Helgafell is a small hill on the Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland, near the town of Stykkisholmur. It rises about 73 metres. Its name means Holy Mountain.
The holy hill of the sagas
Helgafell lies near the town of Stykkisholmur. In the sagas, Helgafell was regarded as holy. Gudrun Osvifursdottir, a central figure in the Laxdaela saga, is said to be buried at its foot. A church and farm stand at the foot of the hill.
The legend of three wishes
Folklore says that climbing the hill for the first time grants three wishes, if the climber walks up without looking back or speaking, then faces east at the top. A small ruined chapel stands on the summit. From the top there are views over Breidafjordur bay and its many islands.
Visiting Helgafell and Snaefellsnes tours
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