Hekla Volcano Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Hekla Volcano. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• 3-Day Golden Circle, Ice Cave and Glacier Lagoon Small-Group Tour

• South Coast, Waterfalls and Black Beach Tour from Reykjavik

• 5-Day West Iceland, Ice Cave and South Iceland Small-Group Tour

• Private tour of Háifoss, Gjáin, and Sigöldugljúfur, highlands.

• Landmannalaugar & Valley of Tears 4x4 Hiking Tour From Reykjavik

While Hekla Volcano is free and open to all visitors, reaching this remote Icelandic natural wonder typically requires a guided tour to navigate the rugged terrain and ensure a safe visit to the active volcano. Full-day bus tours from Reykjavik that include time at Hekla start from around US$140, while small-group Jeep adventures begin around US$275. Multi-day tours that bundle Hekla with other Iceland highlights start from about US$900.

Yes, Hekla Volcano is worth visiting as it's one of Iceland's most active and historically significant volcanoes. Hekla rises 4,892 feet (1491 meters) above the south Iceland highlands, offering dramatic views of lava fields, mountains, and the surrounding Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Guided tours are the best way to experience Hekla, as they provide travel via a 4WD and an expert driver who can handle off-road navigation. Local guides are well-trained to ensure safe passage to and from the volcano site, while also providing insights and context to the natural wonder.

Per one customer who booked the 3-Day Golden Circle, Ice Cave and Glacier Lagoon Small-Group Tour, "This 3-day tour was the perfect way to start our Iceland trip! Our guide, Hilmar, was fantastic! The hotel accommodation was cozy and clean. The glacier hike and glacier lagoon were incredible. I would definitely recommend this tour!

Yes, Hekla Volcano is an active volcano. In fact, Hekla is one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland. Since Iceland was established around 874, the Hekla Volcano has erupted more than 20 times. Hekla’s most recent eruption was in the year 2000; experts predict that it’s going to erupt again soon.

Yes, you can hike to the summit of Hekla Volcano. The hike typically takes seven hours in total (out and back). Considered a challenging climb, it should only be tackled by experienced mountaineers—navigation equipment and good hiking boots are essential. Hiking with a guide is recommended.

Yes, it is generally considered safe to visit Hekla Volcano. However, as the volcano could potentially erupt at any moment, you need to pay close attention to any warnings that may be in place. Visiting in the company of a guide who knows the volcano well is your best bet.

Hekla Volcano is 68 miles (110 kilometers) east of Reykjavik. The drive typically takes around 2.5 hours, making it a feasible day trip destination from the capital. You’ll need a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle if you plan on driving to the volcano’s base. Alternatively, book a Jeep tour departing from Reykjavik.

Yes, there are guided tours to Hekla Volcano. Full-day trips that depart from Reykjavik are typically in Jeeps and include time to explore the rugged Landmannalaugar area, soak in a geothermal hot spring, and visit waterfalls and lakes. These tours tend to run in small groups and include hotel transfers.

Hekla Volcano is shrouded in Icelandic folklore. During the Middle Ages, after the explosive 1104 eruption, the Icelandic Norse called the volcano the "Gateway to Hell." The idea that Hekla was the entrance to Hell spread across Europe and persisted until the 19th century. Today, some Icelanders still believe witches gather on Hekla at Easter time.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Hekla Volcano. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Reykjavik:

• Blue Lagoon

• Thingvellir National Park

• Gullfoss

• Vatnajokull National Park

• Skógafoss

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Reykjavik.