In August of this year, I had the opportunity to visit Iceland for the first time. The weather was perfect, with clear skies and warm sunshine, making it the ideal vacation destination. Little did I know, it would also be the perfect day to experience something I hadn’t planned on doing – a helicopter tour over the Reykjanes peninsula to witness an active volcanic eruption at Sundhnúksgígar.
Thanks to Ryan Connolly from Hidden Iceland, who helped me plan my trip, I was able to book a last-minute helicopter ride. He had suggested it because a volcano on the southwestern edge of the island had recently become active. Not wanting to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I quickly paid for the tour on my phone at 1 pm, just a few hours after arriving in Iceland at 6:15 am. After a short nap at my hotel, I drove two hours to the meeting point, located just 10 minutes from Reykjavík, for a 7 pm flight.
The helicopter could only accommodate six people, including the pilot, so we were all seated tightly with little room to move. Based on our heights and weights, I was placed in the back-right seat. The cabin had large glass windows from the roof to the floor, providing us with a breathtaking view of the landscape. We were all given headsets with microphones to communicate with each other over the noise of the helicopter’s blades.
As soon as we took off, the pilot began describing the sights below us. We could see the city at first, but as we flew further, we were met with a vast, desolate, black land. Suddenly, the erupting volcano came into view, with magma rising and glowing red and orange against the dark earth. We could see the lava slowly flowing down the side of the volcano, becoming thinner and less intense as it moved away from the slope. The pilot circled the volcano a few times, ensuring that everyone on both sides of the helicopter got a good look, before taking us to a nearby dormant volcano and explaining its history.
According to Jón Grétar Sigurðsson, the owner of Atlantsflug, the helicopter touring company I used, safety is their top priority. They follow strict aviation regulations and adhere to specific flight routes and procedures set by the Icelandic government. Sigurðsson explains that these measures have become standard due to the increasing frequency of volcanic eruptions in the area.
When I arrived for my flight, it was delayed due to the previous flight being held up. While waiting in the office with other guests, we chatted, had coffee, and watched a live feed of the volcano. Delays or cancellations can occur due to the government conducting measurements in the area or inclement weather conditions, especially during the winter months. However, Sigurðsson assures that they do their best to accommodate guests and reschedule flights if necessary.
In conclusion, my first day in Iceland was truly unforgettable, thanks to the unexpected helicopter tour over an active volcanic eruption. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to witness such a natural wonder.