The Gateway to Hell
Hekla is a 1,491 m stratovolcano in southern Iceland, historically called the "Gateway to Hell." It is part of a 40 km fissure system and typically produces VEI 3–5 explosive eruptions. Medieval Europeans believed the souls of the damned passed through its crater. Today, Hekla remains one of Iceland's most active and unpredictable volcanoes.
Hekla has been quiet since 2000 - 25 years since its last eruption. This is the longest gap in recorded history. The volcano typically gives less than 60 minutes warning before erupting. Scientists closely monitor this unpredictable volcano.