Hekla
Hekla is one of the most famous and most active volcanoes in Iceland and has more than 20 documented eruptions since settlement in Iceland, last one in the year 2000.
Plan Hekla with route advice, nearby places, guided tours, map coordinates, itinerary ideas and practical FAQ.
Quick guide to Hekla Volcano
| Location | South Iceland, north of Hella and the Þjórsárdalur highland edge |
| Best for | Highland-edge route planning, Landmannalaugar and Hekla tours, volcano history and South Iceland scenery |
| Nearby places | Háifoss, Hjálparfoss, Gjáin, Hella and Landmannalaugar routes |
| Typical visit time | Roadside views can be short; guided highland-style plans are usually full day |
| Best season | Year round for views; highland roads and tours are most practical in summer |
| Good to know | Hekla is a serious active volcano; do not treat the mountain itself as a casual hike without specialist planning |
| Coordinates | 63.9920,-19.6660 |
What is Hekla Volcano?
Hekla is one of Iceland’s most famous active volcanoes, rising above South Iceland near the highland edge. Historically it erupted often and was once associated with frightening folklore far beyond Iceland.
For travellers, Hekla is both a landscape marker and a route idea: it connects Hella, Þjórsárdalur, Háifoss, Landmannalaugar and the colourful interior.
Hekla is one of South Iceland’s great volcanic landmarks and a natural anchor for highland-edge touring.
Why visit Hekla?
Visit Hekla if you want South Iceland to feel more volcanic and less like only a waterfall route. The mountain gives context to lava fields, highland roads and geothermal landscapes.
It is especially strong as part of a guided Landmannalaugar or Hekla-focused tour where the route, roads and conditions are handled.
How to visit Hekla
Most visitors see Hekla from surrounding roads or guided highland tours. For a bookable route, start with Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano Tour or Hekla Adventure.
If self-driving, build a conservative plan with Hella, Hjálparfoss, Háifoss and Þjórsárdalur rather than trying to force a summit objective.
Best Hekla and Landmannalaugar tours
Hekla works best as a highland-edge tour topic, especially with Landmannalaugar, Háifoss and Þjórsárdalur.
A strong highland route for lava landscapes, Hekla views and rhyolite scenery.
A focused South Iceland volcano day for travellers who want Hekla context.
A seasonal highland day that can connect Hekla, lava fields and colourful mountains.
A varied volcanic highland-edge route with waterfalls and geothermal bathing.
Places near Hekla
Hekla works best when it is connected with nearby nature stops and route anchors.
Towns and villages near Hekla
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Hekla and Landmannalaugar day
Choose the Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano Tour when Hekla should be part of a colourful highland day.
Þjórsárdalur waterfall route
Use Hjálparfoss, Háifoss and Gjáin as the easier valley-side plan below Hekla.
Private highland-edge plan
For more control over stops, photography and weather windows, choose a private Hekla or Landmannalaugar route.
FAQ about Hekla
Is Hekla worth visiting?
Yes, if it fits your route. Hekla is strongest for travellers who want volcanic context rather than only a quick photo stop.
Can you hike Hekla?
Only for properly prepared travellers with current route, weather and safety knowledge. Most visitors should focus on viewpoints and guided highland routes.
What tours fit Hekla best?
Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano Tour is the strongest all-round route; Hekla Adventure is better when Hekla itself is the focus.
What should you combine with Hekla?
Hjálparfoss, Háifoss, Gjáin, Hella and Landmannalaugar are the natural combinations.
Can you visit Hekla from Reykjavik?
Yes, but it becomes a long South Iceland day. Guided tours are usually better than a rushed self-drive plan.
Do you need a 4x4 for Hekla?
For main towns and some valley stops no; for many highland roads, Landmannalaugar approaches and rougher routes yes or guided Super Jeep.
Is Hekla good in winter?
Views can be beautiful in winter, but highland access is limited and weather can close roads quickly.
How long should you spend at Hekla?
Allow a full day if Hekla is part of a real route rather than a distant view.
Blue lake near volcano Hekla during winter in Iceland
Hekla is one of the most famous and active volcanoes in Iceland
Hekla volcano is very active and is expected to erupt any time now
The volcano Hekla in Iceland