FlyOver Iceland

FlyOver Iceland is a flying theatre attraction in the Grandi harbour district of Reykjavik, operated by Pursuit — the same company behind similar experiences in Vancouver, Las Vegas, and the Canadian Rockies. Opened in 2019, the attraction uses a combination of a massive spherical screen, full-motion seating, and multi-sensory effects to simulate flight across Iceland's most striking landscapes.

The Experience

The visit begins the moment you step inside the building at Fiskislod 43, a short walk from the Old Harbour. Before the main ride, two pre-show experiences set the scene.

The first is The Longhouse, styled as an ancient Viking hall. Here, a storyteller recounts Icelandic tales while atmospheric shadow-play projections bring the narrative to life on the walls around you. The second pre-show, The Well of Time, uses immersive visuals to explore the geological forces that shaped Iceland — volcanic eruptions, glacial movements, and the tectonic rift that splits the island along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

The Flight Ride

The main event is an 8.5-minute ride in which you sit in a full-motion seat, feet dangling, suspended before a 20-metre spherical screen that wraps around your field of vision. The film takes you on an aerial tour of Iceland: over glaciers, along coastlines, through narrow fjords, above volcanic highlands, and past waterfalls. Wind blows through your hair during open-air sequences. Fine mist hits your face near waterfalls. Scents — grass, sea air, sulphur from geothermal areas — are pumped in at timed intervals to match what you see on screen.

The footage was shot by helicopter and drone across every region of Iceland, covering landscapes that would take weeks to visit in person. The ride's motion is synchronized precisely to the camera movements, tilting and banking as the virtual flight path turns and descends.

Practical Details

FlyOver Iceland is located in Grandi, Reykjavik's former fishing warehouse district that has become a hub for museums, restaurants, and creative businesses. Grandi Matholl food hall is across the street, and the Marshall House art centre is a few minutes' walk away.

The attraction is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with rides departing every 15 to 20 minutes. Booking online in advance saves a small amount on ticket prices and guarantees a time slot during busy periods. The entire building is wheelchair accessible up to the ride itself, though the suspended seating requires guests to be able to transfer from a wheelchair independently.

Who It Is For

FlyOver Iceland works well as a rainy-day activity, a first-day orientation to the landscapes you are about to explore on a road trip, or a final recap of the scenery you have already seen. Families with children tall enough to ride generally find it a highlight. The total time commitment of under an hour makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing in central Reykjavik without rearranging your schedule.