HengillHengill at a Glance
About Hengill
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -5° - -1° | -11° | 127 mm | overcast | 92% | 8.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -5° - -1° | -11° | 137 mm | overcast | 91% | 9.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -5° - -1° | -11° | 138 mm | overcast | 89% | 8.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -3° - 1° | -8° | 102 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 97 mm | overcast | 82% | 7.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 18.2h |
| June | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 89 mm | overcast | 81% | 6.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 20.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 89 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 19.3h |
| August | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 119 mm | overcast | 83% | 5.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 112 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 3° | -5° | 133 mm | overcast | 90% | 7.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 1° | -8° | 122 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -5° - 0° | -10° | 132 mm | overcast | 92% | 8.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
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.