Helicopter Tour to the Iceland Volcano at Fagradalsfjall (Geldingadalsgos)

Stephen Hill · 5 years ago

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 considering an Iceland volcano experience.

Overview of This Iceland Volcano Helicopter Tour

This video follows a helicopter tour to Fagradalsfjall, Iceland's newest volcano located in the Geldingadalur valley on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The footage captures an aerial perspective of active volcanic activity, offering viewers a rare glimpse of one of Earth's most dramatic geological events from above. The tour was operated by Heli Austria, a company that the videographer describes as running a professional and well-organized operation.

This experience suits anyone with a strong interest in geology, volcanology, or Iceland's natural wonders, as well as adventure travelers seeking something genuinely extraordinary beyond typical sightseeing tours. If you're drawn to geothermal landscapes and don't mind heights, watching lava erupt from a helicopter seat represents a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on an active volcanic system.

What You'll See on This Volcanic Flight

  • Multiple active eruptions visible from the air—the video shows four separate eruption sites active during the mid-April timeframe of this tour
  • The Geldingadalur valley landscape from above, revealing the geographic context of the volcanic activity and surrounding terrain
  • Dramatic aerial views of the Reykjanes Peninsula, one of Iceland's most geologically active regions
  • Close-range helicopter perspectives on lava flows and volcanic formations that ground-level visitors cannot safely access
  • The contrast between Iceland's barren volcanic landscape and any surrounding vegetation or settlements visible from altitude
Featured image for the guide to Helicopter Tour to the Iceland Volcano at Fagradalsfjall (Geldingadalsgos) by Stephen Hill

What to Know Before Booking Your Volcano Helicopter Tour

  • Tours operate through professional operators like Heli Austria, which the videographer specifically recommends for their professionalism and operational standards
  • Volcanic activity levels vary—the video was filmed in mid-April with four active eruptions, but conditions change seasonally and unpredictably, which may affect what you see on your flight
  • Helicopter tours to active volcanoes require booking in advance with established tour companies; last-minute availability depends on weather and volcanic conditions
  • Weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and may affect flight schedules or visibility, so flexibility with your booking date is useful
  • This is an aerial-only experience; the tour does not include ground-level volcano hiking or extended time on the volcanic terrain
  • The video evidence suggests this tour delivers professional, safety-conscious operations with experienced crew handling the aircraft and route planning

Common Questions About Iceland's Volcano Helicopter Tours

When is the best time to see Fagradalsfjall volcano by helicopter?

The video was filmed in mid-April when four eruptions were active. However, volcanic activity is unpredictable and changes over months and years. Contact Heli Austria or other operators directly to learn whether the volcano is currently erupting and what recent conditions have been like.

How long does a helicopter tour to Fagradalsfjall last?

The video does not specify the total tour duration or flight time. Contact your chosen operator to confirm whether tours last 30 minutes, one hour, or longer, and whether that includes ground time or briefing.

Is this tour safe for people afraid of heights?

While the video shows professional operations and safe equipment, a helicopter tour inherently involves significant altitude. If you're uncomfortable with heights, this experience may not suit you, regardless of safety record. Many operators allow you to view aircraft and meet crew before committing.

Can you get closer to the lava from a helicopter than on foot?

Yes—the video shows perspectives of the volcanic activity that ground-level hikers cannot safely reach. The helicopter allows you to see multiple eruption sites and lava flows from directly above, which is impossible from the valley floor.

What should I wear on a volcano helicopter tour?

The video does not discuss clothing requirements. However, helicopter cabins are typically cool, and you'll want layers, sturdy footwear for boarding, and secure clothing that won't blow around in rotor wash. Avoid loose items and bring a camera with a secure strap.

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, known for relatively recent eruptions and accessible aerial views.
Geldingadalur valley
The geographic valley in Iceland where Fagradalsfjall volcano is situated and where eruptions have been active in recent years.
Reykjanes Peninsula
A geologically active region of Iceland known for volcanic activity, geothermal features, and dramatic lava landscapes.
Heli Austria
A helicopter tour company operating in Iceland that specializes in scenic and volcanic tours with professional safety standards.

Sources: Fagradalsfjall · Geldingadalur valley · Reykjanes Peninsula · Heli Austria — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video is genuinely useful because it shows exactly what a professional volcano helicopter tour looks like in practice—not a sales pitch or promotional edit, but raw footage of the experience from a visitor's perspective. You see the four active eruptions, the aerial scale of the landscape, and the professionalism of the operation, which answers the main questions a prospective tourist would ask.

What impressed me most was how clearly the footage conveys the scale and activity of the volcanic system, making it obvious why a helicopter is the right platform to witness this safely. If you're considering a volcano tour in Iceland, watching this will help you decide whether it's worth the investment and what to realistically expect.

Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

I started Helicopterstour.com because I genuinely believe there’s no better way to see the world than from the sky. I used to work on the Pride of America cruise ship in Hawaii, helping guests book shore excursions all over the islands. Two Vacation Hero Awards 2,000+ Guests/Week Pride of America · NCL Hawaii Shore Excursions 1000+ Tours Reviewed

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.

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