5 Epic Volcanoes You Can See from a Helicopter in Iceland

When you think of Iceland, the first images that likely come to mind are its sweeping glaciers, geothermal hot springs, and dramatic waterfalls. But Iceland is also a hotbed of volcanic activity, home to more than 130 active and dormant volcanoes. What better way to witness the raw power and surreal beauty of Icelandic volcanoes than from the sky? 

Helicopter tours in Iceland offer an unforgettable way to explore this volcanic island from a unique vantage point. In this blog post, we'll guide you through five of the most epic volcanoes in Iceland that you can see from a helicopter.

Why Take a Helicopter Tour in Iceland?

Seeing Iceland from a helicopter gives you a new perspective. You’ll soar over mountains, glaciers, lava fields, and even see volcanoes up close. 

Many of these places are hard to reach by car or on foot, but a helicopter makes it easy. Plus, the views are absolutely stunning. It’s a great adventure for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for something special.

5 Amazing Volcanoes to Explore from the Sky

1. Eyjafjallajökull – The Volcano That Stopped Air Travel

Eyjafjallajökull is one of the most well-known volcanoes in Iceland. It became famous worldwide in 2010 when it erupted and caused a huge ash cloud that disrupted flights across Europe. Today, it's a peaceful but powerful sight, and flying over it in a helicopter lets you see just how dramatic the eruption really was.

The volcano is topped with a thick glacier, which makes it look like a giant snow-covered mountain. But underneath the ice is a powerful volcano that once changed the skies. From above, you can spot the large crater left by the eruption, the dark lava paths it created, and the rough highlands around it.

Helicopter Tour Highlights:

• Fly over the glacier and see where the 2010 eruption happened.
• Look at deep cracks, lava fields, and icy slopes.
• Get amazing photos of one of Iceland’s most iconic volcanoes.

Best Time to Go: You can fly over any time of year, but summer often has better weather and clearer views.

2. Hekla – The “Gateway to Hell”

Hekla is one of the most active and powerful volcanoes in Iceland. It has erupted more than 20 times since people first settled on the island. Long ago, people believed Hekla was the entrance to hell because of how often and how suddenly it erupted.

From the sky, Hekla looks like a long mountain ridge with several craters on top. It stretches across the landscape like a scar, showing both snow and black volcanic rock. Flying over Hekla gives you a close look at how active and alive Iceland’s land really is.

The area around Hekla is full of natural contrasts. You’ll see old lava fields that are dark and rough, but also green valleys and snowy peaks. It’s a place where you can see how fire and ice live side by side.

Helicopter Tour Highlights:

• Fly above the volcano’s ridge and spot its many craters.
• See the mix of old lava, fresh greenery, and snow.
• Experience the wild, raw beauty of South Iceland from above.

Best Time to Go: Late spring to early autumn is the best time for clear views and safer flying weather.

3. Katla – The Powerful Giant Under Ice

Katla is one of the largest and most dangerous volcanoes in Iceland. It sits underneath the massive Mýrdalsjökull glacier in the south of the country. This volcano last erupted in 1918, and scientists keep a close watch on it because it's long overdue for another eruption. Even though you can’t see the volcano’s crater directly, flying over this area in a helicopter is a powerful experience.

From the sky, you’ll see the thick ice covering the volcano. There are deep cracks, icy crevasses, and fast-moving rivers of meltwater flowing off the glacier. You may even spot steam rising from the ground. It’s an amazing sight where fire from below meets the frozen world above.

The flight gives you a sense of the volcano’s strength and the icy beauty of the glacier. You’ll be amazed at how something so calm on the surface can hide such powerful forces underneath.

Helicopter Tour Highlights:

• Fly over the giant Mýrdalsjökull glacier that hides Katla.
• See huge cracks and flowing meltwater on the glacier.
• Feel the power of the volcano resting below the ice.

Best Time to Go: Summer is best for flying because of safer weather and clearer skies.

4. Askja – The Remote Volcano in the Highlands

Askja is a large and impressive volcano located in the Central Highlands of Iceland. It’s far away from cities and roads, which makes it hard to reach by car. That’s why a helicopter tour is the perfect way to see it. From above, you’ll be able to enjoy the full view of this amazing place without the long and difficult hike.

Askja is a huge caldera, which means it is a big, round crater formed by a volcanic explosion. Inside this caldera is a deep blue lake called Lake Öskjuvatn. It’s one of the deepest lakes in Iceland. Next to it is another smaller crater called Viti, which has warm, milky blue water inside. The whole area is surrounded by dark lava rocks and looks like a moonscape. In fact, NASA astronauts trained here in the 1960s because the area looks so much like the surface of the moon.

Flying over Askja in a helicopter gives you a clear view of the lake, craters, and the rough volcanic landscape. It’s a peaceful but powerful place, showing nature’s beauty and strength.

Helicopter Tour Highlights:

• Soar over the highlands and see Askja’s giant crater from above.
• View the deep, clear Öskjuvatn lake and the bright blue Viti crater.
• Fly over rocky lava fields that look like another planet.

Best Time to Go: July to September is best because the snow has melted and flying conditions are safer.

5. Fagradalsfjall – The Newest Eruption

Fagradalsfjall is one of Iceland’s most talked-about volcanoes because it erupted recently in 2021. This eruption happened on the Reykjanes Peninsula, not far from Reykjavik, making it easy for people to visit. It was a gentle eruption with slow-moving lava, so many visitors could safely watch it up close. It quickly became one of Iceland’s top attractions.

Helicopter tours became very popular during the eruption because they offered amazing views of the glowing lava, hot vents, and brand-new volcanic cones. Even now, after the eruption has stopped, the area is still exciting to see from the air. You can fly over wide black lava fields, steaming ground, and fresh craters formed by the eruption. The landscape looks like it belongs on another planet.

Flying above Fagradalsfjall gives you a unique view of how Iceland is still being shaped by volcanic activity. It’s a powerful reminder that this island is alive and always changing.

Helicopter Tour Highlights:

• Fly over newly formed lava fields, craters, and vents.
• See the steam rising from the warm ground.
• Discover the raw beauty of the Reykjanes Peninsula’s volcanic zone.

Best Time to Go: Spring through fall is ideal for good weather and clear views. Check ahead to see if any new eruptions or activity are happening.

What to Expect on an Iceland Volcano Helicopter Tour

Most volcano helicopter tours in Iceland start from Reykjavik, though some also leave from towns like Akureyri. Tours can last from 30 minutes to several hours. Some include landings, where you can get out and explore volcano sites on foot. Others stay in the air for a bird’s-eye view of the action.

Tips for a Great Helicopter Experience:

• Book early to get your preferred time and date.
• Dress warmly and in layers. It’s colder up high.
• Bring a camera. The views are perfect for photos.
• Check the weather. Flights depend on clear, safe conditions.

See Iceland’s Volcanoes Like Never Before

Flying over Iceland’s volcanoes is like seeing another world. From the icy top of Eyjafjallajökull to the fresh lava of Fagradalsfjall, every volcano has a different story. Helicopter tours let you experience these natural wonders from a safe and stunning perspective.

Whether you love nature, photography, or just want to try something amazing, a volcano helicopter tour in Iceland is something you’ll never forget.

So buckle up, lift off, and get ready to explore the epic volcanoes of Iceland from the sky!