Helgafell Holy Mountain

About Helgafell Holy Mountain

Helgafell stands just 73 metres high but carries enormous cultural and historical significance in Icelandic history and saga literature. Located near the town of Stykkishólmur, the hill was considered holy by early Norse settlers who believed it was the dwelling place of the god Þór and a gateway to the afterlife. The tradition of the three wishes is ancient: first-time climbers must approach from the north side, climb without speaking, not look back, and not stop until they reach the top — then make three wishes facing east at the summit. The wishes will only be granted if the climber does not tell anyone what they wished for. A small medieval church and burial ground stand at the base of the hill. Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir, the heroine of the Laxdæla Saga, is traditionally held to be buried here, adding another layer of historical and literary significance to the site.

📖 Story

Helgafell — Holy Mountain — was considered sacred by the earliest Norse settlers in Iceland. The saga of Þórólf Mostrarskegg, one of Iceland's first settlers, records that he worshipped the mountain and believed he and his family would enter it after death for rest. Later, the Christian church used the same site, building a small chapel that still stands. Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir, the most celebrated woman in the Laxdæla Saga, is said to be buried here.

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