A guided hike to Iceland’s holy mountain: lava tubes, folklore, and views over Reykjavik
LENGTH
8 km – 5 mi
DIFFICULTY
easy/moderate
HIKING
10.30 – 15.30
DRIVING
30 minutes
ELEVATION GAIN
290 m – 951 ft
GROUP
4 – 15
SUPER PRIVATE
1 – 3
AGE LIMIT
16+
Embark on an Unforgettable Hike to Helgafell
Helgafell isn’t just a mountain, it’s one of Iceland’s most storied places. This flat-topped volcanic tuya, formed beneath an ancient ice sheet, rises above the Reykjanes Peninsula with sweeping views back to Reykjavik. Known as the “holy mountain,” it’s believed by many Icelanders to be home to elves and hidden people, the Huldufólk, whose presence locals still take seriously today. On this guided day hike in Iceland, you’ll explore the mountain’s wild ridges, crawl into genuine lava caves, and hear the folklore that has shaped this landscape for centuries.
Venture Beyond the Tourist Trails
Most visitors to Helgafell never leave the car park. We take you on unmarked routes through the wilderness: windswept ridges, hidden valleys, and terrain that feels genuinely untouched. Your certified mountain leader knows every corner of this landscape and brings it alive with stories of geology, history, and Icelandic legend. Along the way you’ll encounter Iceland’s diverse wildlife – birds, wildflowers, and occasionally a shy Arctic fox – in moments of quiet that no bus tour can replicate.
Explore Iceland’s Volcanic Underworld
The lava caves near Helgafell are a highlight of this hike that you won’t find on any bus tour. Formed thousands of years ago as molten lava cooled and hardened around a still-flowing river of rock, these tubes are eerie, beautiful, and unlike anything above ground. Your guide carries headlamps so you can explore them properly, even in the rain. Standing inside one of these ancient formations, in near-total silence, is one of those travel moments that genuinely stays with you.
What to Expect on the Day
Your adventure starts with pickup from Reykjavik, available for groups of up to 8: just select it during booking. Prefer to drive yourself? The day before, we’ll send you precise directions to the trailhead, about 30 minutes from the city center.
At the trailhead, your guide introduces the route, explains the terrain ahead, and shares the first of many stories about Helgafell’s history and folklore. The opening stretch is gentle, a warm-up through open lava fields as the mountain reveals itself gradually. As you climb, the landscape shifts: mossy rock, windswept ridgelines, and the first views back toward Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula opening up behind you.
Midway through the hike, you reach the lava caves. Headlamps on: your guide leads you into the volcanic underworld, pointing out the formations, explaining how the tubes were created, and leaving space for the eerie silence to do its own talking.
Lunch is taken wherever the view deserves it that day. On the descent, the pace slows naturally: time to absorb the landscape, ask questions, and enjoy the surroundings. Back at the trailhead by mid-afternoon, you’re back in Reykjavik within the hour. Total time including driving: around 5–6 hours.
Is This Hike Right for You?
Helgafell is rated easy/moderate: 8 km with 290 m of elevation gain. It’s a great first guided hike in Iceland for couples, solo travelers, friend groups, and anyone who wants a genuine outdoor experience without needing prior hiking experience. If you can walk comfortably for 4–5 hours on uneven rocky terrain, you’ll be absolutely fine.
Good, possibly sturdy, hiking shoes are essential: the lava field surface is rough and uneven underfoot. The hike stays well away from exposed ridges, so if heights make you nervous, Helgafell is a safe and comfortable choice. Not recommended for young children or anyone with significant mobility limitations.
Looking for something longer and more challenging after this? Grímannsfell or Moskardshnjukar are natural next steps.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Day Hike!
Whether you’re new to hiking in Iceland or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, Helgafell is a perfect half-day adventure: accessible, rewarding, and genuinely magical.
REMEMBER TO TAKE WITH YOU:
- Hiking shoes
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- 1 L of water
- Packed lunch
- Cap and (waterproof) gloves
- Spare t-shirt
Looking for more adventures? Discover our other day hikes: Grimannsfell Adventure – Discover Moskardshnjukar
Learn more about the elves, “hidden people”, on Wikipedia and the lava caves in Iceland.