Helgafell Sacred Mountain

Background

History & Background

Helgafell Sacred Mountain in West Iceland has captivated visitors and locals alike throughout Iceland's history. The natural formations here were shaped over thousands of years by the forces of volcanism, glaciation, and erosion. Early settlers recognized the unique beauty of this place, and it features in various historical accounts and folklore. Iceland's natural wonders have been described by travelers since the medieval period, with some of the earliest written accounts appearing in the sagas and geographic treatises of the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, Helgafell Sacred Mountain continues to draw visitors from around the world who come to witness the extraordinary landscapes that make Iceland one of the most geologically diverse places on the planet.

Helgafell (Holy Mountain) is a 73-meter high hill on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with immense significance in Icelandic sagas and folklore. According to legend, those who climb it in silence and face east at the summit can make three wishes that will come true. The mountain was considered so sacred in pagan times that no one was allowed to look at it unwashed.