Reykjanes New Volcanic Area Helicopter Flight from Reykjavik

The Reykjanes Peninsula volcanic area from the air

The Reykjanes Peninsula sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the seam where the North American and Eurasian plates slowly pull apart. After roughly eight centuries of quiet, the ground reopened in 2021 and the peninsula has erupted repeatedly since, which is why so many travellers now ask for a Reykjanes volcano helicopter tour.

From the air you grasp the scale of the whole system at once: the fissures, the cones and the fresh black lava sheets spreading across older moss-covered flows. On the ground, access to eruption sites is often limited for safety, so a flight is the most reliable way to see them. Most visitors find the flight worth it for the perspective alone.

Fagradalsfjall, Geldingadalir and Litli-Hrútur eruption sites

The first eruption of this new era began in March 2021 in the small valley of Geldingadalir, beside Mount Fagradalsfjall, and its lava slowly filled the valley for six months. Later eruptions at Meradalir in 2022 and Litli-Hrútur in 2023 added new cones and tongues of lava. Your pilot passes over each site in turn and explains how they connect.

Seen from above, the cooled lava shows rust, charcoal and sulphur-yellow tones, and steam can still rise from cracks. Travellers often ask, can you see lava from the helicopter? That depends on the volcano on the day. When an eruption is active you may see glowing craters and flowing streams; when it is quiet you still see the craters, cones and vast lava fields.

Grindavík and the south coast of Reykjanes

The fishing town of Grindavík lies on the southern shore of the peninsula, close to the crater row where eruptions since late 2023 have sent lava towards the edge of the town. From the helicopter you see the harbour, the streets, the newer lava flows and the geothermal area not far to the north, a striking picture of people living beside an active volcano.

Beyond the town the flight follows a rugged coastline of black cliffs and Atlantic surf. Conditions around Grindavík change often, so the pilot follows the safety rules set by Iceland's civil protection authorities, and the exact route can vary from one flight to the next.

Mount Esja, Faxaflói Bay and Reykjavik from above

On the way back the view opens onto Faxaflói Bay, the wide bay north of the peninsula, and across it to Mount Esja, the long flat-topped ridge that Reykjavik residents treat as their local mountain. On a clear day you can pick out the capital's colourful roofs, the harbour and the tower of Hallgrímskirkja church.

This is the part of the trip that suits anyone searching for a Reykjavik helicopter flight with city views as well as volcanoes. The route works well as a highlight of a few days in Iceland, and it is short enough to combine with a morning or afternoon of other sightseeing.

Planning your flight: weather, group size and best time to fly

Flights are weather-dependent and must follow official aviation and civil protection rules. Low cloud, strong wind or poor visibility can delay or cancel a departure. The helicopter also needs a minimum of four passengers to operate, so if the flight cannot go ahead because of weather or too few passengers, you receive a full refund.

The best time to visit for flying is a calm, clear day. Summer offers long daylight and stable spells, while winter has shorter days but crisp air and dramatic low light on the lava. Dress warmly, bring a camera, and remember that lava activity cannot be promised, only the chance to see one of the youngest landscapes on Earth.