What do you see on a Westfjords helicopter tour? — featuring Norðurflug Helicopter Tours

In this video: Westfjords helicopter tour

Norðurflug Helicopter Tours · 8 years ago

Is this tour suitable for first-time helicopter flyers?

Yes. The video demonstrates a safe, professionally operated tour with an experienced pilot. Norðurflug is an established helicopter tour operator in Iceland with a strong safety record, making it a reliable choice for those new to aerial tours.

At a glance

Length
5 min
Channel
Norðurflug Helicopter Tours
Video from
Jan 2018
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Adventure travelers seeking remote Icelandic scenery and unique aerial perspectives.

What this video answers

  • Is this tour suitable for first-time helicopter flyers?
  • What is the best time of year to book this tour?
  • Can you see the Westfjords by road instead of by helicopter?
  • How far in advance should I book?
  • What should I bring on the tour?
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Overview of This Westfjords Helicopter Tour

The Wonderful Westfjords tour, operated by Norðurflug Helicopter Tours, takes you on an aerial journey through one of Iceland's most remote and dramatic landscapes. Filmed during the summer of 2017 with pilot Sólveig, this helicopter tour showcases the rugged fjords, steep cliffs, and isolated valleys that define the Westfjords region in northwest Iceland. The video captures the scale and beauty of this rarely visited corner of the country—a place where traditional fishing villages nestle between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

This experience suits travelers who want to see Iceland's wilderness from above without the commitment of a multi-day road trip into rough terrain. If you're drawn to remote scenery, dramatic coastal views, and the sense of genuine exploration, a helicopter tour review of this region will help you decide whether an aerial adventure matches your travel style. The Westfjords are less crowded than Iceland's southern coast, making this an ideal choice for visitors seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path landscapes.

What You'll See on the Wonderful Westfjords Route

  • Deep fjords carved into mountainous terrain, with steep walls rising directly from the sea
  • Isolated fishing villages and remote settlements tucked into valleys
  • Dramatic coastal cliffs and rocky shorelines shaped by Atlantic waves
  • Arctic tundra-like landscape with minimal vegetation across high plateaus
  • Sweeping views of the region's intricate geography—waterways, peninsulas, and mountain ridges—all at once
Featured image for the guide to Westfjords helicopter tour by Norðurflug Helicopter Tours

Practical Details for Your Westfjords Helicopter Experience

  • The tour operates during summer months when weather conditions are most stable and daylight is nearly continuous
  • Booking in advance is essential, as popular dates and time slots fill quickly
  • Dress warmly in layers, as it is cold at altitude even in summer, and bring a secure camera or phone to capture the views
  • Sit by the window when possible to maximize your sightseeing and photography opportunities
  • The Westfjords region has unpredictable weather; flexibility with your tour date improves your chances of clear flying conditions

Frequently Asked Questions About Westfjords Helicopter Tours

Is this tour suitable for first-time helicopter flyers?

Yes. The video demonstrates a safe, professionally operated tour with an experienced pilot. Norðurflug is an established helicopter tour operator in Iceland with a strong safety record, making it a reliable choice for those new to aerial tours.

What is the best time of year to book this tour?

Summer is ideal for Westfjords helicopter tours. The video was filmed in summer 2017, when weather is more predictable, visibility is excellent, and daylight hours are long, giving you maximum time in the air and better chances of clear views.

Can you see the Westfjords by road instead of by helicopter?

The Westfjords are accessible by car, but many remote areas require rough mountain roads or can only be viewed from specific vantage points on land. The helicopter gives you a comprehensive aerial perspective of the entire region in one tour, showing details and scale impossible to grasp from the ground.

How far in advance should I book?

Booking several weeks ahead is recommended, especially during peak summer season. Popular time slots and favorable weather windows fill quickly, so securing your spot early improves your flexibility and options.

What should I bring on the tour?

Bring warm clothing in layers, sunglasses, and a camera or phone with a secure grip or holder to capture photos. The combination of altitude, wind, and bright Arctic light means you'll want protection and the ability to safely photograph the stunning views.

A still from the video Westfjords helicopter tour by Norðurflug Helicopter Tours
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Key Terms

Westfjords
A remote region in northwest Iceland known for deep fjords, steep mountains, and isolated coastal settlements.
Fjord
A narrow inlet of the sea between high cliffs or mountains, typically carved by glaciers.
Arctic tundra
Treeless, windswept landscape found in cold regions, characterized by low vegetation and permafrost.
Visibility
The clarity of the air and distance you can see clearly, critical for safe helicopter flying and photography.

Sources: Westfjords · Fjord · Arctic tundra · Visibility — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video is genuinely helpful because it shows you exactly what the Westfjords look like from the air—the scale of the fjords, the texture of the terrain, and the isolation of settlements—rather than just describing them. You see pilot Sólveig's expertise and the professionalism of Norðurflug in action, which builds confidence in the operator.

What impressed me most was how the aerial perspective reveals the Westfjords' true character: a landscape so remote and intricate that a helicopter is arguably the best way to understand its geography in a single flight. If you're serious about seeing Iceland's wildest corner, this tour deserves your attention and an early booking.

Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

Years on the front lines of helicopter tour coordination — not as a travel blogger, but as the person responsible for making every guest experience go right. Managed 2,000+ cruise guests weekly as Shore Excursions staff aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii Personally coordinated with helicopter tour operators to confirm age, weight, and safety requirements.

Video by Norðurflug Helicopter Tours on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Description

This was filmed during our Wonderful Westfjords tour in the summer of 2017 with pilot Sólveig.

Read all about the tour here: https://helicopter.is/helicopter-tours/wonders-of-westfjords/

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