Helgafell
A holy hill from before Christianity, with a wish tradition and a saga woman's grave at its foot.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Helgafell is a low hill of only 73 metres near Stykkisholmur, and its importance is entirely historical: Eyrbyggja saga records it as sacred to Thor before the conversion, so holy that people would not look at it unwashed, and later a monastery stood at its foot before moving elsewhere. At the base is the grave traditionally identified as Gudrun Osvifursdottir's, the central figure of Laxdaela saga and one of the most fully drawn characters in the sagas. A tradition attaches to the climb: make three wishes going up without looking back or speaking, facing east at the ruins on top, and keep them to yourself.
What you actually see
- A hill sacred before Christianity - recorded in Eyrbyggja saga.
- Gudrun's grave at the foot - the central figure of Laxdaela saga.
- A wish tradition on the climb - silence, no looking back, facing east.
- Ruins on the summit - a chapel site with the view over Breidafjordur.
When to go
May to September. Two hours.
Honest expectations
It is a small hill and a short climb - the interest is the history, not the walk. The site is on a working farm and the track is used by the farmer. There are no facilities. The summit is exposed and windy.
Nearby
Stykkisholmur is minutes north; Berserkjahraun is west.
What to pack for Helgafell
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.