Iceland review - 2015, Page 83

ICELAND REVIEW 81
Icelandic nature is renowned for its beauty, but much of this frag-
ile environment remains inaccessible to visitors traveling by tradi-
tional means. By taking an aerial tour with Helo, however, it’s pos-
sible to not only visit Iceland’s out-of-the-way wonders, but also to
do so with minimal impact on the country’s sensitive terrain.
FLY IN COMFORT AND LUXURY
Helo operates the finest helicopters in Iceland, equipped with
comfortable leather seats and specially-domed windows for the
widest panoramic views possible.
Every guest is given a pair of Bose noise-canceling headsets, to
better hear their pilot share insights about the amazing scenery
below, chat with each other, or even just listen to music.
Each tour is limited to a maximum of six guests, ensuring that
every experience is as intimate and up-close as possible.

FROM GLACIAL PEAKS TO BLACK BEACHES
Helo’s group tours offer something for everyone: from quick jaunts to
the top of the iconic mountain Esja, to excursions over the geother-
mal and lava-covered landscape of Reykjanes peninsula.
Join the Eyjafjallajökull Adventure tour and you’ll not only get to
fly over everyone’s favorite, unpronounceable Icelandic volcano,
you’ll also get the chance to stand on the newly-formed lava at Fim-
mvörðuháls (it’s still hot!) and to wing your way over the south coast’s
stunning black-sand beaches.
For guests who want to experience destinations a bit more off the
beaten path, there are also a wide variety of exciting private flights,
such as a visit to the rugged central highlands.
helo.is
Get to know a different side of Iceland
with Helo Helicopter Tours.
Above and Beyond
The Settlement Centre in Borgarnes, West Iceland, has long in-
spired guests with its imaginative approach to Icelandic history
and culture. Part art installation, part walk-through storybook, the
first exhibition recreates settlement-era Iceland, while the second ex-
plores the colorful life of the poet-warrior Egill Skallagrímsson.
PERSONAL GUIDED TOURS
Visitors can start their adventure with the Settlement Centre as soon
as they arrive in Iceland by downloading a free smartphone app with
GPS-navigated audio tours. It’s called Locatify SmartGuide North At-
lantic. The first Icelandic tour narrates the drive from Keflavík Inter-
national Airport to Reykjavík, pointing out sites of historical interest
along the way. From the capital, listeners are then led onwards to
Borgarnes and the Settlement Centre.
After your visit to the Settlement Centre, take a second short tour
around West Iceland with your smartphone. Here you’ll be able to
see important locations from the Saga of Egill Skallagrímsson, such
as his farm at Borg. If needed, the staff at the Settlement Centre will
assist you in downloading this app.
GREAT WINTER DESTINATION
Ideally located just an hour outside Reykjavík, the Settlement Centre
is open year-round—even on Christmas and New Year’s Days—and
offers a variety of Icelandic specialties on its restaurant menu, as well
as a daily lunch buffet. It’s a great destination for winter travelers,
who can start their day with a little history and end it, if they’re lucky,
with a stunning view of the northern lights.
landnam.is
Among the Best
in Historical
Edutainment
The Settlement Centre brings Viking-era Iceland to life.
VESTNORDENSPECIAL PROMOTION