Helgafell Hike: Is That Really an Elves, Lava Caves Day Trip Review?
So, you know, Iceland has some pretty amazing things to see and do, yet Helgafell Mountain is just such a cool little spot for a day hike, especially if you’re into folklore and cool land formations. Very often overlooked by those visiting the island, this specific mountain and its nearby lava caves happen to be an absolutely nice outing, providing a bit of physical exercise with plenty to see and experience along the way. Is that why everyone that I’ve talked to, has it on their bucket list? I’m talking about the Helgafell hike. This hike also isn’t super intense too, as a matter of fact, making it quite doable for families and casual hikers who’d want something outdoorsy, yet somewhat relaxed.
Why Helgafell is More Than Just a Hill
Now, first, it is a must that we get this part clear: Helgafell translates to “Holy Mountain,” which tells you a bit about what sort of significance it had for the old Icelanders. Basically, way before Christianity showed up, people felt like it had real spiritual importance. So, in some respects, it became, like, a place of pilgrimage. According to local sagas, supposedly whoever climbs Helgafell and makes three wishes while facing east, will have those wishes come true –but here’s the kicker– you have to keep them secret or the magic vanishes, very similar to the concept of blowing out the birthday candles while hoping for something. Legend says that the first settler of the area, Þórólfur Mostrarskegg, believed it to be sacred. Very probably the whole area surrounding it was considered a place of respect and worship.
You see, but it’s not just about the wishes, right? To many people, there is this amazing feeling of calmness that the location gifts people that visit. And that includes us of course. Alright, the climb is very much part of it, offering you incredible views once you’re on top. Obviously, what I am alluding to is that, being up there provides you with such a nice look across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that it might actually take your breath away, so to speak.
Hitting the Trail: Hike Overview
You know, generally, the hike to the top of Helgafell is very attainable. Just a little more than a slight incline, some stretches are maybe a tad steep, yet it is an easy walk that, typically, would take you about an hour to get to the top. As I was saying, It’s not intense so the path is relatively obvious and well-trodden, in fact the very top bit is rather rocky and so, to be honest you will need sturdy shoes, even during summertime. Very very quickly the panoramas turn more eye-catching; yet that mountain rewards even the laziest hiker. In a way, the views when you finally reach the top are some of the best in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, allegedly.
Arguably, spring and summer would be a better time to go because during winter, the path is often icy. By the way the car park area can get somewhat crowded too, especially if there’s nice sunny weather on weekends. So, like, in some respects arriving early gives you that little bit of extra space in the parking. And that provides you with a bit of personal freedom too.
Exploring the Lava Caves: Vatnshellir Cave
As a matter of fact, just so you know, the Helgafell area is basically home to several lava caves, and Vatnshellir Cave is among those where it gets somewhat interesting. Very many tour options will get you into the cave, allowing you the possibility of exploring these underground formations formed thousands of years ago. As I was saying, tour guides can, in fact, give you interesting facts about the caves geology as well as how lava creates them.
Very very rarely will that guide not speak of its past stories. Very often these stories might seem, like, old wives’ tales, yet with proper knowledge about trolls and magical stones, as a matter of fact you begin thinking the story is actually coming to life! You see? As a matter of fact it happened to us, too!
Very, very similarly you are walking on the dark so make sure that you’ve got a good camera to make good use of that flashlight that most tour companies will be supplying. After all, without decent lighting there’s just a little bit that can be seen. It’s also really fascinating thinking that you’re moving below ground. Like really far deep down. Pretty weird! Make sure to wear something with a little bit of warmth too; a light sweater is going to go a very very long way in keeping the experience fun. So, arguably, these caves really have quite the spectacular geology. Don’t overlook those!
The Elves of Iceland: Fact or Fiction?
Clearly, what I mean to say is that Icelandic culture is quite inseparable from tales of elves and hidden folk, alright. Very many Icelanders are not particularly superstitious people yet stories about elves tend to be taken seriously by them. Basically that Icelanders and the mythical elves are interconnected has been happening for centuries now and even roads have been diverted in order to ensure that Elf habitat isn’t tampered with. Pretty cool. As a matter of fact, because there is just a bit of a mysterious feeling around Helgafell, as I was saying; a few locals actually still very honestly believe it may still have strong ties to the world of the Huldufólk (hidden people). It would seem strange, like, if that would actually be true but for generations people have been talking about how there has been respect towards elves that has helped shape Icelandic society, after all, they tend to be super important when discussing Iceland.
You see, because the Icelandic word “álfar” refers to Elves in Iceland that doesn’t actually point to miniature magical creatures from popular storybooks. Very often people will say that they have an uncanny resemblance to people, right? Like people like me or you! Obviously Elves aren’t believed by everyone, it can be argued that Elves very much still carry cultural weight. Obviously Elves, more or less, have made their mark on Icelandic traditions too!
Making the Most of Your Hike: Tips and Recommendations
Like, just so you know, it’s always better to wear appropriate shoes and gear, right? The right footwear matters so much, right? This is true no matter the climate! Actually you might not have the easiest of times, say, with casual tennis shoes! So really when considering whether to hike Helgafell consider suitable outdoor apparel first!
Is that to tell you to bring snacks and drinks too? Even with the short hikes you want to pack nourishment. As I was saying if you wish to actually tour the cave, book in advance. This goes to avoid you having delays to your day plans. To be honest the weather in Iceland shifts more than you think it will, so definitely pack waterproof, yet breathable items into your baggage for outdoor activities. Even during summer, and this really comes down to keeping that good, healthy, outdoorsy experience going, regardless of weather. Now, if you’re thinking of making wishes; definitely ensure to respect the mountain too! The land, like, should be undisturbed while at the mountain; just so you respect nature and its inherent, raw power!
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: More Adventures Nearby
Basically, Helgafell’s situation in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula basically provides an opportunity for you to investigate further on a large assortment of attractions in the location. Really that entire region is famous for landscapes that have something particularly beautiful to them and have a very distinctive nature to them. Just a little to the north of the mountain, for instance, there is the captivating Kirkjufell Mountain together with its associated waterfalls – called Kirkjufellsfoss, pretty much.
Arguably, this is amongst those places that snap the most photos. More or less if you start traveling along the coast you come up with little coastal fishing towns like Arnarstapi and Hellnar. They tend to possess scenery and interesting rock formations. More or less one of those features is the cliffs. At the same time the national park has incredible opportunities too, to get fantastic images from coastal scenery and birdlife; arguably you are going to capture images with very significant emotional impact if your skills are there. Also the black sand beaches at Djúpalónssandur gives you a strange feeling because you just may bump into remnants from a British trawler that shipwrecked there more or less in the mid-1900s, arguably bringing on an extremely unique tone. So actually; make certain you factor these great locales directly into your Snaefellsnes excursion. Basically they’re worth viewing alongside Helgafell!
Basically if that excursion involves investigating Iceland’s heritage with amazing land and stories then without any question a hike up Helgafell accompanied by investigating Vatnshellir lava cave is most assuredly worthwhile; as it seems to highlight lots of stuff of that country! In short it brings out something quite specific about that incredible destination!
- Historical significance: Helgafell provides historical value beyond being just a pretty mountain.
- Physical activity with reward: Easy physical exercise in return to great outlook on top
- Cave Tours: Great geology, together with the ability to discover how lava caves actually form
- Elf folklore: Part of Iceland’s appeal and magic; it’s pretty inseparable of the culture of the people too.
- Outdoor Apparel: Do ensure that before considering Iceland and hikes like these you are packing clothing that is adequate
So actually: is the Helgafell tour with Vatnshellir awesome, and a great tour on top of that. As a matter of fact in case that you plan well you might wind up actually getting something worthwhile off it. Ultimately, consider visiting, okay?