Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves
Overview
30 MINUTES DRIVE from Reykjavik city center
LENGTH: 8 km – 5 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 290 m – 951 ft
DIFFICULTY: easy/moderate
DURATION: 5hrs
AGE LIMIT: 16+
Embark on an unforgettable day hike to Helgafell. Formed under a massive ice sheet, this flat-topped tuya offers spectacular panoramic views of Reykjavik and the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula, providing the perfect setting for a memorable adventure (elevation: 300m / 980 ft).
Known as the “holy mountain,” Helgafell holds deep cultural significance, steeped in captivating folklore of elves and the “hidden people” who are said to inhabit its rocks.
An exciting part of this adventure is the opportunity to explore lava caves, where you can enter Iceland’s fascinating volcanic underworld. Exploring these mysterious depths is like stepping back in time to a place where the earth itself is still alive and shifting.
With an expert "international mountain leader" guiding you, you’ll gain deep insights into Iceland’s geology and folklore.
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- International Mountain Leader
- Headlamp
- Lava caves
- Licensed and certified local guides
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Hiking shoes
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Cap and gloves
- Spare t-shirt
Meeting and Pickup
The pick-up and drop-off service in town are supposed to last up to 30 minutes each
24GF+GVW
Kaldárselsvegur, 221 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Bílastæði Helgafell
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Helgafell
4 hours Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- All participants are required to be over 16 years old
- Weather can change rapidly, be prepared for all conditions
- Meet at the designated starting point 10 minutes before departure
- Group sizes are kept small for a personalized experience (up to 15)
- Please note that the tour requires a minimum of four participants. If this number isn’t reached, the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-5559974P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
- All Fees and Taxes.
- International Mountain Leader.
- Headlamp.
- Lava caves.
- Licensed and certified local guides.
- Lunch.
- Bottled water.
- Hiking shoes.
- Waterproof jacket and pants.
- Cap and gloves.
- Spare t-shirt.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 16..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- International Mountain Leader
- Headlamp
- Lava caves
- Licensed and certified local guides
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Hiking shoes
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Cap and gloves
- Spare t-shirt
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- All participants are required to be over 16 years old
- Weather can change rapidly, be prepared for all conditions
- Meet at the designated starting point 10 minutes before departure
- Group sizes are kept small for a personalized experience (up to 15)
- Please note that the tour requires a minimum of four participants. If this number isn’t reached, the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
