These hand-cut sandstone caves are Hella’s distinctive local sight, with a guided visit explaining their long use for shelter, storage, and farming. Take the tour rather than treating them as a roadside stop; it is the best concise introduction to the area’s human history.
1h Book aheadChoose the first daily tour if available for a smaller-feeling group.
Reserve ahead for summer dates and fixed tour times; a few days ahead is usually prudent rather than weeks.
Pairs with: Ægissíðufoss Waterfall · Hóllinn Viewpoint · Hella Swimming Pool
Keldur is one of Iceland’s most evocative surviving turf-farm sites, combining connected grass-roofed buildings with a deeply rural setting. It rewards travelers who want historic Iceland beyond the waterfall circuit, but allow for the drive and seasonal opening hours.
45m Walk upArrive close to opening or later in the afternoon, particularly on summer self-drive routes.
Pay admission on arrival when the site is open; check seasonal hours before making the detour.
Pairs with: Urriðafoss · Lava Centre
This hands-on geology museum in nearby Hvolsvöllur makes the volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers, and rift systems visible before you encounter them outdoors. It is particularly useful in rain, with children, or as orientation for a South Coast and Hekla-area itinerary.
1.5h Walk upGo at opening on wet-weather days, when it becomes a popular fallback stop.
Walk-up entry is normally workable, though buying online is sensible for a fixed summer schedule.
Pairs with: Saga Centre · Seljalandsfoss · Keldur Turf House
The South Coast’s classic walk-behind waterfall is the major natural sight within an easy excursion from Hella and merits the detour even on a short first trip. Wear waterproof layers and footwear with grip: the path behind the falls is wet, uneven, and can close in icy conditions.
1h Walk upCome near opening or late in the evening; midday in summer is the busiest period.
The waterfall is freely accessible, but expect a paid parking lot and pay on arrival.
Pairs with: Gljúfrabúi · Lava Centre · Saga Centre
A broad, low waterfall on the Ytri-Rangá, it is an easy local detour rather than a destination on the scale of Iceland’s headline falls. Use it with the Caves of Hella or a short drive around town, especially if you want scenery without committing to a long South Coast day.
20m FreeGo in early morning or late evening for quieter paths and softer light.
Pairs with: Caves of Hella · Hóllinn Viewpoint · Hella Swimming Pool
Urriðafoss is a powerful, wide cascade on the Þjórsá and makes an excellent short stop while driving between Reykjavík and Hella. It is less theatrical than Seljalandsfoss but more forceful and usually far less crowded.
25m FreeVisit early or near sunset; midday tour traffic is most noticeable in summer.
Pairs with: Keldur Turf House
Hidden in a narrow cleft a few minutes’ walk from Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is a small but memorable payoff for visitors willing to step through shallow water. It is not a standalone detour; treat it as the essential second stop at Seljalandsfoss.
25m FreeVisit early or late, and bring waterproof footwear if you want to enter the gorge.
Pairs with: Seljalandsfoss · Lava Centre · Saga Centre
Also in Hvolsvöllur, this compact museum gives Njáls saga—the region’s defining medieval story—enough context to make the surrounding landscape more meaningful. It is best for travelers interested in Icelandic literature and history rather than as a substitute for the Lava Centre.
45m Walk upMid-afternoon is often quieter than the late-morning coach and self-drive rush.
Admission is generally bought on arrival; verify current opening days outside the main season.
Pairs with: Lava Centre · Seljalandsfoss
#9Hóllinn ViewpointIf time
This modest hill above Hella supplies the quick local panorama that the flat town itself lacks, with views toward Hekla and the highlands when conditions are clear. Use it for a short leg-stretch at dawn or on a clear evening, not as a reason to reroute a day.
20m FreeGo at sunset or on the clearest available morning for the best chance of distant mountain views.
Pairs with: Ægissíðufoss Waterfall · Caves of Hella · Hella Swimming Pool
#10Hella Swimming PoolIf time
A swim in a geothermal local pool is one of the most Icelandic ways to end a day of driving, and Hella’s pool is a practical, low-key version rather than a luxury spa. It is especially worthwhile after rainy sightseeing or before dinner.
1.3h Walk upLate afternoon and early evening are liveliest; go earlier for more lane and hot-tub space.
Pay at reception; bring swimwear and a towel or rent what is available.
Pairs with: Caves of Hella · Ægissíðufoss Waterfall · Hóllinn Viewpoint