfallÞingvellir National ParkHengill geothermal valley
  • One of the shortest helicopter tours on offer, good if time is limited
  • Flies over Glymur, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls
  • A pass over the Þingvellir rift valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • A landing in a remote geothermal valley with hot springs and mud pots
  • Departs from central Reykjavík

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Meet at the helicopter baseCheck in at the hangar in Reykjavík before the flight.
2Reykjavík and Mount EsjaReykjavík and Mount EsjaTake off and fly over the city and the Esja mountain range.
Reykjavík and Mount EsjaReykjavík and Mount EsjaReykjavík and Mount Esja

The flight starts with views over Reykjavík and the Esja range that sits across the bay from the city, the highest point of which is 914 m. There is no stop here, as you are in the air.

In the air · flying, no stop here
Read our Esja guide →
3Glymur waterfall from the airGlymur waterfallFly over one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls.
Glymur waterfall from the airGlymur waterfall and its gorgeGlymur waterfall in its gorge

Glymur drops 198 metres into a narrow, mossy canyon fed by the Botnsá river, which flows from the lake Hvalvatn. It was long thought to be Iceland's tallest waterfall, until Morsárfoss in Skaftafell was measured as taller in 2011. Unlike most of the famous waterfalls it cannot be seen from a car park: the hike is about 7 kilometres round trip, takes 3 to 4 hours, and includes a river crossing and steep sections.

In the air · flying, no stop here
Read our Glymur guide →
4Þingvellir National ParkÞingvellir National ParkA pass over the rift valley where two tectonic plates meet.
Þingvellir National ParkÞingvellir National ParkÞingvellir National Park

Þingvellir is where Iceland's parliament, the Alþingi, first met in 930, and it lies in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian plates are pulling apart. Chieftains gathered here every summer, laws were recited from the Lögberg (Law Rock), and the plain below still shows where the assembly booths stood. The lake beside it, Þingvallavatn, is the largest natural lake in Iceland. The park is free to enter and open all year.

In the air · flying, no stop here
Read our Þingvellir National Park guide →
5Helicopter and passengers after landingHengill geothermal valley landingLand in a remote valley with hot springs and mud pots.
Helicopter and passengers after landingPassengers beside the helicopter at sunsetSteam vents in a green valley

The helicopter lands on an old volcano in the Hengill geothermal area. The ground steams around you, with hot springs and boiling mud pots nearby. There are no marked paths, so you follow your guide closely.

Time here · about 15 minutesFacilities · none, undeveloped siteTip · watch your footing, ground can be soft near hot spots
6Back to ReykjavíkReturn flight and landing at the helicopter base.

About the waterfalls helicopter tour Iceland

This is a good option if you want the experience of a helicopter flight without giving up a whole morning. The route heads out over Reykjavík and Mount Esja, then to Glymur waterfall and the Þingvellir area, before landing in the Hengill geothermal valley.

The landing spot is on an old volcano in a geothermal area, with steaming ground, hot springs and mud pots around you. It is undeveloped, with no paths or safety ropes, so you stay close to your guide and watch your footing.

Weather affects helicopter flights more than road tours, so be ready for the route or timing to shift a little, especially in winter when daylight is short. Even in summer it can be windy at altitude and at the landing site, so bring a warm layer.

Included

  • Helicopter flight with pilot commentary
  • One landing in the Hengill geothermal area

Not included

  • Transport to and from the helicopter base
  • Food and drinks

What to bring

  • Warm layered clothing
  • Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
  • Camera

Good to know

  • The tour is 70–90 minutes, including a landing at Hengill
  • No minimum age; infants (0–1) and children (2–12) have their own prices
  • Minimum 2 people per tour
  • All year, though winter flights depend more on weather and daylight
  • Meet at Nauthólsvegur 58d, hangar 1, near Reykjavík Domestic Airport
  • Passengers over 120 kg may need to pay for an extra seat
  • Your exact start time is emailed to you after booking, and the operator will ask for each passenger's approximate weight
  • Minimum 2 people per booking.

Questions people ask

Is this a good first helicopter tour?

Yes, it is one of the shorter and more affordable options, good if you want a taste of helicopter sightseeing without a long time commitment.

Is the landing site developed, with paths?

No, it is a natural geothermal area with no marked paths or ropes. You stay close to your guide.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The operator will try to reschedule you, or offer a refund if no other slot works.

Where do we meet?

At the helicopter hangar at Nauthólsvegur 58d, near Reykjavík Domestic Airport, a few minutes from downtown.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 1 review
5 stars1
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Incredible Experience!

The helicopter tour in Iceland was incredible! Flying over Glymur waterfall was like seeing nature's power up close. We also soared above geothermal areas, with steam rising from the ground – it felt like flying over a colorful painting. Then, we hovered over Þingvellir National Park, where I could see ancient valleys and historic spots. The pilot shared cool info, making it even more interesting. It was a simple, amazing adventure that gave me a whole new perspective on Iceland's beauty.

Alexandra · February 2024
From89,900 ISKPer person · Minimum 2 people per booking

You may also like

Icelandic Grandeur Helicopter TourIcelandic Grandeur Helicopter TourFrom 903,600 ISKHelicopter Happy Hour Tour IcelandHelicopter Happy Hour Tour IcelandFrom 49,900 ISKFire and Ice Helicopter Tour IcelandFire and Ice Helicopter Tour IcelandFrom 679,600 ISK
More tours like this:Helicopter and airplane toursSightseeing tours in IcelandReykjavík toursAll categories →
Our guides to places on this tour:EsjaGlymurReykjavíkÞingvellir National Park
From89,900 ISK