The most "renowned or infamous" volcano of Iceland, Hekla, is situated on a 25 mile long volcanic fissure.  The volcano itself is about 3 miles long and about 5000 feet high.  It is estimated to be 6000-7000 years old and the life expectancy of such central volcanoes is about 100,000 years according to geologists.  Presumably, the number of Hekla's major eruptions is close to 20 during historic times and minor eruptions in its vicinity about 25.  The first documented eruption in 1104, devastated the inhabited valley Thjorsardalur and other areas further inland.  One of the largest eruptions in the year 1300, split the mountain apart.  The booms were heard in the northern part of the country and the plume and ashes created such darkness there, no one dared go fishing.  Farms collapsed during the earthquakes and the following famine cost many human lives.  The eruption lasted a whole year.

In 1510, Hekla emitted debris over such great distances, that a heavy stone caused a fatality 28 miles away.  During a major eruption in 1693, 14 craters were active simultaneously.  Still another major eruption in 1766, which lasted sporadically for two years, showed 18 craters active at the same time.  The eruption of 1845 lasted 7 months.  In 1947, the eruption lasted 13 months uninterrupted. During this time the plume reached the height of 20 miles.  About one km³ of tephra, which covered about 40 km² of land, was produced.  One of the scientists on the spot was fatally injured.  In 1970, a minor eruption devastated large grazing areas in the central highlands and fluoride poisoning was experienced.

Many Europeans believed that Hekla was one of two known entrances of Hell (+Stromboli).  Many extraordinary and dreadful legends about the volcano existed and no one climbed it until 1750, when two naturalists ventured to the top.  Up there, they could not find anything to substantiate the legend and since then, the mountain is frequented by all kinds of people.  Hekla is among the best known volcanoes of the world.

*Info provided by Nordic Adventure Travel