Elevation
1,491 meters
Prominent ridge visible across south Iceland.
Hekla Volcano: the 'Gateway to Hell'
The "Gateway to Hell": a 1,491-meter stratovolcano in south Iceland and one of the country's most active, with over 20 eruptions since settlement and notoriously short warning times.
Region
South Iceland
Do not use an estimated warning time to plan a summit escape.
Quick Answer
For centuries, Hekla was feared across Europe as a literal gateway to the underworld. Today, it remains one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, capable of erupting with less than 30 minutes of warning. It stands 1,491 meters tall in the south Iceland highlands, and its snow-streaked ridge is visible from much of the lowlands.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Hekla can erupt with very little warning. Check official alerts before approaching.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Eruptions
20+ since 874 AD
The Met Office lists the most recent eruption in 2000.
Planning limit
No guaranteed warning
An eruption history is not a usable countdown for a hike.
What to Expect Near Hekla
- Stratovolcano classification: 1,491 m elongated ridge with a 5.5 km fissure summit
- The Met Office lists 23 historical eruptions; the latest was in 2000
- Lava fields from centuries of eruptions; Hekla's lava covers over 40 km² of surrounding terrain
- Snow-capped ridge visible from Route 1 and Route 26
- Visitors can observe tephra layers and pumice deposits from different eruption periods
- Hiking strongly discouraged due to <30 minute eruption warning time
- Medieval 'Gateway to Hell' reputation: 12th-century European monks believed souls entered the mountain
Nearby Attractions
- Landmannalaugar (colorful rhyolite mountains)
- Þjórsárdalur valley and Hjálparfoss
- Hekla Center exhibition in Leirubakki
- Stöng medieval farmstead ruins
- Háifoss waterfall (122 meters)
- Þjórsá river (Iceland's longest river)
How to Get There
- Plan the road journey to your chosen viewing stop and check current road conditions
- No F-road required to view Hekla: Route 26 is a paved/gravel highland road
- The Hekla Center at Leirubakki farm is accessible by 2WD and provides exhibits and information
- For closer approach, a 4WD track leads from Route 26 toward the base, but hiking the summit is officially discouraged
- Guided super jeep tours run from Reykjavik and Selfoss in summer
- No public transport; rental car or guided tour required
Best Time to Visit
- June to September: best weather and longest daylight for viewing and photography
- Route 26 is accessible most of the year but may have winter closures in heavy snow
- July-August: warmest months, best visibility of the ridge from surrounding areas
- Winter visits are possible from Route 1 for distant views, but approach roads may be impassable
- Always check vedur.is for Hekla-specific seismic alerts before any approach regardless of season
- Midnight sun period (mid-June to mid-July) is good for photography
Eruption history is not a countdown
The Icelandic Met Office’s Hekla page lists 23 eruptions in historical time, with the most recent in 2000. It also provides access to seismic and GPS monitoring. Use that source for scientific context; an average interval between earlier eruptions does not tell a visitor when the next one will begin.
A landscape stop to see Hekla from a distance is a different plan from climbing the mountain. Visit South Iceland describes its broad visibility across the south, but its hiking description is not a current safety clearance. Check official advice for the place you intend to go, and do not build a summit plan around a promised number of minutes of eruption warning.
Planning help
Hekla FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Why is Hekla called the 'Gateway to Hell'?
Medieval Europeans believed Hekla was an entrance to Hell due to its frequent, violent eruptions. The name appeared in European literature from the 12th century, and monks wrote that damned souls could be seen entering the mountain.
How much warning before a Hekla eruption?
Hekla can provide little warning before an eruption. Do not treat a quoted number of minutes as guaranteed time to leave the mountain. Check current official advice before planning any close approach.
Can you hike Hekla?
While it is technically possible to hike Hekla in calm conditions, Icelandic authorities strongly advise against it due to the very short eruption warning time. If you choose to hike, carry a GPS device and monitor IMO seismic data constantly.
How often does Hekla erupt?
The Icelandic Met Office lists 23 eruptions in historical time and identifies 2000 as the most recent eruption. That history is not a timetable for the next event; check the Met Office’s Hekla monitoring page for current information.
Where is Hekla located?
Hekla is in south Iceland, about 110 km east of Reykjavik. It is visible from the Ring Road and nearby Route 26. The area around it includes farmland and highland trails.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.