Hekla

About Hekla

Mount Hekla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, a long, snow-streaked ridge about 1,490 meters high at the edge of the South Iceland highlands. Medieval Europeans called it the gateway to hell, and the mountain has done little since to shake the reputation.

In the late 20th century, the Hekla volcano erupted roughly once a decade, in 1970, 1980 to 1981, 1991 and 2000. The last eruption began in February 2000 and lasted under two weeks. Since then, the ground beneath the mountain has kept inflating, and volcanologists regard it as capable of erupting at any time.

What makes Hekla dangerous is how little notice it gives. The 2000 eruption was preceded by only around an hour of earthquake activity, so a hiker on the summit would have almost no time to get down. Before going anywhere near the mountain, check the current volcanic alert level and leave a travel plan with Iceland's travel-safety service.

Hiking to the top is possible but not encouraged. Most ascents start at Skjólkvíar on the northwest side, reached on the F225, a summer-only 4x4 road that leaves Route 26 opposite Búrfell. Expect wind, loose tephra and snow high up even in July, and confirm on the official road-conditions map that the F225 is open before you set out.

For most travelers, the better plan is to see Mount Hekla from below. Route 26 runs along its western flank, about two hours from Reykjavík via Hella, and the views stay with you most of the way to the highland junction for Landmannalaugar. Summer and early fall give the clearest days and open roads.

Guided Hekla tours in Iceland usually pair the volcano with Landmannalaugar by super jeep, which takes the F-road driving off your hands. Helicopter and airplane sightseeing flights from Reykjavík sometimes route over the mountain too, weather permitting.