What to Expect on This Iceland Helicopter Tour
This video captures a scenic helicopter tour through Iceland's dramatic landscape, flown and guided by Jón Kjartan Björnsson, a chief pilot with over 30 years of flying experience. The tour is operated by Nordurflug Helicopter, a well-established Icelandic aviation company specializing in aerial sightseeing. Tom J.'s video documents the journey as a holiday experience, showing what passengers see and experience during an aerial adventure over Iceland's varied terrain—from glaciers and waterfalls to volcanic formations and coastline.
This type of tour suits travelers who want to see Iceland's remote and expansive geography in a single flight, without spending weeks driving between sites. If you're interested in photography, geology, or simply want a bird's-eye perspective of one of Europe's most visually striking countries, a helicopter tour offers a perspective you can't get from the ground. The video helps you understand the scale and beauty of what's visible from the air, and gives you a sense of the professionalism and experience behind the operation.
Highlights of the Flight Route and Views
- Aerial views of Iceland's diverse landscape, including glaciers and volcanic terrain
- Scenic passes over waterfalls and coastal formations visible only from above
- Professional piloting and narration from a chief pilot with extensive Hollywood film experience
- Real-time perspective of how vast and remote Iceland's interior and remote regions truly are
- Holiday-focused pacing that balances sightseeing with passenger comfort and safety
Practical Details Before Booking Your Iceland Heli Tour
- Tours are operated by Nordurflug Helicopter, a professional Icelandic air tour company with experienced, certified pilots
- Your pilot will be highly experienced—in this case, a chief pilot with over 30 years of flight time and work on major film productions
- Book in advance; scenic helicopter tours in Iceland fill up quickly, especially during summer months
- Bring a camera or smartphone with good battery life—the views are the whole point, and you'll want to capture them
- Dress warmly and in layers; even in summer, the air at altitude is cold, and cabin doors may be open for photography
- Tours operate in daylight hours; plan for Iceland's extended daylight during summer for the longest, most dramatic views
Frequently Asked Questions About Icelandic Helicopter Tours
Is it safe to fly a helicopter tour in Iceland?
Yes. Nordurflug and similar Icelandic helicopter tour operators are regulated and professional. The video features a chief pilot with over three decades of experience, including work with major film crews on productions like Oblivion and Game of Thrones—a level of expertise that speaks to safety standards and pilot skill.
How long do these tours typically last?
The video doesn't specify exact flight duration, but scenic helicopter tours in Iceland generally range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the package. Check directly with Nordurflug for their current tour lengths and coverage areas.
What's the best time of year to book a helicopter tour?
Summer offers the longest daylight hours and most stable weather, making it ideal for aerial photography and sightseeing. However, tours operate year-round. Winter flights can offer dramatic snow and ice views, though conditions are more variable. Book early regardless of season, as tours fill up quickly.
What should I bring on a helicopter tour?
Bring a charged camera or smartphone for photography, warm layers and a wind-resistant jacket, and secure any loose items. Some tours allow open-door photography; ask Nordurflug about their camera policies and whether you'll need a headset for communication with the pilot.
Can I choose my flight time or route?
Nordurflug offers scheduled tours, though some operators provide custom charter flights. Contact the company directly to ask about route variations, timing options, and whether they can accommodate specific interests like glaciers, waterfalls, or volcanic areas.
