CultureExhibitionsAerial Adventures: Flyover Iceland Experience
people admiring the landscapes offered by FlyOver from their seats
Go Car Rental Iceland travel writer Leah BIlquist
By Leah BIlquistNov 29, 2023 • 8 min read

Aerial Adventures: Flyover Iceland Experience

Are you ready to fly over Iceland, without spending your day at the airport? Luckily you can at FlyOver Iceland, a thrilling indoor experience near Reykjavik. Fly Over Iceland provides a unique adventure that uses state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight, all from the comfort of your chair. So what is FlyOver Iceland and how can you participate in it? We are going to explain all of the fun details you can expect, from start to finish.

Pre-Show Experiences

Before your flight takes off, enjoy the two pre-show experiences FlyOver Iceland offers. This is a great way to unwind and have your mind shut off before throwing yourself into Iceland’s breathtaking scenery.

Woman and a couple checking in to flyover iceland

You will have the opportunity to learn all about the land you are about to see. There are even illustrations you will admire throughout the two pre-experience shows that are created by the legendary Brian Pilkington.

The Longhouse

Listen to the Icelandic storyteller who will welcome you into an ancient Viking longhouse. You will join him by the light of the fire as he incorporates a story while a fascinating shadowplay projection brings it all to life.

A man standing in an icelandic turf house in the entry to fly over iceland

The Well Of Time

Finally, you can learn all about Iceland’s history by immersing yourself in the Well of Time. They will use music, video, imagery, and sound as you watch the show come to life.

Your guide is Sú Vitra, a character based on local troll legends that have been custom-designed by beloved illustrator Brian Pilkington. She is known to symbolize the wisdom and enchantment of Iceland.

a stunning and immersive presentation of the ancient forces of nature in flyover iceland

Sú Vitra will first allow you to feel the power of the land as the strong and often violent forces of nature take shape. Then you will see the arrival of man and the introduction of Þetta Reddast. They will teach you how humankind survived and embraced the landscapes of Iceland.

Now that you took some time to learn about the land, it is time to see it for yourself, by flying over it!

The Experience

FlyOver Iceland provides the feeling of flight without wheels leaving the runway. Once your flight takes off, you will hang suspended with your feet dangling over a 20-meter or 65-foot spherical wrap-around screen.

The movie will take you on a breathtaking journey through the country of Iceland, accompanied by music from the famous composer Kjartan Holm.

People Flying over iceland with a waterfall below them

In addition to the gorgeous scenery, you will also take advantage of their special effects. This will include the feeling of wind, mist, and even scents. The seats will move during certain motions of the ride too, providing an adrenaline rush.

The show lasts 35 minutes and that includes the two pre-show experiences, the pre-flight briefing, and the 8.5 minutes you’ll spend on the Ultimate Flying Ride.

Capturing The Scenery

Each Flyover film requires an incredible amount of planning and coordination to capture that perfect shot. A talented team of creatives and planners work together for months to scout locations, coordinate, plan and then film this ambitious project.

Kayaking scene with helicopter during a flyover iceland movie making

All of the films you see are shot by one of the team members. They go to incredibly risky lengths to capture and share it with you, which honestly makes the flight a bit more special. Each shot involves endless hours of research, dreaming, choreography, and planning.

Some famous locations you will see throughout your journey are the beastly Goðafoss waterfall in northern Iceland and the Skjálfandafljót River, which has its source deep in the Icelandic highlands.

a helicopter flying over a waterfall to film iceland for flyover iceland

Know Before You Go

Where is FlyOver Iceland located?

FlyOver Iceland is located in the heart of the Grandi area. Here you can find restaurants, cafes, and museums. You can take a stroll along the harbor and enjoy the ocean mist. FlyOver Iceland is a short five-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik and a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik airport.

How do I get there?

If you have a rental car, you can simply take the quick five-minute drive over to FlyOver Iceland.

If you are staying in Reykjavik you can walk there. Just head towards the Grandi neighborhood by walking via the Old Harbour area just west of the city center. The main road is called Geirsgata and from this street, you will find a walking path that takes you along the harbor and into the Grandi area.

Once you have reached Grandagarður, the street behind the Maritime Museum, you are in Grandi. Turn left on Grandagarður and walk along a row of shops and cafes until you reach Grunnslóð. Take a left on this short street and you will come to Fiskislóð facing the Whales of Iceland. FlyOver Iceland is located just behind the landmark building that is hard to miss.

Night time view of the FlyOver Iceland building

How much is it?

The price for General Admission is 5.490 ISK or $40. For children under 12, the price is 3.490 ISK or $25.

You can get an even lower price by buying the tickets in advance. As of November 2022, guests can save 10% when using promo code ICELAND. This applies to single tickets only, no dual rides. Please note, the price can change at any time, so always check their website before purchasing in advance.

Can children FlyOver Iceland?

Yes! But there are a few rules you need to follow. Children must be at least 102 cm or 40" tall to fly. Children who are 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult or guardian who is 14 years or older.

Staff at flyover iceland taking a photo of them flying

When are they open?

One of the biggest perks of FlyOver Iceland is that you do not have to worry about the weather. That means no flight cancellations due to stormy wind or heavy snow. They are open daily from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

I am afraid of heights, can I fly?

This is a great option for those afraid of heights and looking to conquer their fear, without boarding an actual airplane. The FlyOver Iceland experience is a gentle ride. Guests sit in chairlift-style seats and are elevated before a large, spherical screen.

Which means you are not going high in the sky at all. If you are terrified of heights and find this uncomfortable, we recommend not flying.

FlyOver Iceland riders feet dangling wiht a mountain in the background

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