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Hekla

ActiveStratovolcano1491 m
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VolcanoSouth Coast

Hekla

South CoastActiveStratovolcano1491 m

About

Hekla, or Hecla, is an active stratovolcano in the south of Iceland with a height of 1,491 m (4,892 ft). Hekla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes; over 20 eruptions have occurred in and around the volcano since the year 1210.

You can feel the heat in some spots. A reminder that Iceland sits on one of Earth's most active volcanic zones.

Hekla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes; over 20 eruptions have occurred in and around the volcano since the year 1210. During the Middle Ages, the Icelandic Norse called the volcano the "Gateway to Hell" and the idea spread over much of Europe..

Follow marked paths in active geothermal areas. The ground can be unstable or concealing scalding water beneath a thin crust.

Map of Hekla

Map

63.9927°N, 19.6658°W · South Coast

Plan your visit

Elevation
1,491 m above sea level
Off the main road
9.4 km from Route 26
Nearest town
Árnes — 29 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
112 km in a straight line
What else is close
107 mapped places within 20 km

Hekla weather and conditions

Last updated

-4°Cheavy snow · feels -13°C13 m/sgusts 199 h 52 mdaylight · 08:08 – 18:00
In season now · Winter in IcelandSolheimajokull Ice Climbing & Glacier Hikefrom 31.381 ISK · 4 hAll 1,648 tours

Photos & videos

No verified videos yet — we only show footage confirmed to be Hekla, no lookalikes. Search YouTube

Nearby

Fuel

  1. 1Árnes29 km · 310.9 kr/L
  2. 2Hrauneyjar29 km · 315.8 kr/L
  3. 3Flúðir35 km · 310.9 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Krambúð35 km
  2. 2Krónan39 km
  3. 3Kjörbúðin40 km
All supermarkets →

Frequently
asked
questions

Is it safe to visit Hekla?
Hekla is listed as an active volcano. Whether you can approach it depends entirely on current conditions — during an eruption, authorities set an exclusion zone and you must never cross a closure line. Check safetravel.is and the Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) before you go, and follow all official instructions on site.
How do I get to Hekla?
Hekla is in South Coast. Check live road conditions on this page before you drive — highland access often needs a 4×4 and some routes only open in summer.
Can I hike Hekla?
It depends on the volcano and current activity. Some Icelandic cones have short marked trails to the rim; others sit under glaciers or in closed areas and cannot be climbed without a guide. Never approach an active eruption unless the official viewing area is open — conditions change fast.
What should I know about volcanic gas near Hekla?
Volcanic and geothermal areas can release sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, which are toxic in high concentrations and collect in low-lying spots. Stay on marked paths, leave immediately if you smell strong sulphur or feel unwell, and check the Met Office gas forecasts during any eruption.

Data & sources

Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.

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