Iceland is a land of stark contrasts, with landscapes that range from vast lava fields to towering glaciers, and from bubbling geothermal areas to serene national parks. One of the most breathtaking ways to take in the natural beauty of Iceland is from the air.

Helicopter tours offer a unique perspective, providing aerial views that are simply unforgettable. Whether you’re hovering over the Reykjanes Peninsula, circling the capital city of Reykjavik, or soaring above an erupting volcano, a helicopter tour is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Why Choose a Helicopter Tour in Iceland?

A helicopter tour in Iceland offers a bird’s-eye view of the country’s most stunning landscapes. From the moment you lift off, you’re treated to a panorama of some of the most unique areas in Iceland. But why should you consider a helicopter tour, and is it worth the investment?

The Unmatched Aerial Views

Helicopter tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to see Iceland from above. Imagine gliding over the Reykjanes Peninsula, where lava fields stretch out like a black ocean, or witnessing the icy majesty of a glacier volcano. The ability to see these landscapes from above adds a new dimension to your understanding of Iceland’s geological wonders.

helicopter tour in Iceland guide
photo from Witches and Elves Country- Kerlingarfjöll

Access to Remote and Stunning Locations

Some of Iceland’s most beautiful spots are difficult to reach by car or on foot. Helicopter tours can take you to places that are otherwise inaccessible, such as the remote geothermal areas or the peaks of national parks. This means you can see more of Iceland’s diverse landscapes in a shorter amount of time.

Unique Experiences Above Iceland’s Natural Wonders

One of the highlights of a helicopter tour is the chance to see erupting volcanoes up close. These tours offer the rare opportunity to witness nature’s power in a way that few other experiences can match. Whether you’re flying over a caldera filled with bubbling lava or skirting the edges of a glacier volcano, the sights you’ll see are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Popular Helicopter Tour Routes in Iceland

There are several helicopter tour routes to choose from, depending on what you want to see. Here are a few popular options:

Tour from Reykjavik: The Capital City and Beyond

Starting your tour from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, allows you to see both urban and natural landscapes. As you ascend, you’ll see the city’s colorful rooftops fade away, replaced by the rugged beauty of the surrounding areas.

helicopter view of Reykjavik
photo from Reykjavik Summit Helicopter Tour

The Geothermal and Volcanic Wonders

Another popular route takes you over Iceland’s geothermal areas and volcanic landscapes. This tour often includes sights like the active geothermal fields of Haukadalur or even the infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano, whose eruption in 2010 captured the world’s attention.

The Golden Circle from Above

For those wanting to see Iceland’s most famous tourist route, the Golden Circle, from a new perspective, helicopter tours offer just that. This route typically includes Thingvellir National Park, the geysers of Haukadalur, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, all viewed from a breathtaking aerial vantage point.

Are Helicopter Tours in Iceland Worth the Money?

Many travelers wonder if the cost of a helicopter tour in Iceland is justified. The answer largely depends on what you’re hoping to gain from your experience.

A Premium Experience

Helicopter tours are undeniably a premium experience. The cost can be high, but the opportunity to see Iceland from the sky is a unique experience that many find worth the investment. If you’re looking for a way to make your trip to Iceland truly unforgettable, this is one way to do it.

Consider the Alternatives

While helicopter tours offer an incredible experience, consider what you might miss if you don’t take one. Areas in Iceland like remote geothermal zones or the inside of a glacier volcano are often accessible only by air. For those who want to see as much of Iceland as possible, a helicopter tour can be an efficient and thrilling option.

Planning Your Trip: Renting a Car with Hertz Iceland

When planning your trip to Iceland, a helicopter tour is just one way to explore the island. To truly make the most of your time, renting a car is essential. With a rental car from Hertz Iceland, you can drive to the helicopter tour departure points and explore the island at your own pace.

Whether you’re visiting the Reykjanes Peninsula, the national parks, or the many other incredible areas in Iceland, having a reliable rental car will ensure you can experience everything this amazing country has to offer.

having fun in Iceland road trip with friend

Experience Iceland from Every Angle

A helicopter tour offers a spectacular view of Iceland’s natural wonders, from lava fields to erupting volcanoes. It’s an experience that complements the more grounded exploration you can enjoy with a rental car from Hertz Iceland. Whether you’re looking to see the country’s breathtaking landscapes from the air or explore them by road, Iceland offers a range of unique experiences that will stay with you long after your trip is over.

When planning your adventure, consider both the sky-high thrills of a helicopter tour and the freedom of exploring Iceland by car. Together, they’ll give you a comprehensive view of this incredible country.

Best rental car for an outdoor Iceland adventure

rent a hyundai Tucson in Iceland

Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

IFAI | Group: N3 (IFAI)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Hybrid

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. NOTE: Allowed on roads no.35 and 550. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 46 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Rent a Kia Sorento PHEV in Iceland

Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

SFDI | Group: O6 (SFDI)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 4 Large Luggage
  • Hybrid

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. NOTE: Allowed on-road no.35 and 550. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 38 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
4wd land rover defender hire in iceland

Land Rover Defender | Automatic | 4×4

PFAN | Group: G6 (PFAN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel

Suitable for highlands, Please read the Terms & Conditions. You must be 25 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 234 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
  • Fog Lamps
rent a tesla model Y in Iceland

Tesla Model Y or similar | Automatic | 4×4

UGDC | Group: V1 (UGDC)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 4 Large Luggage
  • Electric

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Traction Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
Land cruiser 5 seater rental in Iceland

5 seats Toyota Land Cruiser or similar| Automatic | 4×4

FFAR | Group: I (FFAR)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 5 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 251 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
KIA Sportage or similar| automatic | 4x4

KIA Sportage or similar | Automatic | 4×4

IFAR | Group: O (IFAR)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 156 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags