Glacier Lagoon Expedition

Description

Glacier Lagoon Expedition

*Please note that during winter (mid November – mid February) the days are short in Iceland and long expeditions are not bookable. Please contact us at info@helicopter.is for further information.

From the air, the volcanic black sand beaches of South Iceland seem to stretch out forever. This is where Iceland hugs the Atlantic Ocean, a place where sediment carrying glacial rivers battle the might and erosion of the North Atlantic. In the distance, looms the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, with its gleaming glacier cap, canyons and tumbling waterfalls.

Entering Vatnajökull National Park from the air is a truly unique sight. Home to the largest ice cap in Europe by volume, this massive wall of white has over 30 outlet glaciers flowing and crashing down from its giant ice cap. Our first stop is at the base of one of them, where we take a closer look at one of the natural wonders of Iceland.

At touch down we spend 30- 45 minutes exploring Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and its luminous bright blue icebergs, some of which are more than 1000 years old. Here you might even catch a glimpse of Iceland’s playful seals!

Back in the air we make one final pass over the lagoon and head west, past the highest peak in Iceland and over the many glacial tongues of the Vatnajökull Glacier. As these rivers of ice fade to pencil thin lines of white behind the helicopter, we enter the remote Fjallabak region – the Icelandic highlands. This is the unpopulated, rugged, mountainous center of the island. Secluded mountain lakes, braided rivers, glacial-hewn valleys and towering mountains that, due to their remoteness, remain hidden to all but a few. We will explore the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugargeothermal area and Hrafntinnusker from the air and ground, before heading back to Reykjavik, passing Mt Hekla – one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland.

Note: during this trip we will make three landings, one of which is at the Glacier Lagoon. The other two depend on weather conditions but the most common ones include Fimmvörðuháls’s by Eyjafjallajökull Volcano and Hrafntinnusker geothermal area. Included in the trip is a packed lunch and our pilot will make sure to find a special scenic picnic spot to enjoy it in.

This truly is a once in a lifetime trip. Catching a glimpse of the extreme opposites and variety of Iceland’s unique landscape used to mean several days spent driving and hiking. A helicopter opens up the possibility see it all, in the span of a single day.

Sights: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajökull Glacier, Fjallabak Region, Landmannalaugar Geothermal Area, Eyjafjallajökull Glacier Volcano, Fimmvörðuháls Craters, Fjallsárlón lagoon

The total duration of the tour is 5-7 hours. 4-5 hour guided helicopter flight and three landings. Length of tour depending on helicopter type and weather.