Hengill
Mountain Volcanic massif and geothermal area near Reykjavik
A volcanic ridge in southwest Iceland, Hengill hosts geothermal fields and hiking routes. Visitors follow trails between fumaroles, bathe in nearby hot springs and encounter geothermal installations along the way.
Hengill is a volcanic mountain area in southwest Iceland known for its geothermal activity and rugged hiking terrain. It forms part of a volcanic system that has produced fumaroles, hot springs and altered ground.
Hikers use a network of trails across rhyolite ridges and valleys to view geothermal vents, hot springs and altered landscape, with opportunities for day walks and longer routes connecting to neighbouring valleys. The area is also used for geothermal energy production and contains access points for monitoring and small infrastructure.
Hengill is part of Iceland’s active volcanic systems and has been a source of geothermal energy development in the region. The geological activity has shaped local landforms and provided resources for nearby settlements.
The massif lies in Iceland’s Southern Region, inland from the southwestern coastal area and accessible from population centres in the region. It forms a recognizable highland feature within southwest Iceland’s volcanic terrain.
- Geothermal activity: A volcanic ridge and geothermal area with marked hiking routes and accessible geothermal features near popular visitor circuits in southwest Iceland.
How to Get to Hengill #
Hengill is a volcanic ridge in southwest Iceland accessible by road from Reykjavík. From Reykjavík drive roughly 30-35 km (about 30-45 minutes) east/southeast using Route 1 and then Route 36 (Þingvallavegur) toward Þingvellir/Hellisheiði; turn off to local mountain roads and park at marked Hengill or Nesjavellir/hellisheiði trailheads. There are no regular public trains; some Strætó regional buses serve Hveragerði and Þingvellir from Reykjavík, from which you can arrange a taxi or hike to trailheads - hiking distances from parking/trailheads typically start at 2-10 km depending on the route.
Tips for Visiting Hengill #
- Use the Nesjavellir/Nesjavellir geothermal area car parks as a practical trailhead for many Hengill routes - the marked paths from there lead up onto the Hengill ridgeline and avoid boggier approaches.
- Go early on weekdays to avoid passengers from Golden Circle day tours; once on the trails stick to marked routes and boardwalks to protect fragile geothermal ground and avoid unstable, thin crust.
- Check current conditions with the Icelandic Met Office and local guides before setting out - weather changes quickly, and in winter some routes become technical or require crampons and avalanche awareness.
Best Time to Visit Hengill #
Best visited in summer for accessible hiking and geothermal features, or in winter if you seek snow and aurora opportunities.
Weather & Climate near Hengill #
Hengill's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -5°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1397 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (138 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
