Aerial view of dramatic layered volcanic rock formations and canyon ridges near Laki Craters, Iceland
Aerial view of a moss-covered volcanic crater cone surrounded by black lava fields in Laki, Iceland
Aerial view of a volcanic crater cone surrounded by green moss-covered lava fields in Iceland
Aerial view of a glacier flowing between snow-capped mountains in Skaftafell, Iceland
Aerial view of a volcanic crater cone surrounded by a dark lake at Laki Craters, Iceland
Aerial view of glacial ice formations with radial crack patterns on Vatnajökull glacier, Iceland
Dark blue helicopter landed on mossy highland terrain with two people exploring snowy Icelandic mountains in background
Aerial view of Laki volcanic craters with glacial ice and rust-colored terrain in Iceland
Aerial view of volcanic ridge at Laki Craters Iceland with snow dusting and colorful rhyolite slopes
Aerial view of colorful striated volcanic rock ridges at Laki Craters, Iceland, with snow-covered plains in background
Snow-covered glacial landscape with rocky cliffs and ice flows near Skaftafell Iceland under blue sky
Snow-covered mountain ridges and peaks under blue sky aerial view in Iceland
Red helicopter D-HAID landed on volcanic terrain near Skaftafell with three people standing beside it
Aerial view of a volcanic crater cone surrounded by green moss-covered lava fields in Iceland
Red helicopter landed on moss-covered lava fields at Laki Craters with volcanic highlands in background, Iceland
Aerial view of glacial braided river on black volcanic sand near Laki Craters Iceland
Snow-covered volcanic mountain peaks under a clear blue sky near Skaftafell Iceland
Snow-covered glacier crevasses with blue ice visible from aerial view in Iceland
Aerial view of Laki volcanic craters row across Iceland lava fields from helicopter
Aerial view of Laki volcanic craters with moss-covered lava fields and red mineral deposits in Iceland

Skaftafell National Park, Iceland

Laki Craters Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell Iceland

1 hour and 15 minutesMin 1 guests
Duration1 hour and 15 minutes
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtSkaftafell Terminal, Iceland
LanguagesEnglish
Highland Helicopter Experience

Laki Craters Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell

A scenic flight over glaciers and volcanic terrain with a highland landing at the Laki crater system


This up to 75-minute tour takes you by helicopter from Skaftafell deep into Iceland's remote highlands for an aerial and ground-level encounter with the Laki crater chain helicopter tour, one of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes in Europe. The route crosses Vatnajokull's southern outlet glaciers before reaching the sweeping crater rows of Lakagígar.

Departing from Skaftafell Terminal, situated beside the national park, the flight heads west across lava fields and glacial outwash plains. Your pilot adjusts the route according to weather and visibility, ensuring the best possible perspective on the terrain below.

As you approach Lakagígar, the 25-kilometre row of craters stretches across the highland plateau, its scale impossible to grasp from the road. Moss-covered lava fields and volcanic ridges extend in every direction, offering a panorama shaped by one of history's most consequential eruptions.

The tour includes a landing at a selected highland location near the crater system. You step out, stand on the volcanic ground, and take in the surrounding scenery from the surface before returning to Skaftafell.

Tour Highlights

Up to 75-minute helicopter flight departing directly from Skaftafell Terminal beside the national park.

Aerial views of Lakagígar, a 25 km-long chain of craters formed during the 1783 Laki eruption.

Flight path over Vatnajokull's southern outlet glaciers and surrounding glacial terrain.

Scheduled landing in the highlands near the crater system for ground-level exploration and photography.

Views of moss-covered lava fields and volcanic formations shaped by past eruptions across the highland plateau.

Access to a remote highland region not reachable by standard road travel from the south coast.

Route adapted by the pilot based on weather and visibility to maximise scenic viewing opportunities.

Tour Itinerary

1
Arrival at Skaftafell Terminal

Arrive at Skaftafell Terminal, located next to the national park, at least 15 minutes before your scheduled booking. Bring a printed or digital copy of your voucher for check-in.

2
Departure and Glacier Overflight

The helicopter lifts off from Skaftafell and heads west across the southern outlet glaciers of Vatnajokull. The pilot narrates the route and adjusts the course based on current weather and visibility conditions.

3
Flight Over Lava Fields and Volcanic Terrain

As the landscape transitions from glacial to volcanic, the flight crosses lava fields and volcanic formations. Moss-covered surfaces and highland ridges come into view as the helicopter moves toward the interior.

4
Approach to Lakagígar Crater Chain

The 25-kilometre row of craters becomes visible from the air as the helicopter approaches the Lakagígar system. The full scale of the eruption landscape, with crater formations stretching across the highland plateau, is visible from this altitude.

5
Highland Landing

The helicopter lands at a carefully selected location near the crater system. Guests step out to explore the surroundings, take photographs, and experience the scale of the volcanic terrain from the ground.

6
Return Flight to Skaftafell

The helicopter returns to Skaftafell Terminal, completing the roughly 75-minute experience. Total flight and ground time may vary depending on conditions on the day.

What Is Included

Included

  • Helicopter flight from Skaftafell Terminal
  • Pilot guidance and route commentary
  • Highland landing near Laki crater system
  • Aerial views of Vatnajokull outlet glaciers
  • Up to 75 minutes of total tour time

Not Included

  • Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off
  • Food and beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses

Important Information

Please arrive at Skaftafell Terminal at least 15 minutes before your booking time and carry your printed or digital voucher. The route and landing site may be adjusted by the pilot based on weather and visibility on the day.
Duration
The tour lasts up to 75 minutes including flight time and the highland landing. Actual duration may vary depending on conditions.
Meeting Point
Skaftafell Terminal, located directly beside Skaftafell National Park in south Iceland. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
What to Bring
Bring your printed or digital booking voucher. Dress in warm, layered clothing suitable for highland conditions and wind at the landing site.
Cancellation
Helicopter tours are subject to weather conditions. Please review the cancellation and rescheduling policy provided at the time of booking.
Accessibility
This tour is rated very easy in terms of physical difficulty. Guests should be able to board and exit the helicopter and stand on uneven highland ground.
Age Range
Suitable for participants of most ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact the operator for specific age or weight restrictions.

Reserve Your Place on This Highland Flight

Secure your seat on this helicopter tour to the Laki crater chain and experience Iceland's volcanic highlands from both the air and the ground. Availability is limited and subject to weather conditions.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour depart from?▼
The tour departs from Skaftafell Terminal, which is located directly beside Skaftafell National Park in south Iceland. Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled booking time.
How long does the helicopter tour last?▼
The tour lasts up to 75 minutes in total, including the flight and the highland landing near the Laki crater system. The actual duration may vary depending on weather and conditions on the day.
Will there be a landing during the tour?▼
Yes, the tour includes a landing at a selected location in the highlands near the Laki crater system. The exact site varies based on conditions, but each location is chosen for its views of the surrounding volcanic terrain.
What landscapes will I see during the flight?▼
The flight crosses Vatnajokull's southern outlet glaciers, lava fields, and volcanic formations before reaching the 25 km-long Lakagígar crater chain. Moss-covered lava fields and highland ridges are also visible along the route.
What happens if weather conditions are poor?▼
The pilot adjusts the route and landing site based on weather and visibility on the day. If conditions prevent the tour from operating, the operator will advise on rescheduling or cancellation options as per the booking policy.
Do I need previous experience for this tour?▼
No prior experience is required. The tour is rated very easy in terms of physical difficulty and is suitable for most participants. Guests should be comfortable boarding and exiting the helicopter and standing on open highland terrain.
Helicopter Tour IcelandLaki CratersLakagígarSkaftafellVatnajokull GlacierIceland HighlandsVolcanic LandscapeAerial Tour IcelandSouth IcelandIceland Scenic FlightLava Fields IcelandIceland Adventure
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: laki-craters-helicopter-skaftafell

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

1 hour and 15 minutes

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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