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Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves

5.00
5.0(3 reviews)
6 hours 20 minutes
English, Italian, Spanish
Mobile ticket
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Overview

Available languages

English
Italian
Spanish

6 hours 20 minutes

Mobile ticket

30 MINUTES DRIVE from Reykjavik city center

LENGTH: 8 km – 5 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 290 m – 951 ft

DIFFICULTY: easy/moderate

DURATION: 5hrs

AGE LIMIT: 16+

Embark on an unforgettable day hike to Helgafell. 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 (elevation: 300m / 980 ft).

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.

An exciting part of this adventure is the opportunity to explore lava caves, where you can enter Iceland’s fascinating volcanic underworld. Exploring these mysterious depths is like stepping back in time to a place where the earth itself is still alive and shifting.

With an expert "international mountain leader" guiding you, you’ll gain deep insights into Iceland’s geology and folklore.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

All participants are required to be over 16 years old

Weather can change rapidly, be prepared for all conditions

Meet at the designated starting point 10 minutes before departure

Group sizes are kept small for a personalized experience (up to 15)

Please note that the tour requires a minimum of four participants. If this number isn’t reached, the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund

What To Expect

1

The meeting point is a known parking lot at the start of a trail. 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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

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. Along the way, you’ll encounter Iceland’s diverse wildlife, including birds, flowers, and possibly even a shy Arctic fox. 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.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Shared Hike (from 4 to 15)

9-seater 4x4 van Pickup included

What‘s Included

Licensed and certified local guides

All Fees and Taxes

International Mountain Leader

Headlamp

Lava caves

Lunch

Bottled water

Hiking shoes

Waterproof jacket and pants

Cap and gloves

Spare t-shirt

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.00

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

3
0
0
0
0
  • Me s Group in Iceland

    peterrabbino,Sep 4, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    WOW!! Other worldly! Roberto was a great guide with lots of information, funny anecdotes and knowledge. He kept us safe and was familiar with the history and landscape. Highly recommend.

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  • Great tour!

    dorcass616,Jun 9, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    It was a very nice tour. Great views, surprisingly different kind of beautiful landscapes. The hike was not too difficult and I would recommend it to others. The lava caves are stunning and you feel that you reconnect with mother earth when you sit under the ground in a lava cave.

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  • Highly recommended hike near Reykjavik

    rostym2022,Jun 7, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    It was a really good hike and we have the whole mountain to ourselves! Roberto is very knowledgeable and an experienced hiker. aa The 100 m lava cave was really cool! 😎 I highly recommend this trip and it’s also not very far from Reykjavik.

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