HeklaHekla at a Glance
About Hekla
Hekla is a high, conical stratovolcano in southern Iceland known for frequent eruptive activity in the historical record. The volcano has produced explosive and effusive eruptions and is one of Iceland’s best-known volcanic peaks.
The mountain’s steep profile and lava fields make it a prominent feature in the landscape; it is accessible by highland roads when weather and conditions permit and is visited by hikers when conditions are safe. Due to its eruptive history, approaches require caution and local guidance.
Hekla has been active in many periods since medieval times and has produced significant eruptions at intervals over the last millennium. Monitoring and hazard planning are in place because of its potential for sudden eruptions.
The volcano sits in southern Iceland within the broader volcanic zone that crosses the island.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 1,491 metres, making it one of Iceland’s more prominent volcanic peaks and a visible landmark in southern Iceland.
- Historic Activity: Eruptions have been frequent in the historical record, with large documented eruptions dating back to the early medieval period and a notable eruption in 2000.
Best Time to Visit Hekla
Summer offers the most reliable window for approaching Hekla, but conditions are always changeable.
Weather & Climate near Hekla
Hekla's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -8°C to 8°C. Abundant rainfall (1649 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -8° - -3° | -14° | 146 mm | overcast | 95% | 11.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.4h |
| February | Poor | -8° - -4° | -15° | 156 mm | overcast | 94% | 11.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.4h |
| March | Poor | -8° - -4° | -16° | 149 mm | overcast | 93% | 11.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -7° - -2° | -13° | 113 mm | overcast | 91% | 10.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 14.7h |
| May | Poor | -3° - 1° | -8° | 106 mm | overcast | 87% | 8.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 17.8h |
| June | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 115 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 19.8h |
| July | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 116 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.1 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 18.8h |
| August | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 155 mm | overcast | 88% | 7.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.9h |
| September | Poor | 0° - 3° | -5° | 143 mm | overcast | 92% | 8.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -4° - 0° | -10° | 164 mm | overcast | 93% | 8.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| November | Poor | -7° - -2° | -13° | 136 mm | overcast | 95% | 9.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| December | Poor | -8° - -3° | -14° | 150 mm | overcast | 95% | 10.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.2h |
How to Get to Hekla
Hekla is roughly 120 km east of Reykjavík. Access is by car via Route 1 and then F-roads/secondary roads depending on the approach; many tours operate from Reykjavík in summer months, but off-road driving regulations and seasonal closures apply.
Tips for Visiting Hekla
- Check weather closely before planning any approach; Hekla's summit weather can change rapidly.
- For those attempting a hike, go with an experienced group - access involves long approaches over moorland and rocky slopes.
- Respect local advisories - Hekla is an active volcano and does erupt on geologic timescales.