Helicopter Tour: Reykjavik City with landing at Mount Esja

If you’re considering splurging on a helicopter tour while visiting Reykjavik, you’re in for a treat. This particular experience promises an unforgettable way to see the city’s rooftops, surrounding lakes, and volcanic terrain, culminating in a landing on Mount Esja. While I haven’t done it myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a genuinely memorable adventure that’s worth considering if you’re after a different perspective on Iceland’s capital and its natural beauty.

What I love about this experience? First, the fact that it combines city views with a landings on a mountain—something that offers a real sense of scale and awe. Second, the knowledgeable guides and pilots seem to put nervous flyers at ease, which is no small feat with helicopter rides. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the limited flight duration of around 20-25 minutes – if you’re craving hours of aerial sightseeing, this might feel a bit quick.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a spectacular overview of Reykjavik from above and are comfortable with a short helicopter flight. It’s also perfect if you’re eager to step onto volcanic terrain and see Mount Esja up close, all in a manageable timeframe. If you’re after a quick, high-impact experience rather than a lengthy tour, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Short but impactful: Approximately 20-25 minutes of flight time offers a good balance of scenery and convenience.
• All-included pricing: No surprises at checkout, with fees and taxes covered.
• Spectacular views: From Reykjavik’s rooftops and lakes to the volcanic landscapes of Mount Esja.
• Small group size: Max five travelers, which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Landing on Mount Esja: Offers a tangible connection to Iceland’s volcanic history.
• Weather-dependent: Good weather is essential; cancellations are possible but fully refundable if canceled due to poor conditions.

An In-depth Look at the Helicopter Tour Experience

The Booking and Arrival

The process is straightforward. You book at least a couple of weeks in advance—on average, about 21 days ahead—so it’s a tour that’s planned well in advance for most travelers. The tour provider, GlacierHeli, makes it easy to find your guide at Reykjavik Airport, specifically at the Ace FBO Reykjavík. The small-group nature (up to five people) really enhances the feeling of intimacy and allows for a more personal experience.

The Flight Itself – What to Expect

The flight kicks off with a quick safety briefing and boarding, after which you’ll take off and soar over Reykjavik. From above, you’ll see the city’s colorful rooftops, parks, and neighborhoods, giving you a different sense of proportion and layout—you’ll realize just how compact and vibrant Reykjavik is. The flight time, roughly 20 to 25 minutes, might seem short, but reviews show that it’s enough to get a solid sense of the city and its surroundings.

The highlight here is definitely the view of Mount Esja, a volcanic mountain with dramatic basalt rocks and lava fields. The helicopter lands on its rugged terrain, which is a pretty unique opportunity. You’ll get about ten minutes on foot once on the mountain, enough for some photos, taking in the sweeping vistas, and feeling the wind on your face.

What Makes Mount Esja Special

This volcanic range is not just visually stunning but also steeped in Iceland’s geological past. The basalt rocks, lava flows, and magma ash tell stories of eruptions long gone. The lush greens contrasting the volcanic rock give the area a rugged, wild charm. The reviews emphasize how the experience of landing here feels like stepping into another world—an untouched, natural playground.

The Views You’ll Love

You’ll see Reykjavik from a new angle—an aerial view that’s hard to match. Beyond the city, the scenery extends to lakes, the harbor, and even distant geothermal sites like the Blue Lagoon. One reviewer mentions getting a “different perspective” on Reykjavik and its surroundings, including sights like the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon from above, which adds to the tour’s appeal.

The Pilot and Guides

Reviews repeatedly highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the pilots and guides. One reviewer said, “Our pilot was super and put us at ease even if we were a bit nervous,” which is reassuring if flying isn’t your everyday thing. The guides also seem to give ample time on the ground, allowing visitors to appreciate the scenery fully.

The Practicalities and Value

Duration and Group Size

At just under half an hour of flight time, this tour offers a quick but impactful experience. The small group size (up to five people) guarantees a more tailored experience, and you won’t be stuck in a large crowd. This is perfect if you’re after an intimate adventure that doesn’t take up your whole day.

Cost and Value

Priced at $309.99 per person, this isn’t a cheap outing, but many reviews suggest it’s worth the premium for the views and the experience of landing on Mount Esja. Given that all fees and taxes are included, there are no hidden costs, which is always a plus. If you’re someone who values a unique perspective and a memorable photo opportunity, this might justify the price.

Weather and Cancellations

Since this is a weather-dependent activity, flexible travelers should keep in mind that poor conditions could lead to cancellations. The good news is, if canceled due to weather, you can reschedule or get a full refund. If you need to cancel within 24 hours, though, you’ll lose your money, so planning with some flexibility is wise.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that most participants found this tour to be “unforgettable” and “stunning,” with one person mentioning that the pilot had not even flown Mount Esja before, making it a first for everyone involved. The experience of seeing Reykjavik from the sky and landing on a mountain terrain clearly resonates with travelers, especially those looking for something beyond the usual sightseeing.

People also appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to check out the area after landing, making the experience feel more immersive. The sense of safety and ease conveyed by pilots put even nervous flyers at ease, which makes this experience accessible to more travelers.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This helicopter tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a spectacular, short flight that packs a punch. It suits those interested in geology, photography, or simply wanting a memorable story to tell. If you’re comfortable with a quick flight and want to see Reykjavik and Mount Esja from above, this is a solid choice.

It may not be perfect for travelers with a fear of flying or those seeking a lengthy aerial exploration, but for most, the focused, high-impact nature of this tour hits the mark. It’s also a wonderful treat for anyone wanting a special moment on their trip—perhaps a celebration or a bucket-list goal.

Final Thoughts

This helicopter tour offers an eye-opening way to view Reykjavik and its surrounding volcanic landscapes. The short flight time means you get a quick burst of stunning scenery without a huge commitment, and the landing on Mount Esja adds a tangible element of adventure. The included landings and knowledgeable guides make it a safe, enjoyable experience that’s appreciated by most travelers.

If you’re after a unique, scenic adventure and don’t mind the weather-dependent nature of helicopter flights, this experience is well worth considering. It’s especially appealing for those who want a personalized feel and memorable photos of Iceland from above.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a multi-hour aerial tour or are sensitive to flying, you might want to explore other options. But for sheer wow factor and a chance to land on a volcanic mountain, this tour hits most of the right notes.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families?
While the tour is generally accessible to most travelers, the small group size and helicopter flight might make it more suitable for older children or teens rather than very young kids. Always check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

How long is the helicopter flight?
The flight lasts approximately 20 to 25 minutes, which provides enough time to see Reykjavik from above and land on Mount Esja without it feeling rushed.

Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, the total weight per passenger should not exceed 265 lbs, which is good to keep in mind if you’re on the heavier side.

What’s included in the price?
All fees and taxes are covered, so you won’t need to pay extra on the spot. The ticket also includes the landing fee at Mount Esja.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera for the incredible views. Dress appropriately for the weather—layers are always wise in Iceland, especially if it’s windy or rainy.

Will the tour be canceled in bad weather?
Yes, this activity depends on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about three weeks ahead, but it’s wise to reserve at least 21 days in advance to secure your spot.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, but within that window, no refund is available.

If you’re craving a bird’s-eye view of Reykjavik and the surrounding volcanic landscape, this helicopter tour with a mountain landing ticks all the boxes. It’s a short, impactful trip that combines adventure with breathtaking scenery and just enough time to satisfy your wanderlust.