FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Process
I am a single traveler, how can I join a tour?
If you are travelling on your own, please contact us through email: info@helicopter.is to let us know the dates you are available to join a tour and we will do our best to pair you together with another group. If you have a specific time you would prefer to fly with us at, please mention it in the booking comments or let us know by writing an email.
We are two but want to join a tour with the minimum number of 3 passengers
Only 1 or 2 of you but the minimum is 3-4 passengers? Don’t fret! We do have options for this situation! Please send us an email and we can put you on our share list to try to join you with another group.
You also have the option to pay additional fee to have a private flight.
Is there a weight limit?
We do have a weight limit for all of our tours. Any passengers over 120 kg / 265 lbs / 19 stone are required to pay for 1.5 seats in the helicopter. This will ensure that everyone on the tour has a comfortable and safe ride!
Please feel free to send us an email at info@helicopter.is if you have any questions regarding this policy.
What are your departure times?
We offer a wide range of varying departure times to best suit everyone’s travel needs.
Our website does not have set departure times, so that we can remain as flexible as possible for our customers.
Our morning departures vary from 08:00 to 13:00, and the evening departures from 13:00 to 18:00.
Please note that during the winter months, we begin operating later in the day due to the limited amount of daylight we experience in Iceland.
As soon as we receive your booking, we will send you a confirmation with the exact departure time of your tour and any extra information you will need.
If you have a preference or specific time in mind, please mention it in the booking comments or let us know by writing an email and we will do our best to accommodate it.
We are a group, can we go together in one helicopter?
Yes you can! We have two different types of helicopters which can take up to 5 or 6 passengers.
COVID-19
The booking machine does not allow me to book the tour. Why?
Either the tour is fully booked or you are booking a tour with less then the minimum number of passengers. Please send us an email and we will gladly assist you.
How do I book a helecopter tour?
There is a booking engine on our website which is connected to a secure online payment site. If you have specific requests or if you are booking a private tour please send us an e-mail, info@helicopter.is, and we will send you a secure payment link.
How early do I have to book my tour?
The sooner the better! Especially if you have specific date and time in mind.
You are always welcome to contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
We might even be able to fit you in with a short 30 minutes notice. The beauty of having a large fleet of different types of helicopters is FLEXIBILITY.
That's what Norðurflug Helicopter Tours is all about.
Tours
How much does a tour cost?
We have huge variety of tours in many different price ranges. (Money is made to be spent, and it is more fun to spend it on experiences! )
Why choose a helicopter tour?
To take in the view like you've never done before, and to be on top of the world!
You can also cover a broad area in a short amount of time, so you can make the most of all your days in Iceland.
Which tours include a landing (besides the Reykjavik Domestic Airport) ?
We do a landing during every tour except on the Reykjavik by Air tour.
After many years of flying around Iceland our pilots know the most scenic and safest places to land.
On which tours do we see glaciers?
You will see a glacier on the following helicopter tours:
- Glacier Landing
- Fire & Ice
- Volcanoes and Glaciers
- Essential Iceland
- Glacier Lagoon Expedition.
- Magical Mývatn
- Wonders of Westfjords
If the weather permits you might see all the way to Snæfellsjökull glacier in our Reykjavik Summit Tour, the Heli Romance Tour, Heli Happy Hour and the Countless Craters Tour. You might also see in the distance on the Geothermal Tour and the Waterfalls & Valleys tour.
Will we land on glaciers?
The following tours include a glacier landing:
- Glacier Landing
- Fire & Ice
On the Volcanoes & Glaciers Tour, the Essential Iceland Tour and the Glacier Lagoon Expedition Tour we land on the volcanic crater of Fimmvörðuháls or by the glacier tongue of Eyjafjallajökull, Gígjökull.
With your safety in mind we reserve the right to change the itineraries due to weather conditions or any other factors beyond our control.
On which tours do I see Þingvellir National Park?
You are able to see Þingvellir National Park on the following tours:
-Waterfalls & Valleys
-Fire & Ice
- Glacier Landing
-Essential Iceland
-Magical Mývatn
On which tours do I see Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir?
The Golden Circle is a must do when travelling in Iceland. It shows the raw beauty of nature in various ways and you are able to do this tour easily in one day by car. We have offered this tour by helicopter as well, however we believe that this tour is so much better to do on the ground. Standing next to the Geysir when it erupts and seeing the water being thrown into the air by such force is just beyond anything you can imagine and quickly flying over it just doesn’t really do it justice. The same can be said about the waterfall Gullfoss: being able to hear, see, smell and feel the masses of water rushing down into the canyon needs time to be truly appreciated. The drift of the tectonic plates in Þingvellir national park is a great phenomenon to be seen from above, though. However you will be able to see this astonishing wonder of nature during our Waterfalls & Valleys, our Glacier Landing and our Fire & Ice tour.
So if you are planning on seeing this incredible country from above why not see remote places that cannot be easily accessed by foot or car? During our Fire & Ice tour for example you will not only see the Þingvellir national park from above but also be landing in a remote geothermal area that is not accessible without a helicopter or a few hours hike. You will also get the chance to walk on a glacier, take incredible photos and throw a snowball or make some snow angels.
You could also decide to take part of our Essential Iceland tour where you will not only fly over the foundations of the world’s oldest existing parliament at Þingvellir and the Geysir of the Golden Circle but also be able to gaze at the technicolor mountains around Landmannalaugar as well as the famous Eyjafjallajökull Glacier Volcano and so much more.
In which tours do we see active volcanoes?
We do not have any erupting volcanoes in Iceland at the moment. When there is a eruption we make specific tours to go see them. Please visit our Blog or our Facebook page to see the latest news.
On the Magical Mývatn tour you will see the lava field made by the Holuhraun (Bárðarbunga) eruption in 2014-2015.
On the Volcanoes & Glaciers, Essential Iceland and Glacier Lagoon Expedition tours you will see the lava field made by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano in 2010.
Which tours are most popular?
Up to 2 hours tours: Reykjavík Summit and Geothermal Tour.
2-4 hour tours: Fire & Ice and Essential Iceland.
Expeditions: Glacier Lagoon Expedition.
Tour preparation
Can I get food or beverages on my tour?
Yes we can arrange beverages, food and even sparkling wine for your tour!
The following tours have a lunch basket included:
- Glacier Lagoon Expedition
-Magical Mývatn
-Wonders of Westfjords
When you arrive at our office we have comlimentary coffee, tea and bottles of water.
What kind of clothes should I wear?
We suggest that you wear warm layered clothing, it is Iceland after all.
The wind can be cold although it's sunny!
From October to mid-April we recommend winter clothing.
The volcanic ground in Iceland is uneven, rocky and rough.
Sturdy toecoveringshoes like good sneakers or hiking boots are highly recommended.
In the winter and on glacier landing tours it is especially important to wear good shoes since you'll be walking on the snow.
You are of course welcome to wear sneakers but your feet will most likely get wet and cold.
Sitting in a helicopter itself is not cold, it is similar to sitting in a car.
Getting here
Can I get a pick up by a helicopter?
Yes you most certainly can!
If you would like to join a tour the possibility of pick up depends on our location.
We have regular pick ups at Hotel Rangá, Ion Hotel and Grímsborgir Hotel.
If the hotel is on the route of your flight we do not charge any additional cost.
If you are looking for a private flight we will have it custom made to your needs.
Which bus should I take to get to you?!
If you are travelling from Hlemmur or BSÍ bus station you can take bus number 8. If you are coming from somewhere else you can either check the bus website, www.bus.is, or send us an email. We are always happy to help
How do I get to your location?
We recommend taking a taxi. We are located a short 5 minutes drive from the city center.
For those arriving on a rental car there is free parking outside our office.
There is a bus station close to our location called Nauthólsvegur. For information on buses please visit the website www.bus.is
On a nice day we also recommend walking. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to us from Hallgrímskirkja cathedral. We also recommend walking by the Nauthólsvík thermal beach and the viewing deck on top of the famous glass dome, the Pearl. To Pearl is situated on top of Öskjuhlíð where you'll find many bicycling and walking paths which are popular amongst Icelanders.
Where are you located?
Our base is on the East side of Reykjavik Domestic Airport. Note that we are not beside Air Iceland, but on the other side by the domestic airline Eagle Air. It is behind hotel "Icelandair Reykjavik Natura" next to the airport control tower.
The address is Nauthóslvegur 58d. It is a short 5 minutes drive from the City Center.
In the following link you can find a map of the location: https://goo.gl/maps/41rOp
The company
What types of helicopters do you operate?
- One Airbus EC130 B4
The Airbus can carry up to 6 passengers, speed up to 222 km/120 knots. The endurance is up to 4hr/min. The Airbus is the newest addition to our fleet and the only Airbus helicopter in Iceland.
- Two AS350 B2 Ecureuil - Astar The Astar can take up to 5 passengers, speed up to 230 km/125 knots. The endurance is up to 3:10 hours/min.
Newsletter
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Flying in a helicopter
Dangerous Goods - what cannot be carried on board
Norðurflug is not an approved Dangerous Goods carrier, thus there are more restrictions to what passengers can carry on board than a normal airliner.
If you are in doubt or have any questions, please ask the staff before check in.
Please note the placard below of what cannot be carried on board.
CAP1402A3_DangerousGoods_A3_2018
What if I need special assistance or accommodations?
There is something so freeing about flying...the open skies and remote places you can only access by helicopter!
At Norðurflug, we offer accessible facilities and special accommodations because everyone should experience the beauties of Iceland from above.
To ensure comfort and safety for all of our clients, we have plenty of room in our office including easy entrance and accessibility.
Wheelchairs cannot fit on the helicopters themselves, but don´t worry!
They will be stored in our secure facilities.
Our staff and pilots will provide the assistance needed to board the helicopter and enjoy the tour.
More questions regarding wheelchair accessibility?
Send us an email or give us a call: info@helicopter.is | +354 562 2500
What can I see?
Whatever you want! We have designed tours with many different focuses so there is plenty for you to choose from.
If you have something special in mind we can always make a custom tour just for you.
Who will guide our way?
Our pilots are super clever and extremely informed on everything you will see along the way.
However, kindly note that pilots primary role is to fly the helicopter in accordance with company manuals, good airship and not the least safety. This role can never be compromised to act as a guide. Pilots will try their best to be informative but in their role as a pilot that may not be easy. Note also a pilot may not know everything as a dedicated and approved guide which passengers can hire if they wish. Note also that at both airports and any airspace and not the least congested airspace, the focus of the pilot is on listening to air traffic control tower and other aircraft's to avoid a collision. We just like to remind passengers of this basic role of a pilot.
Can I sit in the front?
We can't make any promises concerning seating, as the pilot has 100% authority over the arrangement.
He has to take mass and balance calculations into consideration while designating seating.
However we can always make a note that you would like to sit in the front and inform the pilot of it.
Don't worry, during the helicopter tour everybody gets a chance to swap seats after each landing.
That means everyone is guaranteed a window seat at some point during the tour.
I would like to take pictures, can we open a window for that?
Some of our helicopters have windows that can be opened up.
Please have a look at our fleet of helicopters to see pictures from the inside and outside.
During the helicopter tour everybody gets a chance to swap seats after each landing. That means everyone is guaranteed a window seat at some point during the tour for optimum photography opportunities!
If you are a professional photographer we suggest that you charter a helicopter by the hour. It gives you the most freedom and flexibility to land where ever you like and to do extra circles and slow flights.
Ideally we would like you to meet one of our pilots so you can discuss details and the different options and sights.
They are experts when it comes to location scouting and of course filming and photo shoots.
The Bell 206 Jetranger can be fitted with a specific photo shooting door with a large window that can be opened. Please note that an open window or a photo shooting door is only applicable for Private tours.
Pro tip: We recommend wearing dark colored clothes if you plan on taking pictures, as bright colors are more easily reflected in the window.
Can I bring and fly my drone on the tour?
You are welcome to bring a drone with you for the tour. However, in view of safety and cost we have set the following guidelines for operation of drones on our tours:-
-They can only be operated whilst the helicopter is on ground.
-The drone operator has to be 20 meters from the helicopter so the operator has a clear view of the helicopter.
-The drone cannot be flown over the helicopter at a closer distance than 10 meters.
-Pilots have been instructed to stop any drone operation if he judges it to be a risk to the helicopter such as due to wind etc.
-Congested areas are numerous, like Landmannalaugar where operations have to be carried out with utmost care.
-Drone operations are always to be mindful of their environment incl. hikers etc.
We reserve the right for drone users to sign a declaration to abide the above rules at all times.
Please inform us if you would like to bring a drone along for the tour. You can either send us an email at info@helicopter.is or call us at +354 562 2500.
Bad weather and cancellations
What happens if I have already paid but the weather is unsuitable for the tour?
If the weather forecast is not looking promising at the time of your booked tour we:
A) Try to change the time on the same day (e.g. go in the afternoon instead of the morning).
B) Offer for you to go on a different date (e.g. the day before or the day after).
C) If we are fully booked and can not offer options A and B we always give a full refund!
Kindly note that we try to read into the forecast as we humanly can and will attempt to fly in conditions that are as pleasant as humanly possibly to determine. Weather forecasts are not accurate and therefore, we may not be able to judge the best timing of any tour, despite our sincerest attempt. In the winter we are faced with sudden changes in the weather and more than a typical Icelandic summer. We will always attempt to fly in as good weather situations as we can at any time. We may get it wrong but feel it's better to alert customers in ample time so that you can use your valuable and often short stay to enjoy some other experiences instead of waiting for update that may end with no flying that day.
What is the cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be made in writing, by e-mail, fax or letter and confirmed by Norðurflug.
We are obliged to charge cancellation fees to passenger(s) as follows:
Less than 2 weeks and more than 72 hours – 10%
Less than 72 hours and more than 24 hours – 50%
Less than 24 hours – 100%
With your safety in mind we reserve the right to cancel a tour or change the itinerary due to weather conditions and/or any other factors beyond our control.
If Norðurflug judges conditions unsafe and not in compliance with it´s operation manuals it may cancel or reschedule flights. If customers cannot change to other dates the company will refund paid in amounts and through the channels paid into Norðurflug. In case of any dispute that relate to passengers rights as stipulated in section d, first paragraph of article 10 of law number 57 from 2005, passengers should contact our Civil Aviation Authorities at this website https://www.icetra.is/aviation/passengers/