Hekla

Natural landmarks of Iceland

Height1491m

TypeStratovolcano

RegionSouth Iceland

DifficultyHard

Hekla or Hecla, is a 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 874. During the Middle Ages, Europeans called the volcano the "Gateway to Hell".

Hekla is part of a volcanic ridge, 40 km (25 mi) long. The most active part of this ridge, a fissure about 5.5 km (3.4 mi) long named Heklugjá, is considered to be the volcano Hekla proper. Hekla looks rather like an overturned boat, with its keel being a series of craters, two of which are generally the most active.

The volcano's frequent large eruptions have covered much of Iceland with tephra and these layers can be used to date eruptions of Iceland's other volcanos. 10% of the tephra created in Iceland in the last thousand years has come from Hekla, amounting to 5 km3. The volcano has produced one of the largest volumes of lava of any in the world in the last millennium, around 8 km3.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hekla

More details

Rock typeBasaltic andesite, andesite, dacite and tephra

Formation typeStratovolcano / volcanic ridge

Last eruption2000

Best seasonSummer

Hiking routeHikeable

Glacier coverNot glacier covered

VolcanismVolcano

Volcanic activityActive volcano

Overview

Hekla is one of Iceland's most famous and active volcanoes, rising as a long volcanic ridge north of the South Iceland lowlands.

History

Since settlement, Hekla has erupted many times and repeatedly affected farms, grazing land and travel in South Iceland. The volcano also became famous in European writings. Cultural context: Hekla contributes to the visual and cultural identity of its region and is part of the long relationship between Icelandic communities and mountain landscapes.

Geology

Hekla is a central volcano built by repeated lava flows and explosive eruptions. Its products range from basaltic to more evolved compositions, and extensive tephra layers record its long eruption history.

Hiking

Hiking possibilities around Hekla vary by route, season and access point. Exact distance and duration should be taken from a dedicated route record where available.

Safety

Conditions on Hekla can change quickly. Wind, low cloud, rain, snow, ice and loose ground can all increase difficulty. Visitors should check current conditions and choose routes appropriate to their experience. Practical visitor information: Visitors should choose an experience that matches current conditions and their own experience

Views & surroundings

From the mountain there are broad views over the South Iceland lowlands, Fjallabak and the central Highlands. Surroundings: Hekla should be understood as part of its wider Icelandic landscape, including neighbouring valleys, ridges, lowlands and volcanic or glacial features. Nearby highlights: Rangarvellir; Fjallabak; Thjorsardalur Destination area: South Iceland and Highland edge

Interesting facts

For centuries, some European writers described Hekla as an entrance to hell. Understand Hekla by noticing not just the summit, but also its rock, slopes, neighbouring landforms and position within the wider landscape. Notable features: Hekla combines active volcanism, written history, cultural mythology and a highly recognizable mountain form. Summary: One of Iceland's most famous active volcanoes, combining major eruption history with a long volcanic ridge. Themes: Volcano; eruption history; Highlands; geology

Frequently asked questions

Is Hekla an active volcano?: Yes. Hekla is an active central volcano and one of Iceland's best-known volcanoes. Conditions and access can change, so current official information should always be checked before visiting.
What makes Hekla special?: Hekla stands out because of its long eruption history, major tephra production and elongated volcanic-ridge form rather than a simple cone.
What should visitors know before visiting Hekla?: Conditions around Hekla can change quickly. Check access and weather before travelling, stay on established routes where possible and avoid damaging fragile natural surfaces.