Thrilling 45-Minute Helicopter Tour to the Active Volcanic Eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula

Witness one of nature’s fascinating wonders on this 45-minute helicopter tour to the Reykjanes peninsula. This thrilling adventure takes you to see the active volcano in the peninsula, with its ongoing eruption, while on board a helicopter for a bird’s eye view.

The action kicks off when you meet your friendly pilot at the Reykjavik Domestic Airport. They will brief you about the tour and tell you what to expect and how to stay safe during the flight. After the briefing, the pilot will guide you into the helicopter and secure you for take-off toward Reykjanes peninsula.

The Reykjanes Peninsula is a hotspot for volcanic activity, as it runs along the area where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart. This unique position creates constant geothermal and volcanic unrest, making the peninsula one of Iceland’s most geologically active regions. As a result, the Reykjanes peninsula is filled with volcanic craters, lava fields, and fissures that you’ll see during the tour.

Between 2021 and 2024, the Reykjanes peninsula experienced 10 volcanic eruptions. One of the most significant happened in March 2021, when the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted after lying dormant for over 6,000 years. This eruption was unique for its slow lava flows and relatively safe conditions, allowing people to get close to the active site and observe the spectacle up close. It became a popular tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors for months.

For this tour, the pilot will take you around the peninsula’s active eruption site, featuring the Sundhnukagigar volcano. The moment the helicopter takes off from the runway is already an unforgettable experience. Through the helicopter’s windows, you’ll see the beauty of Reykjavik from above, including the houses below and their colorful tin roofs.

Moreover, you’ll see some of its most iconic landmarks, like the Harpa Concert and Conference Hall and the Hallgrimskirkja church. You’ll notice these structures become smaller as the helicopter goes higher in the air.

As you reach the eruption area in Reykjanes peninsula, you’ll see both the impressive active lava flow of the 2024 November eruption, which is still ongoing and the cooled-off lava and its unique forms from previous eruptions.

You’ll see craters of different sizes and the lava’s beautiful color contrasting with the surrounding area. During the flight, the pilot will discuss the area’s history and share stories about the eruptions.

Apart from the newest volcanic eruption site, you’ll also hover over the locations of past eruptions. You’ll see the Fagradalsfjall volcano and the Litli-Hrutur volcano erupted in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

The pilot will circle the helicopter several times around the sites, giving you ample time to enjoy the captivating scenery before flying back to Reykjavik.

Don’t miss this chance to witness a live volcanic eruption and flowing lava from an impressive helicopter on this 45-minute adventure on the Reykjanes peninsula. Check availability now by choosing a date.