Skip to content

Or try searching by Category and/or Location

Welcome to the vicinity of Hekla - stage three of The Volcanic Way

Hekla has been dubbed the Queen of Iceland’s volcanoes. The one that has erupted most frequently in recent years; rises 1,491 m over sea level and can be seen from long distances in South Iceland. Despite Hekla's frequent eruptions, this is a fertile farming region where people have lived since the Viking age or possibly longer. See Hekla up close while visiting Þjórsárdalur valley or book a tour into The Caves of Hella to learn more about the region's mysterious history.

Learn and discover:

Locals recommend:

Popular places:

 

Activities - Hekla

Caves of Hella
Twelve man-made caves have been discovered on the land of Ægissíða by Hella on the South Coast of Iceland. Four of them have been open to the public. The historical site is Iceland's oldest still stan…
Hekluhestar Riding Tours
Hekluhestar - Riding tours since 1981 Austvaðsholtfarm, the heart of Hekluhestar, is located 12 km from Hella, in a vast open area 100 km. east of Reykjavik in the vicinity of the volcano Mt. Hekla, b…
Icelandic HorseWorld
We welcome you to the horse breeding farm Skeiðvellir. If you want to get to know the Icelandic horse while traveling in Iceland you have come to the right place. Skeiðvellir is a family run horse bre…
LAVA centre
LAVA "Iceland Volcano & Earthquake Center" reveals the epic forces of nature that shaped our planet and created Iceland only 20 million years ago. LAVA is dedicated to the unique volcanoes and geology…
Hlöðueldhúsið - The Barn Kitchen
Culinary and Joyful experience at the Barn Kitchen with a group of friends or colleagues. We cook together from Icelandic ingredients straight from the farm.  The Barn Kitchen is in Þykkvibær, about 1…

Other (1)

Local Travel Stóri Klofi 851 Hella 615-9001

Accommodation - Hekla

Landhotel
Welcome to the beautiful luxury hotel, Landhotel, nestled in the peaceful surroundings of a picturesque mountain range in South Iceland. As you approach the hotel, you are immediately struck by the st…
Hotel Ranga
Hotel Rangá, Southern Iceland´s idyllic countryside retreat, is the ideal location for adventuring through the country´s myriad of natural wonders, from its highlands and hot springs to its waterfalls…
The Highland center Hrauneyjar
The Highland Center Hrauneyjar is situated at the edge of the country´s most impressive and active volcanic area. From here there is a short distance to many of the most beautiful and popular tourist …
Stracta Hotel
Stracta Hotel Hella is a new hotel in the South of Iceland. The hotel offers various types of accommodation options. The hotel features a panorama restaurant, spacious bar, a hotel park with outdoor h…
Rjúpnavellir
Rjúpnavellir in Rangárþing Ytra is a small and comfortable resort in south of Iceland. It is located only 9 km from the famous volcano - Hekla, about 90 minutes drive from Reykjavík. At Rjúpnavellir, …
Farmer´s Guest House
A newly renovated two-story farmhouse with entrance on both 1st floor and in the basement. The second floor consists of 4 bedrooms, each equipped with two beds, a lounge and a bathroom with a shower. …
Hotel Lækur
Hotel Lækur is a small and cozy family-run country hotel in a beautiful location in south Iceland. The location is central for all main attractions in South Iceland. The hotel is renovated old barn, b…
Hotel VOS
Hotel VOS is a small and cozy country hotel located at Norður-Nýibær farm in Þykkvibær, about 10 minutes from Hella. Breakfast is included, and dinner is available upon request. At the restaurant, we …

Learn about Caves

Twelve man-made caves have been discovered on the land of Ægissíða by Hella on the South Coast of Iceland. Four of them have been open to the public. The historical site is Iceland's oldest still standing archaeological remains. Some believe the caves to date even further back than the settlement of the Nordic Vikings.

The wonders of the Caves of Hella include ancient crosses, wall carvings, and carved seats.

 

Mystery surrounds the caves, and for centuries, people have wondered:

  • Are the caves the handiwork of the Celts?
  • Were the caves a place of ancient worship?

Caves of Hella offer a great opportunity to explore these historic caves in Iceland. Join us to discover the secrets they hold and experience the magical Underworld of the South.

Volcanic Wisdom

Hekla is one of the world's most active and renowned volcanoes and was rumored to be the gateway to hell during the Middle Ages. Hekla reaches a height of 1,490 meters above sea level, and its volcanic system extends over a 60 km fissure swarm. Hekla has erupted 23 times in the last 1,000 years, ranking it as Iceland's third most active volcanic system. Eruptions typically begin with a short explosive phase, followed by lava flows, and primarily occur within the central volcano, featuring a mix of tephra and lava.

... rumored to be the gateway to hell during the Middle Ages 

Hekla is a prominent stratovolcano and stands as a striking example of a cone-shaped formation characterized by steep, symmetrical slopes. As with other stratovolcanoes, Hekla's eruptions have released large amounts of ash and pyroclastic material, affecting the nearby area.

Hekla volcano

Hekla - photograph by Jóhann Óli

Hekla volcano -  Photograph by Jóhann Óli.

The Stages of The Volcanic Way

1. Fagradalsfjall
Located in Reykjanes Peninsula, a captivating geological wonderland where the raw power of nature is on full display.
2. Hengill
As you reach the vicinity of Hengill, you will start noticing steam rising from hills, mountains, and even within the town of Hveragerði.
3. Hekla
Hekla has been dubbed the Queen of Iceland’s volcanoes. The one that has erupted most frequently in recent years;
4. Eyjafjallajökull
Eyjafjallajökull is an ice-capped volcano that famously erupted in 2010, its ash cloud affecting air traffic widely in Europe.
5. Eldfell
One fateful night in 1973, the people of Westman islands woke up to a volcanic eruption at the edge of the town.
6. Katla
The vicinity of Katla is recognized by its vast black sands. While the volcano itself is hiding under thick layers of ice, its surrounding glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, is a majestic sight.
7. Lakagígar
The vast lava fields of the Lakiagígar region can seem otherworldly. Two significant volcanic eruptions produced these mystical landscapes:
8. Öræfajökull
Vatnajökull glacier is everpresent as you explore the easternmost part of The Volcanic Way. Its highest peak is Öræfajökull, a stratovolcano at Vatnajökull's southern edge
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers for anyone traveling The Volcanic Way