Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves worth booking?
Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves is a 6.3-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $176 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 6.3 hours
- From
- $176 per person
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
What you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Licensed and certified local guides
- All Fees and Taxes
- International Mountain Leader
- Headlamp
- Lava caves
Not included
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Hiking shoes
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Cap and gloves
- Spare t-shirt
What you'll see and do
The meeting point is a known parking lot at the start of a trail. Embark on an unforgettable day hike to Helgafell, an ancient volcanic mountain renowned for its breathtaking beauty and rich history. 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. 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. This mystical atmosphere adds a layer of magic to your hike, offering a glimpse into Icelandic mythology and its ancient connections to nature. As you hike, feel the magic of the landscape unfold, where every rock and ridge holds a story.
15 minutes here
Our guided hike takes you off the beaten path, exploring secluded routes that immerse you in the untouched wilderness. Discover hidden corners of Iceland’s rugged landscape, from windswept ridges to serene valleys. Along the way, you’ll encounter Iceland’s diverse wildlife, including birds, flowers, and possibly even a shy Arctic fox. An exciting part of this adventure is the opportunity to explore nearby lava caves, where you can enter Iceland’s fascinating volcanic underworld. These awe-inspiring formations offer a glimpse into the immense power of nature, as you witness firsthand the raw forces that have shaped this incredible land over millennia. The experience of standing within these natural wonders will leave you speechless, with the eerie silence inside the caves enhancing the sense of wonder. Exploring these mysterious depths is like stepping back in time to a place where the earth itself is still alive and shifting.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
You will find your guide at the parking lot waiting for you!
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 70 minutes before departure.
Ends at
You will find your guide at the parking lot waiting for you!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hikers of Iceland
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Me s Group in Iceland
WOW!! Other worldly! Roberto was a great guide with lots of information, funny anecdotes and knowledge. He kept us safe and was familiar with the history and landscape. Highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
It was a very nice tour. Great views, surprisingly different kind of beautiful landscapes. The hike was not too difficult and I would recommend it to others. The lava caves are stunning and you feel that you reconnect with mother earth when you sit under the ground in a lava cave.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended hike near Reykjavik
It was a really good hike and we have the whole mountain to ourselves! Roberto is very knowledgeable and an experienced hiker. aa The 100 m lava cave was really cool! 😎 I highly recommend this trip and it’s also not very far from Reykjavik.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves cost?
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Prices start at $176 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves take?
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Plan for about 6.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 6.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Helgafell Day Hike to Lava Caves and Elves start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater, Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour - by CityWalk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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