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Iceland🇮🇸 | villagesHellahorse farms, riverside camping, agricultural center | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Hella
👀 For curious travelersvillage ranked #10
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 16, 2026

Years ago, Hella felt like a wide spot in the road: a gas station, a few low houses, the smell of hay and wet wool when it rained. Today you still get that small-town, farm-country vibe, but with more guesthouses, a couple of low-key cafés, and tour vans pausing on their way east. Hella sits on the Ring Road in South Iceland, between Selfoss and Hvolsvöllur, with the highlands rising inland and the coast not far off. For backpackers it’s more launchpad than “destination” - a practical base for day trips to places like Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, or the waterfalls further along the south coast. Buses make it reachable, the town itself is walkable, and evenings are quiet rather than social; you’ll meet a few other travelers in hostels and hot tubs, not a party crowd. Compared with Selfoss, Hella feels smaller, calmer, cheaper, and more about logistics than nightlife, but that’s exactly why it works: you sleep, you stock up, you head for the wild stuff in the morning.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Iceland Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #10 village in IcelandThe unique appeal for travelers

Hella serves as a strategic hub for backpackers exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes. Its proximity to hikes like the famous Þingvellir National Park makes it easy to lace up your boots and hit the trails. The local guesthouses and hostels offer a cozy atmosphere, perfect for solo travelers or small groups looking to share stories over a home-cooked meal. The walkable streets create a sense of intimacy, where you can easily pop into a café for a warm drink or a bite of traditional Icelandic fare.

While many pass through Hella on their way to more famous sites, those who linger find a friendly social vibe that encourages connection. It’s not a party town, but rather a place where slow travelers can recharge before heading to the next adventure. If you’re seeking a blend of nature and community, … read more 👉
Hella serves as a strategic hub for backpackers exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes. Its proximity to hikes like the famous Þingvellir National Park makes it easy to lace up your boots and hit the trails. The local guesthouses and hostels offer a cozy atmosphere, perfect for solo travelers or small groups looking to share stories over a home-cooked meal. The walkable streets create a sense of intimacy, where you can easily pop into a café for a warm drink or a bite of traditional Icelandic fare.

While many pass through Hella on their way to more famous sites, those who linger find a friendly social vibe that encourages connection. It’s not a party town, but rather a place where slow travelers can recharge before heading to the next adventure. If you’re seeking a blend of nature and community, Hella is a worthwhile stop, whether for a night or a few days.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Hella

  • Hella Swimming Pool (Sundlaug Hella) — The classic Icelandic town pool with hot tubs, sauna and a lap pool; it’s where locals hang out, relax after a long drive and get a real, friendly dose of everyday Icelandic life.
  • Ytri-Rangá Riverfront — The town sits on the banks of the Ytri-Rangá, a famous salmon river; the riverbank walks, angling spots and quiet viewpoints give a direct, scenic connection to the landscape that defines Hella.
  • Hella Campsite — Riverside camping and basic cabins right by town; a practical, cheap base for exploring the south coast and worth visiting even if you’re just stretching legs or cooking outdoors with a view.
  • Hella Church (Hella kirkja) — The local parish church and graveyard that anchor community life; small, honest architecture and a peaceful spot that
… read more 👉
  • Hella Swimming Pool (Sundlaug Hella) — The classic Icelandic town pool with hot tubs, sauna and a lap pool; it’s where locals hang out, relax after a long drive and get a real, friendly dose of everyday Icelandic life.
  • Ytri-Rangá Riverfront — The town sits on the banks of the Ytri-Rangá, a famous salmon river; the riverbank walks, angling spots and quiet viewpoints give a direct, scenic connection to the landscape that defines Hella.
  • Hella Campsite — Riverside camping and basic cabins right by town; a practical, cheap base for exploring the south coast and worth visiting even if you’re just stretching legs or cooking outdoors with a view.
  • Hella Church (Hella kirkja) — The local parish church and graveyard that anchor community life; small, honest architecture and a peaceful spot that reflects Hella’s rural traditions.
  • Town centre and local shops — The cluster of grocery stores, petrol station, bakeries and small shops where real day-to-day Iceland happens; great for people-watching, picking up supplies and sampling local baked goods.
A few excellent day trips just outside Hella are Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Þórsmörk — my personal favorite is Seljalandsfoss because you can walk behind the fall for a unique perspective.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Hella

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🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Weather: Hella’s weather swings sharply. Summer (June to August) offers mild temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F), making trails less grueling and the air crisp but not biting. Winter plunges below freezing, often below -5°C (23°F), turning paths icy and demanding serious gear.
  • Daylight Hours: In summer, the midnight sun bathes Hella in nearly 24 hours of light, stretching your hiking window and painting landscapes in soft, golden hues. Winter days shrink to just 4-5 hours of dim light, which can feel magical but limits outdoor time.
  • Crowds: Summer draws the bulk of visitors, especially July, when buses and hostels fill up. Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer quieter trails and a more intimate connection with the land, without sacrificing too much daylight.
  • Seasonal Activities:
… read more 👉
  • Weather: Hella’s weather swings sharply. Summer (June to August) offers mild temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F), making trails less grueling and the air crisp but not biting. Winter plunges below freezing, often below -5°C (23°F), turning paths icy and demanding serious gear.
  • Daylight Hours: In summer, the midnight sun bathes Hella in nearly 24 hours of light, stretching your hiking window and painting landscapes in soft, golden hues. Winter days shrink to just 4-5 hours of dim light, which can feel magical but limits outdoor time.
  • Crowds: Summer draws the bulk of visitors, especially July, when buses and hostels fill up. Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer quieter trails and a more intimate connection with the land, without sacrificing too much daylight.
  • Seasonal Activities: Summer unlocks hiking, river rafting, and horseback riding. Winter shifts focus to ice caves and Northern Lights, but these require planning and flexibility due to weather unpredictability.
  • Price Fluctuations: Accommodation and tours peak in summer, often doubling in price compared to shoulder seasons. Booking early is crucial if you want to avoid last-minute price shocks.
Trust me: aim for late May or early September. You’ll dodge the crush, catch decent weather, and soak in Hella’s raw Icelandic vibe without the tourist bubble bursting your bubble.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
iceland-city-hella
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

In Hella, the heart of backpacker life pulses strongest near the town center, where the cluster of guesthouses and hostels creates a natural social hub. This area isn’t sprawling—it’s compact, which means you’re never far from a friendly face or a shared kitchen where stories and travel tips flow as freely as the hot water. The streets here catch the soft glow of the low Icelandic sun, and the scent of fresh bread from local bakeries drifts through the crisp air, grounding you in a small-town rhythm that’s both calming and energizing.

Choosing to stay here means you’re steps away from essential … read more 👉
In Hella, the heart of backpacker life pulses strongest near the town center, where the cluster of guesthouses and hostels creates a natural social hub. This area isn’t sprawling—it’s compact, which means you’re never far from a friendly face or a shared kitchen where stories and travel tips flow as freely as the hot water. The streets here catch the soft glow of the low Icelandic sun, and the scent of fresh bread from local bakeries drifts through the crisp air, grounding you in a small-town rhythm that’s both calming and energizing.

Choosing to stay here means you’re steps away from essential services and the bus station, making day trips to the Golden Circle or south coast waterfalls seamless. It’s safe, quiet at night, but alive enough during the day to meet fellow travelers without the forced vibe of a big city hostel. Compared to the outskirts, where isolation can feel like a burden after a long day on the trail, the center’s blend of accessibility and community is a subtle but crucial upgrade. It’s where the practical meets the social, turning your stay from just a stopover into a genuine Icelandic experience.
Best hostels in Iceland


Best quality hotels in Iceland

🚌 Day tripsEasy escapes and nearby places

Hella, Iceland is a backpacker’s dream base, offering easy access to some of the country’s most captivating landscapes. Here are a few day trips that will elevate your experience.

Golden Circle
This iconic route is a must. Start with Þingvellir National Park, where the tectonic plates meet. The air is crisp, and the sound of rushing water from Öxarárfoss is invigorating. Next, head to Geysir, where the earth literally bubbles beneath your feet. Finally, finish at Gullfoss, a waterfall that thunders with raw power. The whole loop takes about 6-8 hours, and you can do it for under $50 if you self-drive or use a budget tour. Late spring to early fall is ideal, as the roads are clear and the scenery is lush. A common mistake? Skipping the early morning; the light at dawn makes the landscapes … read more 👉
Hella, Iceland is a backpacker’s dream base, offering easy access to some of the country’s most captivating landscapes. Here are a few day trips that will elevate your experience.

Golden Circle
This iconic route is a must. Start with Þingvellir National Park, where the tectonic plates meet. The air is crisp, and the sound of rushing water from Öxarárfoss is invigorating. Next, head to Geysir, where the earth literally bubbles beneath your feet. Finally, finish at Gullfoss, a waterfall that thunders with raw power. The whole loop takes about 6-8 hours, and you can do it for under $50 if you self-drive or use a budget tour. Late spring to early fall is ideal, as the roads are clear and the scenery is lush. A common mistake? Skipping the early morning; the light at dawn makes the landscapes pop.


Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss
These waterfalls are just a short drive from Hella and are worth every minute. Seljalandsfoss allows you to walk behind the cascade, feeling the mist on your skin. Skógafoss, with its towering drop, often creates rainbows on sunny days. You can easily do both in a half-day trip, costing around $30 for gas or bus fare. Late spring is perfect for full flow and fewer crowds. Many first-timers miss the path behind Seljalandsfoss—don’t be one of them!


Reykjavik
A quick jaunt to the capital, Reykjavik, offers a taste of urban Iceland. Explore the vibrant street art, cozy cafes, and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. It’s about an hour away, and you can spend as little as $20 on public transport. Aim for a Saturday to catch the local flea market for unique finds. A rookie mistake? Rushing through; take your time to soak in the local vibe.


Landmannalaugar
For the adventurous, Landmannalaugar is a stunning destination. Known for its colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs, it’s a hiker’s paradise. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, and you’ll want to budget around $60 for a bus or car rental. Summer is prime time, as the trails are accessible. Many backpackers underestimate the weather; pack layers, as it can change in an instant.
👉 Explore Landmannalaugar

FAQTraveler FAQ

Hella is accessible by car via the Ring Road (Route 1), located about 94 kilometers east of Reykjavik. Regular bus services connect Reykjavik to Hella, with travel times around 1.5 hours. Renting a car is the most flexible option for reaching and exploring the area.
Yes, Hella is worth the trip for its proximity to popular natural attractions like the volcano Hekla, the Þjórsárdalur valley, and several hiking trails. It offers a quieter, small-town experience with essential services and local culture. The village is a good base for exploring the South Coast region.
Yes, Hella can be visited as a day trip from Reykjavik, given its 1.5-hour drive each way. Visitors can explore nearby natural sites and return the same day, but staying overnight allows more time for hiking and sightseeing in the surrounding area.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Icelandic villages near Hella

Explore more nearby:

  • Flúðir—hot spring pools, greenhouse tomatoes, rural valley| 33 km away
  • Hveragerði—hot springs, greenhouse farming, geothermal park| 43 km away
  • Vík—black sand beach, basalt columns, sea stacks| 83 km away

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We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

Hella is a gateway to Iceland’s wild heart. The air is crisp, and the landscape shifts from lush green to stark volcanic rock, offering a raw beauty that feels like a privilege to witness. But be ready for the weather; it can change in a heartbeat. Pack layers and embrace the unpredictability. The reward? Those breathtaking views and the thrill of adventure are absolutely worth it.

✈️ When did I visit Iceland?
In July 2019 I visited this magical island. For sure in my top-3 for spectacular landscapes. Rented a car and did the whole ring-road.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Iceland, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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