Helgafell

Snæfellsnes Peninsula


About 5km south of Stykkishólmur, the holy mountain Helgafell (73m) was once venerated by worshippers of the god Þór. Although quite small, the mountain was so sacred in Saga times that elderly Icelanders would seek it out near the time of their death. Today locals believe that wishes are granted to those who climb the mount.

In the late 10th century, Snorri Goði, a prominent Þor worshipper, converted to Christianity and built a church at the top of the hill; its ruins still remain. The nearby farm of the same name was where the conniving Guðrun Ósvífursdóttir of Laxdæla Saga lived out her later years in isolation. Her grave marks the base of the mount.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Snæfellsnes Peninsula attractions

1. Viewing Disc

2.07 MILES

Get a 360 degree view of town and the fjords from this viewing disc marked with local landmarks.

2. Stykkishólmskirkja

2.19 MILES

Stykkishólmur's futuristic church, designed by Jón Haraldsson, has a sweeping bell tower that looks like a whale vertebra. The interior features hundreds…

3. Volcano Museum

2.35 MILES

The Volcano Museum, housed in Stykkishólmur's old cinema, is the brainchild of vulcanologist Haraldur Sigurðsson, and features art depicting volcanoes,…

4. Norska Húsið

2.41 MILES

Stykkishólmur’s quaint maritime charm comes from the cluster of wooden warehouses, shops and homes around the town’s harbour. Most date back about 150…

5. Library of Water

2.42 MILES

For relaxing views of town and bay, head up the hill to the Library of Water. This window-lined space showcases an installation by American artist Roni…

6. Súgandisey

2.62 MILES

The basalt island Súgandisey features a scenic lighthouse and grand views across Breiðafjörður. Reach it via the causeway at Stykkishólmur harbour.

7. Breiðafjörður

2.77 MILES

Stykkishólmur’s jagged peninsula pushes north into stunning Breiðafjörður, a broad waterway separating the Snæfellsnes from the looming cliffs of the…

8. Berserkjahraun

7.37 MILES

About 15km west of the intersection of Rte 54 and Rte 56 lies the dramatic, spiky lava field at Berserkjahraun (Berserkers’ lava field). Crowned by…

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