Hekla

Overview

Hekla stands as one of Iceland's most notorious and active stratovolcanoes, earning the medieval moniker "Gateway to Hell" from European chroniclers who witnessed its devastating eruptions. Located in southern Iceland's volcanic zone, this 1,491-metre peak has erupted over 20 times since settlement in 874 CE, making it one of the world's most closely monitored volcanoes. Its distinctive elongated ridge and unpredictable eruption patterns have captivated scientists and visitors alike for centuries.

The volcano's infamy stems not only from its violent eruptions but also from its ability to produce vastly different types of volcanic activity—from explosive ash-producing events that can ground European air traffic to gentler effusive eruptions creating spectacular lava fountains. Hekla's tephra layers provide a geological timeline of Iceland's volcanic history, whilst its relatively accessible location makes it a premier destination for volcano enthusiasts and hikers seeking to experience one of nature's most powerful forces firsthand.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 63.9830°N, 19.6660°W

**Entry Fee:** Free

**Opening Hours:** 24/7 (weather and volcanic activity permitting)

**Best Time to Visit:** June to September for hiking; winter for Northern Lights viewing

**Difficulty Level:** Moderate to challenging (Class 3 hiking trail to summit)

**Summit Elevation:** 1,491 metres

**Nearest Town:** Hella (31 km northeast)

**Last Major Eruption:** February 2000

**Hiking Duration:** 6-8 hours return to summit

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) eastbound for approximately 85 kilometres to the junction with Route 26 near Hella. Follow Route 26 south for 8 kilometres, then turn onto Route F225 (a marked F-road requiring 4WD). Continue 12 kilometres on F225 until reaching the designated parking area at the base of Hekla. Total journey time is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes in good conditions.

Alternative access via Route 1 to Landmannalaugar turnoff (Route F208) connects to F225 from the east, though this requires river crossings and is recommended only for experienced highland drivers with proper 4WD vehicles.

Parking

A gravel parking area accommodates approximately 20-30 vehicles at the F225 terminus. Parking is free but space fills quickly during peak summer months (July-August). No facilities available—bring all supplies. The car park sits at approximately 600 metres elevation.

Access

The marked hiking trail begins directly from the car park, initially following an old jeep track before transitioning to a steep mountain path. The first 2 kilometres traverse relatively flat terrain before the serious ascent begins. No special permits required, but hikers must register their plans with local authorities during periods of heightened volcanic activity.

What to See and Do

The primary attraction is the challenging hike to Hekla's summit, offering panoramic views across southern Iceland's highland plateau and glimpses into the volcano's active crater system. The ascent traverses multiple volcanic terrain types, from ancient lava fields to loose scoria slopes, providing an immersive geological education.

Experienced hikers can explore the volcano's multiple summit craters, though access depends on current activity levels monitored by the Icelandic Met Office. Steam vents and warm ground around the summit serve as reminders of the volcano's active nature. Clear days reveal spectacular vistas extending to Vatnajökull glacier and the Westman Islands.

The lower slopes offer excellent opportunities for volcanic rock collection (where permitted) and photography of Iceland's stark highland landscape. Northern Lights viewing from Hekla's base during winter months provides exceptional dark-sky conditions, though access roads may require studded tyres or winter driving experience.

Guided volcano tours operate from Reykjavík during summer months, typically combining Hekla with visits to nearby geological sites and providing expert commentary on the volcano's history and current monitoring systems.

Best Time to Visit

**June-August:** Peak hiking season with most reliable weather and longest daylight hours. Summit attempts best undertaken during these months. Expect crowds and limited parking availability on weekends.

**September-October:** Fewer crowds and dramatic autumn colours, but weather becomes increasingly unpredictable. Northern Lights season begins in late September.

**November-March:** Road access challenging due to snow and ice. F225 often impassable without specialised winter equipment. Excellent for Northern Lights viewing from lower elevations when conditions permit.

**April-May:** Shoulder season with variable conditions. Snow may persist at higher elevations, but fewer tourists and potentially stable weather windows. Road conditions improve gradually through May.

Volcanic activity can restrict access year-round—always check current status with the Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) before travelling.

Safety

Hekla presents several serious hazards requiring careful preparation. The volcano can erupt with minimal warning—explosive eruptions typically begin within 30-90 minutes of detectable precursor activity. Monitor official volcanic alert levels and heed all evacuation orders immediately.

Weather conditions change rapidly at altitude. Hypothermia and exposure risks are significant even in summer—carry proper mountain clothing, GPS navigation, and emergency communication devices. Afternoon storms frequently develop, creating lightning risks on the exposed summit ridge.

The F225 access road requires 4WD vehicles year-round. River crossings, loose surfaces, and steep gradients make conventional vehicles unsuitable. Rental car insurance typically excludes F-road damage—verify coverage before attempting access.

Summit hiking involves loose volcanic scoria that can cause serious falls. Proper hiking boots with ankle support are essential. Rockfall danger exists in crater areas, particularly during periods of freeze-thaw activity.

Nearby Places

**Landmannalaugar** (45 km southeast): Iceland's premier highland hiking destination featuring multicoloured rhyolite peaks, natural hot springs, and the famous Laugavegur trekking route starting point.

**Þjórsárdalur Valley** (25 km north): Archaeological treasure containing Stöng medieval farmstead ruins and Hjálparfoss waterfall, showcasing Iceland's settlement-era history beneath Hekla's ash layers.

**Seljalandsfoss** (55 km southwest): Iconic 60-metre waterfall allowing visitors to walk behind the cascading water, easily combined with Hekla visits via Route 1.

**Geysir Geothermal Area** (65 km northwest): Home to Strokkur geyser's reliable eruptions every 5-10 minutes, plus extensive geothermal features and visitor facilities.

**Gullfoss** (70 km northwest): Powerful two-tiered waterfall plunging 32 metres into a dramatic canyon, forming part of the classic Golden Circle route when combined with Geysir.

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