What do you see on a helicopter tour to Iceland's Fagradalsfjall volcano? — featuring Stephen Hill (Heli Austria)

In this video: Helicopter Tour to the Iceland Volcano at Fagradalsfjall (Geldingadalsgos)

Stephen Hill · 5 years ago

How many eruptions were active during this tour?

The video shows four eruptions currently taking place in mid-April. The number of active eruption points at Fagradalsfjall varies over time as volcanic activity evolves, so the current number may differ from when this tour was filmed.

At a glance

Length
4 min
Channel
Stephen Hill
Video from
Apr 2021
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Adventure travelers and geology enthusiasts seeking aerial volcano views in Iceland

What this video answers

  • How many eruptions were active during this tour?
  • Who operates these helicopter tours to the volcano?
  • What makes this better than hiking to the volcano on foot?
  • When is the best time to book this tour?
  • What should I expect in terms of flight duration and physical demands?
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Overview of This Iceland Volcano Helicopter Tour

This helicopter tour review captures a scenic flight to Fagradalsfjall, Iceland's newest volcano located in the Geldingadalur valley on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The video documents an aerial journey operated by Heli Austria, a professional helicopter tour company based in Iceland, offering visitors a rare chance to see active volcanic eruptions from above. The tour captures the raw power of the landscape at a moment when the volcano was particularly active in mid-April, with four separate eruption points visible during the flight.

This experience suits adventurous travelers who want to witness Iceland's geological drama without a lengthy hike, or those with mobility considerations who still want to reach the volcano. It's ideal for photographers, geology enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an unforgettable aerial perspective of one of Earth's most dynamic natural phenomena. The flight provides access to a location that would otherwise require significant effort to reach on foot, making it a practical choice for time-limited visitors.

Key Moments

What You'll See on the Fagradalsfjall Volcano Flight

  • Four active eruption points visible from the helicopter during the mid-April tour
  • The Geldingadalur valley landscape from an aerial vantage point unavailable to ground visitors
  • The Reykjanes Peninsula's geological features and volcanic terrain
  • Real-time volcanic activity and lava flow patterns from above
  • Professional helicopter operations and safety procedures in action
Featured image for the guide to Helicopter Tour to the Iceland Volcano at Fagradalsfjall (Geldingadalsgos) by Stephen Hill

Essential Details Before Booking Your Volcano Flight

  • Book through Heli Austria (heliaustriaiceland.is), a company praised in the video for running an "amazing and professional operation"
  • Volcanic activity levels vary seasonally and by eruption phase—confirm current conditions before booking, as the number of active eruption points changes
  • Weather in Iceland can shift quickly; be prepared for potential rescheduling and have flexible dates if possible
  • Tours fill up rapidly during peak volcanic activity periods, so book as soon as you confirm your Iceland travel dates
  • The video was filmed in mid-April, showing what spring-season visibility and conditions can offer

Common Questions About Volcanic Helicopter Tours in Iceland

How many eruptions were active during this tour?

The video shows four eruptions currently taking place in mid-April. The number of active eruption points at Fagradalsfjall varies over time as volcanic activity evolves, so the current number may differ from when this tour was filmed.

Who operates these helicopter tours to the volcano?

Heli Austria runs the tour featured in the video and is specifically recommended for their professional and well-organized operation. They can be booked at heliaustriaiceland.is.

What makes this better than hiking to the volcano on foot?

The helicopter provides aerial views of the eruption points and surrounding landscape that are impossible to see from ground level, covers the distance in minutes rather than hours, and is accessible to those who cannot undertake a demanding hike. The vantage point captures the scale and patterns of lava flows and multiple eruption zones simultaneously.

When is the best time to book this tour?

Tours should be booked as early as possible, as spots fill up quickly—especially during periods of active volcanic eruption. Booking several weeks in advance is wise if you have fixed travel dates. Availability varies with seasonal volcanic activity and weather conditions.

What should I expect in terms of flight duration and physical demands?

While the video does not explicitly state flight length, helicopter volcano tours typically last 30–60 minutes total. The experience requires minimal physical exertion since you remain seated in the aircraft, making it suitable for most fitness levels and ages.

A still from the video Helicopter Tour to the Iceland Volcano at Fagradalsfjall (Geldingadalsgos) by Stephen Hill
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Key Terms

Fagradalsfjall
Iceland's newest volcano, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjavik.
Geldingadalur valley
The valley in southwestern Iceland where Fagradalsfjall is situated and where volcanic eruptions have been active.
Reykjanes Peninsula
A volcanic region in southwestern Iceland, northwest of the capital Reykjavik, known for geothermal and volcanic activity.
Volcanic eruption
The sudden release of lava, gas, and rock from a volcano, visible as glowing lava fountains or flows.

Sources: Fagradalsfjall · Geldingadalur valley · Reykjanes Peninsula · Volcanic eruption — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video does an excellent job of showing what an active volcano actually looks like from a helicopter, removing the guesswork about whether the tour is worth the investment. The footage is clear enough to appreciate the scale of the eruptions and the landscape, and the video's emphasis on Heli Austria's professionalism gives viewers confidence in booking safely.

What I appreciated most was how the video captures the reality of the tour rather than overselling it—you see the actual volcanic activity, the helicopter operation, and get a genuine sense of what to expect. If you're considering a scenic flight in Iceland and want to see something truly spectacular and geologically significant, this tour comes highly recommended.

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 Stephen Hill on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Description

In this video we take a helicopter ride to Iceland's newest volcano in the Geldingadalur valley on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

The tour was with Heli Austria (https://www.heliaustriaiceland.is/). They ran an amazing and professional operation. Highly recommended!

At about one minute in you can see the four eruptions currently (mid-April) taking place.

Music from Bensound.com.

Video transcript for “Helicopter Tour to the Iceland Volcano at Fagradalsfjall (Geldingadalsgos)” Accessibility

A full written transcript of this video, provided for accessibility. Select any timestamp to jump the video to that moment.

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Hi Ho

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