Private Day Hike to Helgafell: Lava Caves and Elves
By Hikers of IcelandBest of
IF THIS ONE SHOWS UNAVAILABLE, CHECK OUR OTHER DAY TOURS as we run one tour per day. Hike Iceland for a short day!
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- May to October
- Minimum age
- 16 years
- Getting there
- Pickup available
- Group size
- Up to 15
- Book by
- 24 hours before
- Cancellation
- Free up to 48 h before
from
61.433 ISK
Check dates & bookNext departures
- Fri 2 Oct · 10:30
- Sat 3 Oct · 10:30
- Sun 4 Oct · 10:30
- Mon 5 Oct · 10:30
Runs: May to October
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
- Secure payment, confirmation from the operator
- No account needed
The Grapevine's take
Helgafell
The Holy Mountain of Helgafell was long-thought to be a gateway to the afterlife—a place so sacred that visiting it respectfully could grant you three wishes. While we can’t promise you’ll receive your heart’s desire, we can assure you that the summit will supply a breathtaking vista of Stykkishólmur and Breiðafjörður bay. The jaunt takes a max of fifteen minutes. “It’s a beautiful place,” one panel member says before pausing. “And I did get my wishes.”
On The Reykjavík Grapevine's Best of list. See the whole list.
About this tour
IF THIS ONE SHOWS UNAVAILABLE, CHECK OUR OTHER DAY TOURS as we run one tour per day.
Hike Iceland for a short day!
- 30 MINUTES DRIVE from Reykjavik city center
- LENGTH: 8 km – 5 miles
- ELEVATION GAIN: 290 m – 951 ft
- DIFFICULTY: easy/moderate
- DURATION: 5hrs (plus driving time)
- STARTING TIME: 10.30 (plus pick-up time)
- ENDING TIME: 15.30 (plus drop-off time)
- GROUP: up to 15 participants
- AGE LIMIT: 16+
Embark on an Unforgettable Hike to Helgafell
Embark on an unforgettable day hike to Helgafell, an ancient volcanic mountain renowned for its breathtaking beauty and rich history. Formed under a massive ice sheet, this flat-topped tuya offers spectacular panoramic views of Reykjavik and the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula, providing the perfect setting for a memorable adventure.
Known as the “holy mountain,” Helgafell holds deep cultural significance, steeped in captivating folklore of elves and the “hidden people” who are said to inhabit its rocks. This mystical atmosphere adds a layer of magic to your hike, offering a glimpse into Icelandic mythology and its ancient connections to nature. As you hike, feel the magic of the landscape unfold, where every rock and ridge holds a story.
Venture Beyond the Tourist Trails
Our guided hike takes you off the beaten path, exploring secluded routes that immerse you in the untouched wilderness. Discover hidden corners of Iceland’s rugged landscape, from windswept ridges to serene valleys, while experiencing the pure thrill of walking where few others tread. The sense of discovery and connection with nature is unparalleled on this journey. Along the way, you’ll encounter Iceland’s diverse wildlife, including birds, flowers, and possibly even a shy Arctic fox. These quiet moments with nature provide a deep sense of peace and awe. The untouched beauty and serenity of this place will leave you feeling completely connected to the land.
Explore Iceland’s Volcanic Underworld
An exciting part of this adventure is the opportunity to explore nearby lava caves, where you can enter Iceland’s fascinating volcanic underworld. These awe-inspiring formations offer a glimpse into the immense power of nature, as you witness firsthand the raw forces that have shaped this incredible land over millennia. The experience of standing within these natural wonders will leave you speechless, with the eerie silence inside the caves enhancing the sense of wonder. Exploring these mysterious depths is like stepping back in time to a place where the earth itself is still alive and shifting.
Expert Guidance for an Enriching Experience
With an expert mountain leader guiding you, you’ll gain deep insights into Iceland’s geology, history, and folklore. Our guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge, making each step of your journey even more enriching and informative. Their expertise ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, while their stories make the landscapes come alive. Whether you’re curious about the volcanic forces that shaped Helgafell or eager to learn more about the elves and hidden people of Icelandic legend, our guides will bring every aspect of your hike to life. The wisdom they share will deepen your understanding of Iceland’s rich natural and cultural history.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Day Hike!
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or an eager adventurer, this day hike to Helgafell offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and thrilling discovery. Book your spot now, and get ready to embark on a day filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, fascinating stories, and the untouched magic of Iceland! This is a hike that will stay with you long after the journey ends. The memories you make here will be as timeless as the mountain itself.
REMEMBER TO TAKE WITH YOU:
- Hiking shoes
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- 1 L of water
- Packed lunch
- Cap and (waterproof) gloves
- Spare t-shirt
What's included
Lava caves
Headlamp
Licenced and certified local guides
International Mountain Leader
What to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Packed lunch
- 1 L of water
- Cap and (waterproof) gloves
- Spare t-shirt
Good to know
Weather can change rapidly, be prepared for all conditions
Meet at the designated starting point 15 minutes before departure
Group sizes are kept small for a personalized experience
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup is available: choose a pickup point when you book, or meet the operator here.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour.
For all bookings of day tours, a minimum of 24 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours notice, no refund is given.
For all bookings of multi-day and custom private tours, a minimum of 72 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 72 hours' notice, no refund is given*
*Note that in the event the client requests a refund for any reason, Tour Desk reserves the right to charge a 3% administration fee to cover costs incurred.
Cancellation and refund requests need to be sent in writing to info@tourdesk.io
Questions
- How long is Private Day Hike to Helgafell: Lava Caves and Elves?
- About 5 hours, not counting pickup.
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Pickup is available: you choose a pickup point when you book, or meet the operator at the start.
- What is the minimum age?
- 16 years.
- When does it run?
- May to October, going by the departures listed for the next twelve months.
- Can I cancel?
- Yes. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before the tour starts.
- How hard is it?
- The operator rates it moderate.
Explore more
- Caving and lava tunnels
- Hiking tours
- Day tours from Reykjavík
- Private tours
- Grapevine Best of
- Tours in Reykjavík
Read next: Best of Iceland by The Reykjavík Grapevine
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