Helgafell (volcano)

View from Eldfell to Helgafell

The Helgafell is a 227 m high cinder cone on the island of Heimaey off the south coast of Iceland.

Volcanism

Helgafell belongs to the Vestmannaeyjar volcanic system. This counts as the southernmost and youngest volcano of the same system on the Eastern volcanic zone of Iceland (English technical term: ECC = Eastern Volcanic Zone ). For the most part it is a volcano submarines system from which, however, at least about 15 islands protrude from the sea surface, the youngest among the first in 1963 -purchased island Surtsey.

The Helgafell last erupted about 6,000 years ago.

Less than a kilometer north-east of this mountain is the volcano Eldfell, which originated from the January 23, 1973 at a series of eruptions of volcanic columns.

Walking on Helgafell

Several trails lead to the mountain.