Helgafell Mountain
Helgafell Mountain
Just outside Stykkisholmur, it is a short detour off road 58 to Helgafell. Meaning 'holy mountain' Helgafell rises 73m above the surrounding land and is more of a hill than a mountain. It is an easy climb to the summit from where there is a fantastic view over the area.
You can add your name to the visitors' book when you get to the top. Beneath Helgafell is a church built in 1903. Beside the church look for the fenced-in grave of Gudrun Osvifursdottir who died in 1004 - her gravestone is made from local stone. The story of Gudrun's blighted love affairs is told in Laxdale Saga.
To this day it is believed that Helgafell is a holy place and, according to legend, wishes can be granted if certain rules are followed. Walk up the trail to the top of the mountain while thinking only good thoughts, without uttering a word and never looking back. At the top, make your wish and it will only be granted as long as you don’t tell anybody and your wish is well-intended.