The Lagoon and Highest Summit Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell 1
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The Lagoon and Highest Summit Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell

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Skaftafell, Iceland
Helicopter ToursSightseeing ToursNature ToursAdrenaline & ExtremeDay Trips & Excursions
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About this activity

A 75-minute helicopter tour from Skaftafell that combines Iceland's most dramatic aerial perspectives: the volcanic Kjós canyon, Hvannadalshnjúkur (Iceland's highest peak at 2,110m), Europe's largest glacier Vatnajökull, and the iceberg-filled Jökulsárlón lagoon. This is the ultimate scenic flight for experiencing Iceland's raw geological power in a single trip.

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 helicopter. After take-off, we head on over to the colorful area of Kjós a strikingly beautiful canyon of bare fractured boulders and sharp yellow crest, located at the head of Morsárdalur glacier valley. 

From there we fly over to the highest peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnjúkur (pronounced [ˈkvanːatalsˌn̥juːkʏr]). Towering 2110 m about sea level and the highest point of the volcanic glacier Öræfajökull. Due to the tectonic plates under Iceland pulling the land apart instead of compressing it together, few mountains reach over thousand meters above sea level in Iceland, making Hvannadalshnjúkur a remarkable sight. 

Then we head on over to Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, flying over Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe. Jökulsálón glacier lagoon is known for its massive size and huge floating icebergs. It has been featured in four Hollywood movies: A View to Kill, Die Another Day, Lara Croft and Batman Begins along with the TV reality series Amazing Race. 

Once the icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon get small enough they wash out to sea. They then end up washing up on the black sand beach, sometimes filling the beach with diamond looking icebergs, hence the nickname „Diamond Beach“. After viewing these wonders of Iceland, we head on back to Skaftafell Terminal, flying along the beautiful coastline with views over the glacier, black sands, and farmlands.  

When landing back at Skaftafell Terminal, we hope you got the chance to snap some nice photos and get a glimpse of the magical and diversified landscape the Iceland highland has to offer.

Highlights

  • Soar over Kjós canyon with its striking yellow crests and fractured boulder formations
  • Circle Iceland's highest summit, Hvannadalshnjúkur (2,110m) on the volcanic Öræfajökull glacier
  • Fly across Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, witnessing its vast frozen expanse
  • View colossal floating icebergs in Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon from above
  • See Diamond Beach where icebergs wash ashore on jet-black sand
  • Benefit from expert pilot narration on geology, climate, and film locations along the route

Insider tips

  • Book early morning flights for clearer visibility and better light for photography—weather windows close quickly in SE Iceland
  • Dress in warm layers even in summer; helicopters have minimal heating and you may feel colder at altitude
  • Sit on the right side of the aircraft for the best views of Hvannadalshnjúkur and Jökulsárlón as you approach them
  • The lagoon changes seasonally—visit summer (June–August) for maximum icebergs, or winter for fewer tourists and different ice formations

Good to know

  • Check in at Skaftafell Terminal reception upon arrival for safety briefing and flight route overview with your pilot
  • Bring a camera or smartphone with fully charged battery; this is a photography-heavy experience
  • Wear warm, windproof clothing; the helicopter cabin is unheated and exposure to altitude amplifies cold
  • Weight limits may apply due to helicopter capacity—confirm with operator when booking if you have mobility or size concerns
  • Flight duration is 1 hour 15 minutes plus ground time for check-in and briefing (total 2–2.5 hours at the terminal)

Who it's for

Photographers and filmmakers seeking cinematic aerial shots of Iceland's most iconic landscapesAdventure travelers and adrenaline seekers wanting a luxury, high-altitude perspective on glaciers and peaksCouples celebrating special occasions or honeymooners wanting an exclusive experienceTravelers with limited time who want to see multiple must-see sights (Hvannadalshnjúkur, Jökulsárlón, Vatnajökull) in one efficient outing

Best time to visit

Summer (June–August) offers the longest daylight and most stable weather, though booking requires 2–3 weeks' notice. Winter (September–March) brings fewer crowds and dramatic ice formations, but afternoon departure times and frequent cancellations due to wind or cloud cover are common in SE Iceland's unpredictable season.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€674
per person