Overview of This Iceland Helicopter Volcano Tour
This helicopter tour review follows two adventurers as they fly over an active volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, landing on the 6.2-mile-long Eldvörp Crater to explore on foot. The experience is offered by Norðurflug Helicopter Tours, which operates from Reykjanes Airport, and combines aerial views of erupting Sundhnúkur with a ground landing where you can walk across fresh volcanic terrain and see geothermal steam vents. The entire journey showcases the raw power of Earth's geology in real time—lava fields of different ages, volcanic cones stretching for miles, and the heat so intense that pilots must adjust their flight path to maintain lift.
This experience is built for thrill-seekers and geology enthusiasts who want more than a scenic flight. If you've dreamed of seeing an active volcano up close or standing on terrain that's actively being reshaped by geological forces, this tour delivers exactly that. The video makes clear that this is not a casual sightseeing run; it requires flexibility, advance booking, and comfort with unpredictable Icelandic weather—but the payoff is unforgettable.
Highlights From the Helicopter Eruption Tour
- Landing on the Eldvörp Crater and stepping out onto a 6.2-mile-long volcanic formation formed between 1210 and 1240, with drone footage showing the sprawling geological colors and formations
- Flying directly over the active Sundhnúkur eruption zone and seeing the two massive cauldrons described as "the gateway to hell," with multiple low passes so both sides of the helicopter get clear views
- Experiencing the helicopter bounce and sway from the intense heat rising off active lava, which pilots must account for by picking up airspeed to maintain control
- Viewing the contrast between older and newer lava flows across the 30-kilometer volcanic field, plus geothermal steam vents where locals historically baked bread
- Final approach with views of Reykjanes city and Hallgrímskirkja church (Iceland's tallest structure) framed against the landscape you've just flown over
What to Know Before Booking Your Volcano Helicopter Flight
- Booking and Flexibility: Plan well in advance—the video shows the passengers rescheduling three times—and be prepared to pivot. Icelandic weather is highly unpredictable, and weather delays are common.
- Duration and Ground Time: Your time on the crater is approximately 15 minutes, which can be spent flying with a drone, exploring the immediate area on foot, or both.
- Seating: The pilot assigns seats based on aircraft weight distribution for safety, so you and travel companions may not sit together.
- Physical Demands: You must be able to climb into the helicopter, fasten a lap belt, and wear a headset. The cabin experiences real heat and turbulence near the eruption zone.
- Motion Sickness Prevention: Ginger capsules (500 mg) are recommended by the video creators as an effective preventative for air sickness during the flight.
- Flight Traffic: This is a popular tour; you will see other helicopters in the airspace, especially on clear-weather days when multiple tours operate simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iceland's Active Volcano Helicopter Tours
How close does the helicopter actually get to the eruption?
The video shows the aircraft flying low enough to see the two massive volcanic cauldrons clearly and feel the heat rising from active lava in the helicopter cabin. Pilots make multiple passes to ensure good views from both sides, and the shadow of the helicopter is visible over the lava field in footage.
What happens if weather cancels the tour?
Bad weather can postpone your flight indefinitely. The video emphasizes that you should book far in advance and remain flexible with your schedule. The crew had to reschedule this particular tour three times before conditions allowed takeoff, so budget extra days into your Iceland itinerary if this tour is a priority.
Can you take photos and video on the tour?
Yes. The video shows the passenger flying a drone from the crater landing and shooting video from inside the helicopter. You should confirm camera policies with Norðurflug when booking, but this tour clearly welcomes documentation.
Is it safe to fly over an active eruption?
Norðurflug is a licensed operator, and the pilot (Wolf, in this video) performs full safety checks, helps passengers with seat belts, and manages the aircraft professionally even in challenging heat conditions. The video crew emphasizes gratitude for the company keeping them safe throughout. That said, there is inherent risk in flying in volcanic regions; you accept this when booking.
How far is the tour from Reykjanes or Keflavík International Airport?
Norðurflug operates from Reykjanes Airport, which is much closer than Keflavík International (the main international airport, roughly 45 minutes south of Reykjavík). The Blue Lagoon and Keflavík Airport are also nearby, making this a convenient add-on to a south-coast Iceland itinerary.
