Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Hella?
What to see and do in Hella
Tucked between southern lava fields and glacial rivers winding toward the sea, Hella is often passed through, but rarely explored. And yet behind its quiet small-town feel, this little Icelandic town hides a few real gems. Shaped by the gentle flow of the Ytri-Rangá River, Hella moves at its own pace. Here, you take time to listen to the silence, talk with horse breeders, or simply savor the moment. Here are six ideas for exploring and experiencing Hella, far from the bustle and the crowds.
1. Relax in a geothermal hot pool overlooking the Ytri-Rangá River
In Hella, the river is never far away. And what could be more Icelandic than soaking in warm water surrounded by nature, with only the sound of the river beside you? Nest Retreat Iceland, a peaceful little haven, offers geothermal baths along the riverbank. In the evening, the low light of sunset turns the water into a ribbon of gold. In winter, it becomes a prime spot for watching the northern lights, steam rising all around you.
2. Explore Hella’s lava caves
Just a few minutes from the center of town, a surprising site draws curious visitors: the Caves of Hella. Carved into volcanic rock, these caves have been used as stables, hay shelters, and sources of mystery. Some are still in use today. The atmosphere is raw, almost outside of time: dark stone, the smell of damp earth, a silence that feels alive. With a passionate local guide, you can uncover their history, from Viking legends to farming traditions.
3. Meet Icelandic horses on a local farm
Here, the horse is king. At Skeiðvellir Farm, fifteen minutes from Hella, Renata and Bjarni raise these sturdy little horses with real passion. Their guided rides are ideal for every level, from first-time riders to experienced equestrians. The experience? Riding through fields of lupines, boots damp with dew, hooves brushing the heath. It’s also a genuine moment of connection with a couple whose lives follow the rhythm of their horses.
4. Fish for salmon in the Ytri-Rangá River
Calm and clear, the Ytri-Rangá is one of Iceland’s best fly-fishing spots. From spring through late summer, fishing enthusiasts come here for Atlantic salmon and brown trout. Lodges like Hella Salmon and Ranga Fishing Lodge can organize full-day outings with gear and a guide. The sound of the water, the whistle of the line: here, your attention returns to every movement, every moment. It’s also a wonderful excuse to slow down and reconnect.
5. Hunt for the northern lights in winter
Hella has the advantage of being relatively free from light pollution. Between September and March, clear nights often bring a magical display of green and pink lights across the sky. Sometimes, all you need to do is step outside the village to feel alone in the world with this celestial dance. Some accommodations even offer “aurora wake-up” services: they’ll gently knock on your door when the lights appear.
6. Discover local culture at Café Arhus
This small wooden café by the river is much more than a place to drink hot chocolate. You’ll often find local art exhibitions, intimate concerts, or conversations about contemporary Icelandic literature. It’s a meeting point for travelers passing through and people who live nearby. The perfect place to soak up Icelandic culture with a glass of skyr in hand, your feet warm, even as the rain pours down outside.
In Hella, you don’t check boxes on a map. You listen. You take your time. Most of all, you let yourself be surprised.
Make Hella a stop on a tailor-made trip to Iceland
With Evaneos, you travel closer to the heart of Iceland with support from a local, English-speaking expert based in the country. They know every corner of Iceland, from must-see landmarks to more under-the-radar addresses and hidden gems in the countryside.
Want to pause in Hella between volcanoes and glacial rivers? Your local expert will design a 100% tailor-made trip around your interests, pace, and the season. It’s an authentic, easy way to discover Iceland as the people who live there experience it.
