Exciting 1-Hour Helicopter Tour of Laki Craters and Surroundings from Skaftafell

A helicopter with its door open on the edge of a crater in Iceland.
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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Skaftafell Terminal - Tour Center, Flugvallarvegur, Öræfi, Icela
Duration
1,3 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Languages
English
Available
May - Mar.
Minimum age
None

Description

Book this incredible helicopter tour to see some of Iceland's most incredible craters from above. Those eager to discover the vast Laki Craters, Vatnajokull National Park, and the Sulutindar peaks during an exciting helicopter ride should book this tour now.

Your adventure starts when you arrive at Skaftafell Terminal and check in at the reception. Here, you'll meet the experienced helicopter pilot and other passengers joining you on the tour. The pilot will tell you more about your flight route and give you a thorough safety briefing before heading to the helicopter. Make yourself comfortable inside, and get ready to take off!

As you soar through the air, you'll pass over the Skeidararjokull glacier, one of Vatnajokull's outlet glaciers. It covers an area of 137 square miles (220 square kilometers) and descends from the Vatnajokull ice cap into the Skeidararsandur glacial outwash plain.

The Skeidararjokull glacier has been in a state of constant change due to Iceland's dynamic glacial environment. It's known for its dramatic ice formations, crevasses, and ice caves. Its area has decreased significantly in recent decades, a stark reminder of the ongoing impact of climate change on Iceland's glaciers.

Next, you'll fly over the Lakagigar crater chain, known as the Laki Craters. The chain is a long row of volcanic craters that seems to stretch on endlessly. Flying over these is a great way to appreciate the scale of the craters.

The craters were formed during a volcanic eruption in 1783. This eruption ranks among the biggest and most devastating in recorded history. Over eight months, the volcano released vast quantities of lava, toxic gases, and ash, affecting global climate patterns.

The consequences of the Laki eruption were far-reaching. Locally, it led to the deaths of livestock and crops, triggering a famine that resulted in thousands of human casualties. The release of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere caused a "volcanic winter," leading to crop failures in Europe and even contributing to political unrest.

While you take in the spectacular views over these natural landmarks, your pilot will tell you more about the craters and their formation. Don't forget to snap a few photos from your helicopter, too.

On the way back to Skaftafell Terminal, you'll fly over the Sulutindar peaks. These twin peaks rise dramatically from the surrounding volcanic terrain. They're renowned for their distinctive jagged profiles, which have been sculpted by glacial and volcanic activity over millennia.

Don't miss the incredible experience of seeing the spectacular Laki craters from above on a thrilling helicopter tour from Skaftafell. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

45-minute pilot-guided helicopter tour
Free parking at the Skaftafell Terminal

Activities

Sightseeing
Helicopter

What to bring

Warm, waterproof clothing
Good hiking shoes
Fully charged camera
Reusable water bottle
Snacks

Good to know

Please note that there is a three-person minimum for this tour to run. If your group is smaller than three, the operator will try to combine your booking with another group.

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