Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 1
Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 2
Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 3
Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 4
Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 5
Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 6
Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 7
Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 8
Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 9
Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 10
Top Deal1 / 10

Laki Craters and Surroundings Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell

(3)
Skaftafell, Iceland
Helicopter ToursSightseeing ToursNature ToursAdrenaline & ExtremeDay Trips & Excursions
Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Witness Iceland's most dramatic volcanic landscape from the air on a 75-minute helicopter tour over the Laki Craters—a chain of 130+ craters formed during the catastrophic 1783 eruption. This is the best vantage point to grasp the true scale of this UNESCO-listed geological wonder, combining thrilling flight time with expert pilot narration on Iceland's volcanic history.

On arrival at Skaftafell Terminal please check in at our reception. There you will meet with your pilot that will go over the flight route and perform a safety briefing before heading out to the aircraft. Once in the air, we fly west of Vatnajökull National Park over the vast ice sheet of Skeiðarárjökull, one of many outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, Europe‘s largest glacier, on the way over to Lakagígar crater chain, a massive row of volcanic craters spreading as long as the eye can see. We firmly believe that flying over the Laki Craters is the only way to truly appreciate their staggering scale. 

The craters were formed in one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in recorded history all the way back in 1783, which caused widespread famine in Iceland and even other parts of the world. Today we can enjoy them in peace as the geographical wonders they are, and they have been a fan favorite in our range of flightseeing tours for many years. Our experienced pilots will offer expert guidance and trivia along the way, to make sure you learn something new while you take in the amazing view.

On the way back we will take you over Súlutindar peaks, an interesting glacier-sculpted formation on the west side of Skeiðarárjökull. We carry on southeast along the edge of Skeiðarárjökull where you will get a panoramic view of its massive size. This, of course, is not an exhaustive list of things you get to see but should give you a rough idea of some of the main attractions.

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 Icelandic highlands have to offer. 

Highlights

  • ✓Fly over the Lakagígar crater chain—one of Earth's most impressive volcanic formations
  • ✓Soar above Skeiðarárjökull, a major outlet glacier of Europe's largest ice sheet (Vatnajökull)
  • ✓See Súlutindar peaks—glacier-carved formations on the western flank
  • ✓Learn the story of the 1783 eruption that triggered famine across Europe from your knowledgeable pilot
  • ✓Capture panoramic aerial photography of vast glaciers and untouched wilderness

Insider tips

  • ★Book for late morning or early afternoon when light is best for photography and visibility over the glacier is typically clearest
  • ★Sit on the right side of the aircraft for the most dramatic crater views during the westbound leg of the flight
  • ★Dress in warm layers—helicopter cabins are cooler than you'd expect, and you may feel wind when boarding

Good to know

  • •Meeting point: Skaftafell Terminal (check-in required; arrive 15 minutes early for safety briefing)
  • •Total duration includes pre-flight briefing and check-in; actual flight time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
  • •Helicopter weight limits apply—oversized luggage should be left at your accommodation
  • •All passengers receive a full safety briefing from the pilot before departure
  • •Weather-dependent: tours may be rescheduled if conditions are unsafe; rebooking or refund typically offered

Who it's for

Photography enthusiasts seeking dramatic aerial landscape shotsGeology and volcanology buffs interested in Iceland's volcanic historyLuxury travellers and those seeking premium experiencesAdventure seekers who want a bird's-eye view of remote wilderness

Best time to visit

Late spring through early autumn (May–September) offers the most stable weather and longest daylight hours. Morning flights (8–11 am) generally provide the clearest visibility and best light for photography, while conditions are typically more unpredictable in winter.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€674
per person