Highlands · Iceland
Hekla
Hekla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes — a stratovolcano that has erupted over 20 times since 874 AD and was known in medieval Europe as the 'Gateway to Hell'.
About Hekla
Hekla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes — a stratovolcano that has erupted over 20 times since 874 AD and was known in medieval Europe as the 'Gateway to Hell'.
History & Background
In medieval Europe, Hekla was believed to be the entrance to Hell, and accounts described screaming souls visible in the smoke. For centuries it was considered one of the most feared volcanoes on Earth. The mountain erupts frequently — with eruptions in 1947, 1970, 1980, 1991, and 2000. Volcanologists warn that Hekla is overdue for another eruption and give very little warning time — as little as 30 minutes — before it erupts.
Key Facts
- ✔Known in medieval Europe as the 'Gateway to Hell'
- ✔Over 20 eruptions since 874 AD
- ✔Last major eruption in 2000
- ✔Eruptions can give as little as 30 minutes warning
- ✔Height: 1,491 meters
