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Discover one of Iceland's best-kept secrets on a helicopter tour to Kerlingarfjoll, the colourful highland mountains between Langjokull and Hofsjokull glaciers. Rhyolite peaks, hot springs and a pale blue glacier lake at Hvitavatn unfold on a route that reaches terrain most visitors never see, with landings at Hverabotnar and views of Gullfoss and Thingvellir on the return.
This two-and-a-half-hour expedition from Reykjavik reaches Kerlingarfjoll in the interior highlands with two ground stops at Hvitavatn glacier lake and Hverabotnar geothermal area. The outbound route passes Mount Esja, hidden waterfalls and Skjaldbreidur volcano before following the Langjokull glacier edge deep into terrain that resembles Landmannalaugar but sees far fewer visitors.
The return leg overflies Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir's tectonic rift valley, connecting the remote highland interior with the classic Golden Circle landmarks on the way back to the capital. Your pilot adapts landing sites to weather on the day while keeping both ground stops intact where conditions allow.
Kerlingarfjoll sits between Langjokull and Hofsjokull glaciers in the central highlands, where colourful rhyolite peaks, hot springs and volcanic stone formations create a landscape often compared to Landmannalaugar but reached by far fewer travellers. Hvitavatn's pale blue waters at the glacier edge and Hverabotnar's steaming vents add contrast to the orange and red ridges above.
From the helicopter the full scale of this remote mountain range becomes clear, with glacier tongues, obsidian fields and braided rivers visible across a highland basin that feels entirely removed from the coastal lowlands. The return route over Gullfoss and Thingvellir ties this hidden interior back to southwest Iceland's best-known sights.
No flying experience is required. Passengers should be able to board the aircraft and walk at highland landing sites including uneven geothermal terrain with minimal assistance.
Highland routes depend on weather and aviation conditions. Landings may be adjusted if conditions require it on the day, and this tour requires a minimum of four passengers to operate.
Kerlingarfjoll is one of the most visually striking yet least visited highland areas in Iceland, and reaching it by helicopter avoids the long rough-road journey while delivering two exclusive ground stops at Hvitavatn and Hverabotnar.
Experienced pilots narrate the geological features and local folklore associated with this remote mountain range, combining access to off-the-beaten-track terrain with Golden Circle overflights on the return leg.
The full experience lasts approximately two and a half hours including check in, two ground stops and return to the airport base.
Allow at least 15 minutes before departure for briefing and boarding. Ground stops at Hvitavatn glacier lake and Hverabotnar in the Kerlingarfjoll area give time for exploration.
Flights depart from Reykjavik Domestic Airport at Nauthólsvegur 58d, building 313, hangar 1, on the east side of the airport behind the Icelandair Reykjavik Natura hotel.
The base is not at the commercial airline terminal. Taxis from central Reykjavik typically take around five minutes.
The route passes Mount Esja, hidden waterfalls, Skjaldbreidur volcano and Jarlhettur before following the Langjokull glacier edge to Hvitavatn lake for the first landing.
The second stop is at Hverabotnar in the Kerlingarfjoll highlands, known for colourful rhyolite mountains and hot springs. Gullfoss and Thingvellir feature on the return leg.
Helicopter flights depend on weather and aviation conditions. If conditions are unsafe, the pilot may adjust the route, omit landings or postpone the flight.
Highland landing sites at Kerlingarfjoll may be adjusted based on wind, cloud and visibility on the day. The pilot makes the final call.
Wear sturdy shoes, a warm jacket, hat and gloves for highland landing stops. The cabin stays comfortable during flight, similar to a car interior.
Kerlingarfjoll can be cold and windy even in summer. Dress in layers and bring a camera with a secure strap for the colourful mountain scenery.
Children are welcome subject to aircraft capacity. Infants may need to sit on a parent lap depending on the aircraft configuration and local aviation rules.
Contact us before booking if travelling with very young children to confirm seating for this highland flight.
Transport to Reykjavik Domestic Airport is not included. Taxis and private transfers can reach the hangar in a few minutes from central Reykjavik hotels.
Free parking is available near the meeting point. Plan to arrive early as late arrivals may miss strict aviation slot times.
This tour requires a minimum of four passengers to operate. If the minimum is not reached, you may be offered an alternative date or join another scheduled departure.
Contact the team if you are a smaller group to discuss availability and scheduling options.
Kerlingarfjoll sits between Langjokull and Hofsjokull glaciers in the interior highlands, known for colourful rhyolite peaks, hot springs and volcanic stone formations.
The area resembles Landmannalaugar but sees far fewer visitors, offering a genuine off-the-beaten-track highland experience accessible only by helicopter or long gravel roads.
Kerlingarfjoll sits deep in the Icelandic interior between Langjokull and Hofsjokull glaciers, far from the main tourist routes.
Reaching it by helicopter avoids a long rough-road journey while delivering two exclusive ground stops at Hvitavatn and Hverabotnar.
About the centre
Reykjavik
Operated by Norðurflug Helicopter Tours, a partner of adventuro.
