Airplane Sightseeing flight over Laki craters and highland

Exploring Iceland’s Volcanic Highs from the Sky: A Review of the Laki Craters Flightseeing Tour

If you’re seeking a way to truly grasp Iceland’s wild, volcanic personality, this airplane sightseeing tour over the Laki craters and surrounding highlands offers a spectacular vantage point. While the landscape is breathtaking from the ground, seeing it from the air reveals the scale, complexity, and raw power of Iceland’s geological history. This particular flight, departing from Skaftafell, is a well-organized, intimate experience—max five travelers—that appeals to those craving an authentic, up-close view of glaciers, volcanic fissures, and geothermal landscapes.

Two things I particularly like about this tour are the expertise of the guides and the sense of discovery you get flying over untouched terrain. The pilot, who’s knowledgeable about the local geography, makes the flight not just scenic but also educational. Plus, the views of the Vatnajökull National Park, Skeiðarárjökull glacier, and the Laki crater chain are simply unmatched. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that the tour’s weather-dependent. Iceland’s notorious variable weather can sometimes cause cancellations or change the flight route, as one reviewer mentioned being rerouted over a glacier instead of Laki. However, the company’s flexibility and commitment to safety mean you’ll often still get a memorable experience even if plans shift unexpectedly.

Key points / Takeaways

Spectacular aerial views of Iceland’s volcanic craters and glaciers.
Expert guides and pilots who share insights and keep safety a priority.
Flexible weather policy, with options to reschedule or refund if conditions don’t cooperate.
Intimate group size—a maximum of five travelers—making it more personal and comfortable.
Valuable perspective on Iceland’s geothermal and volcanic landscape, beyond what’s visible on land.
Cost reflects a premium experience, but many reviews highlight the value of seeing Iceland from the air.

Why This Tour Stands Out

When you think about Iceland, images of glaciers, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches come to mind. Seeing these features from the ground is impressive, but flying over them transforms the experience. You gain an understanding of the scale and interconnectedness of Iceland’s geological features. For instance, the Laki crater chain stretches as far as the eye can see—something I’ve found hard to appreciate without seeing it from above.

This tour stands out because it combines adventure, comfort, and expertise. The pilot, who has extensive knowledge of the area, makes the flight both informative and engaging. Several reviews mention guides like “knowledgeable” and “helpful,” which is essential because the beauty of Iceland’s highlands is best appreciated with some context.

The Itinerary: What to Expect During Your Flight

Start at Skaftafell Terminal, where you meet your small group and get settled. The check-in process is straightforward, and you’ll be offered coffee or tea before takeoff—perfect for warming up in Iceland’s crisp air.

Once in the aircraft, the pilot begins with a brief safety overview and then lifts off. The first notable stop is the Lakagígar crater chain, a striking series of volcanic craters that extend across the landscape. This unique formation is a highlight, and flying over it offers a perspective impossible from the ground. Several travelers have remarked on how expansive and dramatic this volcanic row appears from the air, emphasizing that “you don’t know what a glacier (and the iceberg lagoon) is until you’ve flown over it,” as one reviewer said.

Next, the plane heads west of Vatnajökull National Park—home to Europe’s largest glacier. You’ll fly over Skeiðarárjökull, an outlet glacier with a vast ice sheet that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. The contrast between ice and volcanic terrain creates a surreal landscape, and the views of the glacial lake Grænalón are unforgettable.

Finally, the flight circles back through Skaftafell National Park, showing rugged mountain scenery, volcanic fissures, and geothermal features that make Iceland’s highlands so distinctive. The entire trip lasts around 50 minutes, giving you ample time to soak in the diverse scenery.

The Experience: What Makes It Special

What I love about this tour is the balance of adventure and comfort. Flying in a fixed-wing aircraft with just a handful of fellow travelers makes it intimate and less rushed. The guides and pilots are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, turning what could be a simple sightseeing flight into an educational journey.

The views are nothing short of spectacular. Several reviews describe flying over the glaciers as “simply stunning,” and seeing the volcanic fissures and craters from above provides a new appreciation of Iceland’s volcanic history. One traveler called it “the best experience we had in Iceland,” emphasizing how being airborne offers perspectives impossible from the ground.

A noteworthy aspect is the flexibility of the operator. Weather can be tricky in Iceland, and the company’s willingness to adjust plans or reschedule demonstrates a genuine commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. If the weather isn’t cooperative, you might find yourself flying over a glacier instead of Laki, but you’ll still get great views and a memorable experience.

Price and Value

At around $427.68 per person, this isn’t your cheapest Icelandic activity, but the cost reflects the exclusive, guided nature of the experience. The inclusion of taxes, fees, and a hot beverage adds to the value, and many reviewers mention how the unique perspective makes it worth the expense. If you’re someone who appreciates seeing natural landscapes from a different angle—literally—this flight is a smart splurge.

Keep in mind that the tour is limited to five travelers, so it remains intimate and personalized, which many find worth the price. For those who love geological marvels and want a memorable story to tell, this flight over the Laki craters offers a genuinely special perspective.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who aren’t afraid of small aircraft and want to see Iceland’s volcanic landscapes from above. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more personal and educational perspective rather than a crowded bus tour. Nature lovers and geology enthusiasts will also enjoy the detailed insights from the guides.

Keep in mind that weather plays a major role—a clear day makes the views much more impressive, though the company’s flexibility helps mitigate disappointment. If you’re short on time but want a compact, high-impact adventure, this 50-minute flight could be just enough.

The Sum Up

Flying over the Laki craters and Iceland’s highlands offers a rare and exciting way to experience the island’s volcanic heart. The combination of spectacular views, knowledgeable guides, and the intimacy of small groups makes this tour stand out. While it’s a bit of a splurge, the perspective gained from the air is well worth the cost for those eager to deepen their understanding of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

This is best suited for travelers who value unique, authentic experiences and are comfortable with small aircraft. If the weather cooperates, you’ll leave with unforgettable images and stories—an unforgettable highlight of any Iceland trip.

FAQ

How long is the flight?
The flight lasts approximately 50 minutes, giving plenty of time to see key landmarks without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The cost includes the flight, all taxes and fees, and a hot drink like coffee or tea.

Is it suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, as long as you’re comfortable with small aircraft and don’t have severe fear of flying. The group is limited to five people, making it more personal.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, the tour has a flexible cancellation policy—full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The company may reschedule if weather conditions are poor.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with layers, as the air can be cool even in summer. Comfortable shoes are advisable as well.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, transportation to Skaftafell is not included; you meet at the Skaftafell Terminal.

What views can I expect?
Expect panoramic views of glaciers, volcanic craters, geothermal landscapes, and the vast ice sheet of Skeiðarárjökull.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, the pilot and guides are praised for their expertise and friendly attitude, providing interesting insights throughout the flight.

What happens if the weather is cloudy or rainy?
Poor weather may lead to rescheduling or route changes, but safety is the priority. You’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Who would I recommend this for?
Adventure seekers, nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a memorable aerial perspective of Iceland’s volcanic scenery.

Flying over Iceland’s craters and glaciers is one of those experiences that transforms your understanding of the island’s fiery landscape. If you’re after an authentic, memorable adventure, this small-group flight over Laki and the highlands is a solid choice.