Crochet Volcano
Photo by Tom Podmore
In the dramatic landscape of Iceland, Hekla is often ominously dubbed “the entry to hell,” a testament to the volcano’s formidable presence over centuries. This fearsome mountain has long been imagined as a portal to the underworld, capturing both the imagination and apprehension of those living within reach of its smoldering slopes.
Medieval Icelanders viewed Hekla as an ominous marker of doom, inspiring references in literary works such as Herman Melville’s *Moby Dick*, William Blake’s poem “Winter,” and the striking Icelandic Symphony, Hekla OP 52, a composition renowned for its thunderous intensity.
Since the settlement of the island around 870 AD, Hekla has erupted over twenty times, wreaking havoc on the landscape and instilling an enduring trepidation that another eruption may be imminent.
The most recent eruption occurred at the dawn of the new millennium in 2000, offered a fiery reminder of the volcano’s potency.
Yet, when it’s not posing an immediate threat, Hekla dons a different hat, transforming into a natural playground. Adventurous souls can take advantage of numerous hiking and mountaineering trails, or indulge in skiing and snowmobiling during the winter months.
In short, Hekla doesn’t only provide thrilling adventures through its eruptions; it invites visitors to explore its breathtaking slopes in a more tranquil manner.
Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
The Kerlingarfjöll range stretches majestically over 367 square kilometers in the Interior Central Highlands, known primarily for housing the third-largest geothermal area in the region—Hveradalir.
This teeming hub of geothermal activity speaks volumes about the area’s volcanic roots, with the dark, rusty hues of its rhyolite stones standing as testament to the land’s fiery origins.
Once celebrated as Iceland’s premier summer ski resort, Kerlingarfjöll’s ski operations came to a halt in 2000 owing to rising temperatures—an unfortunate consequence of climate change making reliable snowfalls a thing of the past. Nowadays, the region functions as a Highlands Resort, providing food and accommodation to visitors drawn to its natural allure.
Nearby, Hveradalir’s steaming hot springs beckon adventurers. Starting from the Kerlingarfjöll resort, a gentle 4-kilometer hike (2.5 miles) leads you through picturesque landscapes—crampons are unnecessary, though sturdy hiking shoes and walking poles are recommended for added stability.
While the route is not marked, it is straightforward to navigate. Upon arrival, a stunning geothermal paradise unfolds, framed by the imposing Kerlingarfjöll mountains. For those less inclined to hike, a short 10-15 minute drive will take you to Hveradalir for simpler explorations.
In March 2017, it was announced that this mountain range would gain the status of an officially protected Nature Reserve, a significant victory for environmentalists dedicated to safeguarding Iceland’s distinct landscapes, particularly against plans to harness its geothermal energy for new power plants.
For more insights into the challenges facing Icelandic nature, explore our pieces on Sustainable Tourism in Iceland and Rivers for Sale | The Future of Iceland’s Water Systems.
Hveravellir Nature Reserve
Regarded as one of the last great wilderness reserves on Earth, Hveravellir showcases awe-inspiring landscapes and compelling examples of geothermal activity. The name Hveravellir translates to “Hot Spring Fields,” a fitting title for this Highland oasis nestled between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers.
This ancient area features a route known as Kjalvegur, tracing back to 900 AD, that offers a glimpse into Iceland’s history and connectivity.
As one of the country’s largest geothermal areas, Hveravellir is rich with hot springs, some ideal for soaking, while others demand a respectful distance.
For those seeking a vivid display of geothermal energy, few places in Iceland rival Hveravellir, aside from perhaps Haukadalur, for showcasing nature’s volcanic might.
Curious about the “Blue Hot Spring” (Bláihver), the “Green Hot Spring” (Grænihver), or the “Red Hot Spring” (Rauðihver)? All are found within this stunning area, alongside the “Beautiful Hot Spring” (Fagrihver) and “Old Beautiful Hot Spring” (Gamli Fagrihver).
Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir
The first detailed accounts of Hveravellir date back to 1752, captured by travelers Eggert Ólafsson and Bjarni Pálsson, who notably named a hot spring, Öskurhóll, or “The Roaring Mound,” due to its distinctive whistling sounds.
Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir
Hveravellir also boasts a hot pool located conveniently beside the visitor’s center. This inviting pool, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 39 degrees Celsius, makes for a delightful stop for a relaxing soak, though don’t get too close to the input pipe—it’s known to get scalding hot! And as for changing facilities?… Well, this is Iceland, after all.
Situated on the edge of a lava field, approximately an hour’s drive from the breathtaking Kerlingarfjöll mountains, Hveravellir is one of the most accessible locations in Iceland for grasping the powerful forces that shape this unique landscape.
Langisjór Lake
Though notoriously challenging to reach, Langisjór is undeniably one of Iceland’s most breathtaking lakes, bordered by a stunning array of mountains and verdant hillsides.
Visitors fortunate enough to be well-prepared will discover one of the most picturesque spots in the Central Highlands.
This sprawling lake spans 26 square kilometers, extending 20 kilometers in length and 2 kilometers in width, with a maximum depth of 75 meters. Langisjór lies along the southwestern edge of Vatnajökull National Park.
In recent years, environmental groups have raised alarms over government proposals to construct an industrial dam on the lake, citing its remote location as a primary reason for the plan. Activists fear that sacrificing Iceland’s pristine landscapes for industrial expansion might undermine one of the nation’s core values—protecting the land.
Bardarbunga Volcano
Concealed beneath the icy veil of the Vatnajökull glacier, Bardarbunga was, until recently, a lesser-known figure among Iceland’s subglacial stratovolcanoes. This is surprising, given that Bardarbunga claims the title of the second-largest mountain in Iceland.
Hiding under a glacier tends to diminish one’s visibility, until, of course, the volcano decides to make its presence known.
Bardarbunga erupted spectacularly in August 2014, an event that unfolded over six months, concluding on February 27, 2015. This eruption shifted scientific perspectives, as subsequent studies identified layers of tephra linked to Bardarbunga, not a nearby volcano, as had been previously assumed.
Today, the site offers a striking landscape where visitors can witness the geological transformations wrought by the eruption just a few years ago. However, accessibility remains a challenge, and few dare to venture into this enigmatic territory.
Did you enjoy our exploration of the Icelandic Central Highlands? Whether you’re dreaming of your next destination or reminisce about past adventures, we’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
