Hengill

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Hengill
Þingvellir Iceland 034.JPG
Hengill, 2004
Highest point
Elevation803 m (2,635 ft)[1]
ListingList of volcanoes in Iceland
Coordinates64°05′08″N 21°18′48″W / 64.08556°N 21.31333°W / 64.08556; -21.31333Coordinates: 64°05′08″N 21°18′48″W / 64.08556°N 21.31333°W / 64.08556; -21.31333
Geography
Hengill is located in Iceland
Hengill
Hengill
Geology
Mountain typeShield volcano, fissure vents
Last eruption150 CE ± 75 years [1]
Climbing
Easiest routeHike

Hengill (Icelandic, pronounced [ˈheiɲcɪtl̥]) volcano is situated in the southwest of Iceland, to the south of Þingvellir. The volcano covers an area of about 100 km².

The volcano is still active, evidenced by its numerous hot springs and fumaroles, but the last eruption occurred approximately 2,000 years ago.

The volcano is an important source of energy for the south of the country, which is captured at the Nesjavellir power station (near the western shore of the lake Þingvallavatn) and the Hellisheiði power station (approximately 11 km southwest of Nesjavellir). Both stations are operated by Orkuveita Reykjavíkur (Reykjavik Energy).

The area with its mountains and hot springs is well suited for hiking and there are a lot of hiking trails. The small town of Hveragerði with its multitude of hot springs is also part of the Hengill area.

Some folk tales and sagas are connected to the region. For example, a young farmer is said to have killed the sleeping troll woman Jóra while she lay in wait for innocent wanderers or horsemen on the trail over Dyrafjöll.

Overlooking the Hengladalir valleys to the east of Hengill
A hot spring at the base of the Hengladalir valleys
A hot spring at the base of the Hengladalir valleys

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "Hengill". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution.

External links[]

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