Things to do in Hella: Nature, Food & Local Life
- Lena Atkins
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 29
Hella is like many small towns in Iceland – but then again, every small town here is special thanks to its people, history, and surroundings. The population of Hella is about one thousand and in the municipality about 1900. So, what makes Hella unique, and what is there to do while you´re here?
Despite its size, Hella has everything you need. There´s a grocery store, bakery, pharmacy, doctor´s office, swimming pool & gym, popular wool market, hair salon, beauty salon, liquor store, restaurants, diverse accommodation options, campsite, preschool and elementary school, nursing home, and various service- and manufacturing companies. Add scenic nature routes and you´ll quickly see that this little town is surprisingly well equipped.
As a local who has lived here since the age of twelve, I can honestly say my parents chose a great place to settle. Hella is not too big and not too small – it has all the necessities, and while not perfect, it´s hard to complain. And if you do feel like shopping or find yourself bored on a Friday evening, the next town is only a short drive away.
Of course, shop and services are something you´ll find in most towns. What really makes Hella special is what surrounds it. If you´re reading this, you´re probably a visitor looking for things to do while staying in the area – so let´s keep it simple.
Nature Walks and Easy Exploring
For those who love nature and gentle exploring, Hella has some underrated walking trails right on its doorstep. Park near the town centre (the big blue glass building with the shops inside) and walk down to the river. From there, you can join a trail that follows the Ytri-Rangá-River all the way to Ægissíðufoss – a beautiful waterfall that feels like the perfect reward at the end of a scenic riverside walk.
The river is one of Iceland´s richest salmon fishing rivers. During the summer you can see anglers trying to catch fish in the river. Many people in the area raise horses so don´t be surprised if you see people horse riding around town.
If you head in the opposite direction from the waterfall, still alongside the river, you´ll find a colourful jumping balloon trampoline and a zip wire. This area is perfect for families, with picnic benches and even a frisbee golf course – weather permitting, of course.
I´d also recommend simply walking around the whole town. Don´t worry, it won´t take too long! In various places you can enjoy magnificent mountain views, among other things, the Hekla volcano and the Eyjafjallajökull glacier are some of the most beautiful views. Walking lets you notice things you´d completely miss if you just drove through.
The Swimming Pool & Caves of Hella
No visit to an Icelandic town is complete without a stop at the local swimming pool, and Hella is no exception. Loved by locals, the pool is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring and you´ll be impressed by its many features. There´s an outdoor pool, hot tubs, a sauna and even two big waterslides! So, make this a part of your experience in the area and live like a local for an hour or two.
Just across the river, right next to the Ring Road, lie the Caves of Hella, one of Iceland´s most fascinating historical sites. These man-made caves are believed to be among the oldest archaeological remains in the country, possibly dating back to before the Viking settlement! Daily guided tours reveal the mysteries surrounding the caves and explain how local farmers used them in more recent times.
Without a doubt, this is one of the places that truly makes Hella stand out. Before or after your tour, don´t forget to stop by the American School Bus Café, located next to the cave´s reception – the perfect spot to grab a coffee and take it all in.
What to Eat in Hella
After all this, you´ll definitely be ready for a warm meal. Luckily, Hella is growing, and so are the dining options. Parking is free everywhere in the area, charging stations are available and a bus stop next to the main car park.
If you´re not looking for a sit-down meal and just want something quick, Hekla Street Food is the place to go. It´s open between 5pm and 8pm, but it´s well worth the wait. Their burgers are great, and they also make fantastic fish and chips. It’s popular with both locals and tourists alike.
Stracta Hotel has a bistro on the ground floor where both guests and visitors can enjoy lunch and dinner, with a varied menu that suits most tastes. Stracta also has a second location closer to the town centre, home to Rótin – a great choice if you´re in the mood for quality Italian food. Kanslarinn is a homely restaurant, perfect for lunch or dinner, with a relaxed bar and affordable prices. At lunch, they offer a “one-course” buffet which feels like authentic home cooking.
The Olís gas station is another solid option for a quick burger and fries, with seating available inside. It´s also handy for essentials when the grocery store is closed. Speaking of groceries, Kjörbúðin is located right next door and is perfect if you´d rather cook for yourself. The liquor store and an excellent bakery are in the same building as the grocery store.
Final Thoughts
In short, Hella offers plenty of options for eating, drinking, and easy exploring. Take your time, enjoy the surroundings, get lost (not literally), and make sure to end your day with a good meal at one of the town’s many welcoming restaurants.