Glacier Edge Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 1
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Glacier Edge Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell

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Skaftafell, Iceland
Helicopter ToursSightseeing ToursNature Tours
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About this activity

Soar above Europe's largest glacier on a 30-minute helicopter tour showcasing Vatnajökull's dramatic outlet glaciers, turquoise valleys, and alpine peaks. This flight combines raw geological drama—including the Interstellar filming location—with intimate views of ice formations, cliffs, and waterfalls impossible to experience from the ground.

On this stunning 30 minute air tour we explore the many outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Among its dozens of glacier tongues are Skaftafellsjökull, Skeiðarárjökull and Svínafellsjökull to name but a few. 

Upon arrival at Skaftafell Terminal please check in at our reception. You will then meet with your pilot that will go over the flight route and perform a safety briefing before heading out to the helicopter.  

Our first destination is our namesake Skaftafellsjökull glacier, taking us into a narrow valley with vivid colors before we climb up the steep glacier edge to Mount Hrútsfjall (1800m). Don’t worry, it’s the aircraft which will be doing the climbing. Next up is Svínafellsjökull glacier, which looks so out of this world that it was fittingly used as the shooting location for an alien ice planet in the 2014 blockbuster Interstellar. From there we continue gliding, freely observing Virkisjökull, Falljökull, Korárjökull and Öræfajökull with a bird’s eye view (yes, “jökull” means “glacier” in case you hadn’t figured that out yet). 

On our way back to base we do a lower altitude flight over cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls to round out a truly breathtaking tour. Upon landing back at Skaftafell Terminal, we hope you got the chance to snap some nice photos and get a glimpse of the magical and diverse landscapes the area has to offer.  

Highlights

  • ✓Fly over Skaftafellsjökull glacier into a narrow valley with vivid blue and white ice colours
  • ✓Ascend to 1,800m elevation at Mount Hrútsfjall along the glacier edge
  • ✓View Svínafellsjökull, the otherworldly ice landscape featured in Interstellar (2014)
  • ✓Survey five distinct glacier tongues—Virkisjökull, Falljökull, Korárjökull, Öræfajökull—in one flight
  • ✓Low-altitude pass over canyons, cliffs, and cascading waterfalls on return route

Insider tips

  • ★Book early morning or late evening flights (weather permitting) for clearest visibility and best photography light across the glacier valley.
  • ★Sit on the right side of the helicopter for unobstructed views of Svínafellsjökull and the Interstellar location.
  • ★Bring a camera or phone with fast shutter speed; glacier light and helicopter movement reward quick reflexes.
  • ★Check weather forecasts 24 hours before—ice-field tours are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled with short notice.

Good to know

  • •Meeting point: Skaftafell Terminal; arrive 15–20 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing.
  • •Tour duration is 30 minutes of flight time; allow 1.5–2 hours total (briefing, preparation, landing procedures).
  • •Dress warmly in layers; helicopter cabins are unheated during flight despite protective gear provided.
  • •Weight restrictions may apply; confirm your weight at booking (multi-passenger helicopters have payload limits).
  • •Tour operates year-round but weather can cause cancellations or delays; flexible booking strongly recommended.

Who it's for

Adventure seekers and thrill-seekers wanting a high-altitude perspective on Iceland's glaciersPhotographers and cinematography enthusiasts chasing dramatic ice-field and mountain compositionsInterstellar fans or film location enthusiastsTravellers with limited mobility or time who want maximum glacier impact without hiking

Best time to visit

Spring through early autumn (May–September) offers the most stable weather and longest daylight hours. Winter tours are possible but weather-dependent; always check forecasts within 24 hours of your flight.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€409
per person