hekla tour

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Welcome to the vicinity of Hekla - stage three of The Volcanic Way

Hekla has been dubbed the Queen of Iceland’s volcanoes. The one that has erupted most frequently in recent years; rises 1,491 m over sea level and can be seen from long distances in South Iceland. Despite Hekla's frequent eruptions, this is a fertile farming region where people have lived since the Viking age or possibly longer. See Hekla up close while visiting Þjórsárdalur valley or book a tour into The Caves of Hella to learn more about the region's mysterious history.

Learn and discover:

• Caves of Hella
• The commonwealth farm

Locals recommend:

• Fossabrekkur
• Ægissíðufoss

Popular places:

• Hjálparfoss
• Landmannalaugar

Activities - Hekla

Accommodation - Hekla

Learn about Caves

Twelve man-made caves have been discovered on the land of Ægissíða by Hella on the South Coast of Iceland. Four of them have been open to the public. The historical site is Iceland's oldest still standing archaeological remains. Some believe the caves to date even further back than the settlement of the Nordic Vikings.

The wonders of the Caves of Hella include ancient crosses, wall carvings, and carved seats.

Mystery surrounds the caves, and for centuries, people have wondered:

• Are the caves the handiwork of the Celts?
• Were the caves a place of ancient worship?

Caves of Hella offer a great opportunity to explore these historic caves in Iceland. Join us to discover the secrets they hold and experience the magical Underworld of the South.

Volcanic Wisdom

Hekla is one of the world's most active and renowned volcanoes and was rumored to be the gateway to hell during the Middle Ages. Hekla reaches a height of 1,490 meters above sea level, and its volcanic system extends over a 60 km fissure swarm. Hekla has erupted 23 times in the last 1,000 years, ranking it as Iceland's third most active volcanic system. Eruptions typically begin with a short explosive phase, followed by lava flows, and primarily occur within the central volcano, featuring a mix of tephra and lava.

... rumored to be the gateway to hell during the Middle Ages 

Hekla is a prominent stratovolcano and stands as a striking example of a cone-shaped formation characterized by steep, symmetrical slopes. As with other stratovolcanoes, Hekla's eruptions have released large amounts of ash and pyroclastic material, affecting the nearby area.

Hekla volcano

Hekla volcano -  Photograph by Jóhann Óli.

The Stages of The Volcanic Way

The Volcanic Way - HOME

Travel in Iceland remains normal. See details on the latest eruption

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Hekla Volcano

The Queen of Icelandic Volcanoes

Attractions

TOURS WITH A VIEW OVER HEKLA

Where is hekla located, how did hekla form, when will hekla erupt next, tips for hiking mt. hekla.

• Accommodation

Interesting places near Hekla Volcano

Hekla is a volcano located in South Iceland. It’s one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland with over twenty eruptions since 874. Hike to the top of Hekla Volcano for a beautiful day trip in the South of Iceland!

On the drive to Landmannalaugar, you will pass Hekla volcano in all its glory.

Landmannalaugar Hiking Day Tour

Landmannalaugar Safari Super Jeep Tour

South Coast, Waterfalls & Glacier Hike

Hekla erupted most recently in 1991 and again in 2000. Volcanologists say that pressure measurements within the magma chambers under the mountain are currently higher than they were then.

No one knows when the next eruption will occur, though it could certainly be said that circumstances are ripening!  Hekla eruptions could last for a few days or longer than a year spewing out magnificent volumes of lava. Over 10% of the tephra created in Iceland during the last 1000 years flowed from Hekla.

In the year 1159, a huge eruption hurled 7.3 cubic meters of Hekla ash into the atmosphere, cooling the climate around Europe and interfering with growing cycles. Traces of volcanic rock from this eruption have even been found in Scottish peat bogs.

In the middle ages, when its catastrophic power was feared all over Europe, Hekla was often called “The Gateway to Hell.” In an English poem from the 11th century, Judas was said to be kept in Mt. Hekla. Following this, European clerks celebrated the eruptions in Hekla as they believed the eruptions to prove the existence of Hell.

Hekla is a part of a 40 km (25 mi) long rift. The most active part of the rift is named Heklugjá and is 5,5 km long. Heklugjá is located right under the volcano itself and feeds its eruptions.  The volcano mountain, Hekla, is also sometimes known as the “Queen of Iceland.”

It’s situated in the scenic Fjallabak mountain area. A hike to Hekla’s summit (1491 m) is placed on top on many bucket lists. The hike is best done up the Northern part of the 4 km long mountains ridge and the first known people to ascend were Eggert Ólafsson and Bjarni Pálsson in the year 1750.

A day tour from  Reykjavík  is the perfect way to explore Hekla and the glorious mountain scenery around it. On a beautiful clear day, you are able to view Hekla from the South Coast and route 1.

For those who would like to explore the volcano from a different angle, with a 4×4 car, you can get an even better view of the scenery from the route to  Landmannalaugar . Remember to look out the window when going on one of our Landmannalaugar and  Laugavegur  hiking or trekking tours .

Hekla is located in a remote area between road number 26, the F210 mountain road and the Friðland að Fjallabaki Nature Reserve, about 122 km from  Reykjavík .

The only way to get really close is to follow hiking trails – joining an organized tour is recommended. Other attractions in the area are Hvollsvöllur (61.6 km),  Selfoss Waterfall  (73.2 km) and  Geysir  (106 km).

GPS coordinates of Hekla:   63.9923° N, 19.6658° W

The story behind the oblong shape of Mount Hekla is actually quite fascinating. Hekla was originally formed in a long fissure eruption, common with Icelandic volcanoes.

The fissure which had a voluminous lava flow created the surrounding lava field you can see today surrounding the volcano.  When the power of the eruption decreased, the volcanic activity became more focused on one or two craters in the fissure. This resulted in a round-shaped caldera being formed in the center.

Other famous oblong shaped volcanoes, Snæfellsjökul,  Eyjafjallajökull  and Öræfajökull all have this round crater on top in common. 

It impossible to know exactly when Hekla will erupt again. In 1947, when Hekla last erupted, it was believed that the volcano erupted every 100 years. However, this is not true since Hekla went off in 1970, 1980, 1991 and again in 2000.

• The hike is not recommended without a guide.
• The hike usually takes approximately 8 hours.
• The hike is best done in the summertime.
• If the plan is to hike all the way to the top you will need glacier equipment.
• The easiest way to hike Hekla volcano is from the Northwest side or following the Northern ridge.

Hekla Volcano Facts

• Hekla   has been active for thousands of years  with 20 recorded eruptions.
• The  first people to climb Hekla  were Eggert Ólafsson and Bjarni Pálsson in 1750.
• Folktales  tell us stories that souls of the damned were once believed to pass through the crater of Hekla on their way to hell.
• In the eruption of 1947, the peak of the explosive eruption chute  reached 50 meters  (164 ft).
• Hecla   is the traditional English spelling of the volcano Hekla and  n umerous places have been named after the volcano.
• The name Hekla  is an old Icelandic word for a short hooded cloak.
• Hekla has produced one of  the largest volumes of lava   of any volcano in the world.

Accommodation near Hekla Volcano

Hekla is pretty remotely located but still, you can find accommodation relatively near. Here are the ones with the best reviews the nearest being highest in each category.

Guesthouse, B&B and Homestay

• Guesthouse Leirubakki
• Guesthouse Elin
• Hagi Homestay
• Heimaland Guesthouse
• Guesthouse Denami
• Guesthouse Steinsholt
• Birkikinn Holiday Home
• Gljásteinn Hólaskógur Hostel
• Árnes HI Hostel 

Cabins and Cottages

• Rjúpnavellir Camping & Cottages
• Afternoon Cottages

Camping near Hekla Volcano

The nearest camping ground to Hekla Volcano is at Rjúpnavellir located right above Galtlækjarskógur forest. It is accessible for all cars.

They offer sleeping bag accommodations for 44 people in two separate cabins and 2 cottages each able to accommodate 6 people.  The facilities include cooking stations, WCs, and showers.

• Sigöldugljúfur e. The Valley of Tears
• Sigöldufoss Waterfall
• Landmannalaugar geothermal paradise
• Lake Frostastaðavatn
• Ljótipollur e. Ugly Puddle
• Þjórsá River
• Þjórsárgljúfur Canyon
• Hjálparfoss Waterfall
• Þjófafoss Waterfall
• Háifoss Waterfall
• Þórsmörk Valley
• Fimmvörðuháls
• Eyjafjallajökull Glacier
• Seljavallalaug Mountain Pool
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

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Hekla Travel Guide

It has erupted twenty to thirty times since settlement and remains active to this day. Learn more about it on a volcano tour in Iceland .

Geography of Hekla

Hekla is located in the south of Iceland, just north of the country’s most famous volcano, Eyjafjallajökull , which last erupted in 2010, causing planes to be grounded and reporters to be tongue-tied for weeks. A dominant peak, standing at 1,491 metres tall (4,892 feet), it can be seen for miles around.

Hekla is part of a 40 kilometre (25 mile) rift, the most active part, called Heklugjá, being under the volcano itself. There are many craters at the peak, two of which are known to erupt more than the others.

Unlike Eyjafjallajökull and Iceland’s other most active volcano, Katla , Hekla does not sit underneath any significant glacier, meaning its eruptions should not cause ash clouds to the same degree. In spite of this, some have been so great that the ash produced was still enough to change the climate of the northern hemisphere for years.

Hekla has also produced one of the greatest lava flows of this millenium of any volcano in the world, at eight cubic kilometres. Approximately 10 percent of Iceland’s landmass was brought up by lava from Hekla.

History of Hekla

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Jakub Hałun.

The first recorded eruption at Hekla was in 1104, and it was so great and significant that it drew attention across Europe; the effects it had on the weather, on people’s breathing, and on agriculture lasted for years.

This, however, was not the first time it had done so; undiscovered by man, it had contributed to a third of all volcanic ash across northern Europe for the past seven millenia.

It would not significantly erupt again until 1300, although it had been recorded going off several times in between; one of the most notorious things about Hekla is its unpredictability, sometimes exploding within a decade of its last eruption, sometimes laying dormant for nearly a century.

For this reason, the farms around it were largely abandoned, partly explaining why today there are few settlements in Iceland’s south.

Further serious eruptions occurred in 1693 and 1845 with international consequences, but none as significant as the one that began in 1947. Lava bombs weighing over 20 kilograms (44 pounds) landed 32 kilometres away; some as large as 50 square metres (538 square feet) were thrown a kilometre. It took just 52 two hours before the enormous cloud of ash was covering Helsinki.

It would be thirteen months before the eruption stopped, ebbing and flowing with power, but constantly pouring ash into the atmosphere, poisoning crops and livestock.

It is likely many died of respiratory problems as a result, but Hekla even directly killed one person. A scientist filming the great lava flows from the crater, some of which were 15 metres (49 feet) tall, was struck by a block of lava.

Hekla erupted again in 1970 for two months, but since has only gone off for a few days at a time, in 1981, 1982, 1991 and 2000.

Though the 2000 one seemed inconsequential, it was later discovered that it proved that Hekla was even more frightening than was already thought. The remains of a pyroclastic flow, the most dangerous element of an eruption, where searing ash and rock travel at enormous speeds and raze all they meet, had occured for over five kilometres (three miles).

Hekla today

In spite of its volatile nature, Hekla can still be considered a safe place to visit; there are hiking opportunities all around it, and some tour operators embark in super jeeps journeys to its slopes. Visitors should not be afraid of the volcano’s potential, just aware of it.

Of course, before heading to Hekla if travelling without a guide, ensure you check the meteorological office’s website to ensure that there are no alerts that an eruption may be imminent. The volcano is monitored constantly.

In spite of this, Hekla remains as unpredictable as it ever was, and visitors are warned that in spite of every good measure, there is always a chance an eruption could start without being noticed.

Volcanologists also warn that it is overdue, and due to this volcano’s patterns, the warning time between knowing an eruption is imminent and it occurring will often be just an hour or less.

Popular Tours to Hekla

Excellent 2.5-hour horse riding tour in raudholar volcanic countryside with transfer from reykjavik, thrilling 45-minute helicopter tour to the volcanic area in reykjanes peninsula, 1-week northern lights self-drive tour in south iceland to jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, attractions nearby.

Landmannaleið

Fossabrekkur Waterfalls

Thjofafoss Waterfall Near Hekla

The Commonwealth Farm (Þjóðveldisbærinn)

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Hekla Volcano – the Gateway to Hell

Basic information.

• Hekla is one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland. 
• The volcano is responsible for the creation of more than ten per cent of the landmass in Iceland through the last 1000 years.
• The chances for the eruption to happen soon are highly likely.
• 8 hour hike to the top. Not recommended without an experienced guide. 
• 4×4 car is required to reach the volcano. 

Yes! You read it right. Hekla is nicknamed ‘The Gateway to Hell’. The volcano is one of the country’s most notorious and unpredictable volcanoes. Hekla volcano is situated in South Iceland . This volcano has witnessed more than twenty eruptions since 874, making its name in the list of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. The volcano mountain is also known as the “Queen of Iceland.”

Hekla is located towards the north of the country’s most popular volcano, Eyjafjallajökull . The volcano is part of a 40 kilometer long rupture. The most active part of which is beneath the volcano itself is known as Heklugjá. There are several craters at the top, two of which are known to erupt more than the rest.

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When Can We Expect the Next Eruption?

The most recent eruptions at Hekla took place in 1991 and again, after nine years, in 2000. The experts and scientists believe that pressure measurements within the magma chambers beneath the mountain are presently more than they were earlier. It cannot be exactly predicted when the eruption will occur next. However, the chances for the eruption to happen soon are highly likely. If it happens, the volcanic eruption could last for a few days or more than a year spewing out umpteen volumes of lava. Hekla is responsible for the creation of more than ten per cent of the landmass in Iceland through the last 1000 years. Going back to the year 1159, a magnificent eruption brought about 7.3 cubic meters of Hekla ash into the atmosphere. This led to a massive change in the climate around Europe, cooling it and mingling with growing cycles. The effect loomed so large that the signs of volcanic rock from this eruption were found in Scottish peat bogs.

During the middle ages, many myths and legends were formed as people started fearing the powerful volcano all over Europe. It was around this time that the name ‘Gateway to Hell’ was given to Hekla. European clerks began celebrating the eruptions in Hekla because they believed that the volcanic eruptions happened to prove the existence of Hell.

Hiking to Hekla Volcano

The volcano is located in the beautiful Fjallabak mountain area. A hike to Hekla’s summit is 1491 meters high. This is a magical hike which many explorers look forward to. The hike is best conducted up the northern part of the four kilometers long ridge of mountains. You will be amazed to know that it was first ascended in the year 1750 by Eggert Ólafsson and Bjarni Pálsson.

You can choose a day tour from Reykjavík which is the best-suited way to explore Hekla volcano. The surrounding glorious mountain scenery will surely captivate your heart. The visitors can view Hekla from the South Coast and route 1 on a bright shiny day. The tourists can explore the volcano from a different angle to get a better view. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the scenery from the way to Landmannalaugar .

It is essential to remember a few things before embarking on this memorable hike on Hekla. It is not recommended to start the hike without an experienced guide. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the hike. Summers are best to plan this hike. The days are long and you can find bright spots to relax midway. You need to be equipped with glacier equipment if the plan is to go all the way to the top.

How to Reach Hekla Volcano

A 4×4 car and a professional with good driving skills are needed to reach the area. The volcano is located in a remote area in the middle of the road number 26, the F210 mountain road and the Friðland að Fjallabaki Nature Reserve. The drive is about 122 kilometers from Reykjavík . The only option to get closest to Hekla volcano is via hiking. It is best to join an organized tour so that safety is not compromised with. Rjúpnavellir is the closest camping ground to Hekla Volcano. It is situated right above the Galtlækjarskógur forest and accessible for all cars.

Hekla Volcano on a map

Interesting locations in the area

• Fossabrekkur
• Hjálparfoss
• Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng
• Sigoldugljúfur
• Þórsmörk Hike
• Þórsmörk Super Jeep
• Landmannalaugar Super Jeep
• Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing
• Glacier Lagoon Kayaking
• ATV & Glacier Lagoon Kayak
• Snowmobile on Langjokull

Hotels & Restaurants

• Hotel Lækur
• Rjúpnavellir Camping
• Restaurant Árhús
• Stracta Bistro

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Hekla (Iceland) – hiking the volcanic Gateway to Hell

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Hekla is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. With a long history of dangerous eruptions, this volcano was long considered as a ‘gateway to hell’. Luckily is remained calm while I was climbing part of it. Below is my guide to approaching and hiking Hekla to the lower crater.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:

• Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
• Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
• Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal

Hekla Volcano Iceland – Facts

Culminating at 1491 meters (4892 ft), Hekla is one of the most famous active volcanoes in Iceland. My stop there was not planned. I did research for that post after my climb and I am now scared to have climbed it as it is quite active and does not give much warning!

Hekla is a stratovolcan o part of a volcanic ridge which is 40 km long (25 miles). The most active part is a 5.5 km fissure called Heklugja. There are a series of craters all along. Hekla has an unusual form quite rare around the world.

Hekla was called the Gateway to Hell in the Middle Ages. Since then frequent eruptions have devasted farms, disrupted nature and killed people reinforcing this impression and it was not climbed until the 18th century. Major eruptions have been estimated at 20 and minor at 25. Some lasted several months to a year uninterrupted and others had 14 to 18 craters active at the same time! On top of that I have read that Hekla is quite aseismic which means activity is only visible 1/2 hour to 1& 1/2 hours before the eruption. Almost no warning!

PLANNING TIPS – how to visit the Hekla Volcano

Getting to hekla.

• Route 26 and then a trail heading East
• From Landmannalaugar take the Landmannaleid and then a track in the South direction (but no indication)
• 4WD imperative

Visiting Hekla – Hiking

• It is not recommended to hike without a guide 
• It is an active volcano so you are taking a risk when you climb it.
• No facilities
• The easiest way up is from the north
• Part of it can be climbed with a Superjeep before you have to continue on foot – I booked a Superjeep with a driver with a tour like this one – we were able to adapt to what I wanted – We drove up part of the volcano and I continue for a little while on foot. It is so worth it! – Check out this tour similar to mine
•  if you climb all the way to the top you should have glacier gear (head to Wild Iceland for pictures taken of the glacier part)

Planning a road trip around Iceland?

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Drive from Landmannalaugar to Hekla, Iceland

I drived towards Hekla from the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar first on the Landmannaleid and then on a ‘track’. My driver knew the direction and found tracks (although not all the time). I drove past incredible scenery and were lucky with interesting clouds. We had a lot of fun 4 wheel driving through a lava field (the photo was taken where it was flat but then it became a roller coaster.

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View from where I left the Superjeep

At one point we could not drive further. We stopped the car and I was gratified with stunning views on one side: there were different layers of mountains and at the back the top of the Vatnajökull glacier.

Climb to the first crater of Hekla – hike

From there my guide pointed out a trail leading up… I jumped on my feet and walk the slippery trail up to the first crater. I am not fit so I can tell you that this section is only moderate difficulty as I was able to reach the first crater, a small one but still it is pretty cool. Next to the crater was a recent lava field. 

Plan your trip to Iceland this Summer:

• My itineraries :  5 days ,  1 week ,  10 days ,  2 weeks
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View from the first Hekla crater

Once I reached to top and breathed again, the scenery was really stunning. It was not easy to photograph but l loved the various colors, the large valleys and the strange looking mountains. I was running out of time and stamina so I decided not to push further and walked back down.

Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?

• 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures – read article
• The best stops on the Ring Road – read article
• The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland – read article
• 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland – read article
• Top 5 places to see around Myvatn – read article
• 5 best Lava Fields in Iceland – read article
• The 10 best lava caves in Iceland –  read article
• The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland – read article
• The Golden Circle – read article
• The Snaefellsnes peninsula – read article
• All my favorite things to do in North Iceland –  read article

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HEKLA Inaugurated in Paris La Défense

(PARIS) - Hines, a global real estate investment, development and property manager, along with Paris La Défense, Europe's leading business district 1 , and AG Real Estate, has completed the delivery of HEKLA, representing an office of the future. The result of 10 years of collaboration between Ateliers, the world renowned architect Jean Nouvel’s agency, in response to a competition initiated by Paris La Défense In 2012. HEKLA was built by Bateg, a subsidiary of VINCI Construction France, and acquired by investors Amundi Immobilier and Primonial REIM.

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, the inaugural event took place at the building with Joëlle Ceccaldi-Raynaud, Mayor of Puteaux, Georges Siffredi, President of Paris La Défense and the Hauts-de-Seine Department, and Jean Nouvel in attendance.

The first office tower designed by Jean Nouvel in Paris La Défense

In the skyline of Paris La Défense, HEKLA was designed by Jean Nouvel and inspired by the “forumme triangular building” in shades of amber, spanning 49 floors and 220 meters in height. Its façade, made from solar panel glass, covers 45,000 square meters making it a distinguishing feature.

A package designed for new ways of working

HEKLA was developed to meet the new aspirations of employees in their workplace. Its design also meets the requirements of companies that want their location to reflect their ESG policy with a number of features including generous interior spaces to aid occupier comfort, high ceilings, double hall reception with a lobby, 2,500 square meters of outdoor space including 650 square meters of roof space, 50% of which is vegetated, an additional wooden sheltered roof terrace, and a suspended garden. Furthermore, occupiers benefit from unobstructed views across the capital, the business district, the Bois de Boulogne and western Paris.

HEKLA has been designed to accommodate several companies with flexible floor spaces of approximately 1,700 square meters allowing for many layout configurations. In terms of connectivity, HEKLA can be reached on foot in less than 5 minutes from the station Cœur Transport - La Défense Grande Arche, located 300 meters away. Its large parking lot accommodates 600 bicycles advocating for tenants to commute by bicycles or scooters. Finally, HEKLA has direct car access to 52 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, a rare amenity in the business district.

An operation combining land sobriety and a controlled ecological footprint

HEKLA is in an area that aims to become the first post-carbon business district in the world. Its very small land footprint of 1,900 square meters also demonstrates the importance of high-rise best-in-class construction, in the context of reducing artificialization.

HEKLA aims for triple certification: HQE Exceptional, BREEAM Excellent and LEED Platinum, as well as the Effinergie+ label for energy performance.

Healthy spaces

The tower focuses on the health and well-being of its future users and aims to obtain the WELL label at the Gold level. It is equipped with a unique air handling system, controlled stage by stage thanks to the installation of independent mini-air handling units enabling good air quality and a healthy working environment.

A lively place in a newly transformed neighborhood

HEKLA has been designed in the image of a hotel to offer its users optimal living and working conditions. Two vast lobbies, an auditorium of 250 seats with an abundance of natural light, a "welcome café" with accompanying barista, concierge services, a business center, five distinct areas for leisure across three floors including a contemporary café, brasserie, kiosks, bistro, and food court alongside a fitness center, a wellness area, private lounges, coworking spaces and also a sky bar with a barista accessible to those on the 47th and 48th floors. In total, HEKLA provides nearly 7,000 square meters dedicated to amenities

In the immediate vicinity of the Westfield Les Quatre Temps shopping center and residential buildings including Défense 2000 , HEKLA is located in a dynamic mixed-use environment.

Finally, the tower is the new emblem of an urban sector spanning five hectares of land as part of a total redesign called ‘The Rose of Cherbourg’. At the initiative of the public developer, Paris La Défense, the transformed neighborhood opens onto the city center of Puteaux reconnecting it to La Défense. Based on a mixed-use concept to attract diverse uses including office, student housing and retail, while encouraging biodiversity, the destination is designed to be lively during the day and in the evening. Alongside HEKLA, 400 student housing units were designed by Jean Nouvel.

At the foot of the HEKLA Tower, the former road ring is transformed in the spirit of the New York High Line , into a 500-meter-long pedestrian promenade, accessible for cyclists, offering greenery, sports and leisure facilities. The adjoining 1.3-hectare set of hanging gardens will likely become a popular destination in Paris La Défense.

1 Source EY-ULI Survey

About Tour HEKLA

A first office tour designed by Jean Nouvel in Paris La Défense, HEKLA was co-developed by Hines and AG Real Estate on behalf of Primonial REIM and Amundi Immobilier. It deploys 76,000 square metres of offices and services across 49 floors, punctuated by terraces on all levels and equipped with a wooded and sheltered roof terrace. Aiming for ambitious certifications and labels, some of which have already been obtained, it can accommodate up to 5,800 people and offers new experiences in the workplace in optimal conditions

About Hines

Hines is a global real estate investment, development, and property manager. The firm was founded by Gerald D. Hines in 1957 and now operates in 28 countries. We manage a $92.3B portfolio of high-performing assets across residential, logistics, retail, office, and mixed-use strategies. Our local teams serve 634 properties totaling over 225 million square feet globally. We are committed to a net zero carbon target by 2040 without buying offsets

Since entering Europe in 1991, Hines has grown its European platform to include offices in 17 cities as well as a presence in 79 cities in 14 countries. Hines oversees investment assets under management valued at approximately €25.3 billion and provides third-party property-level services totaling 4.7 million square metres in Europe, in Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom.

To learn more about Hines, visit www.hines.com and follow @Hines on social media.

¹Includes both the global Hines organization as well as RIA AUM as of June 30, 2022.

Press Contacts

Christine L. Delucchi Global Head Marketing & Communications 713 966 4304 [email protected]

Contact Hines

Global headquarters.

845 Texas Avenue Suite 3300 Houston, TX 77002 United States 1 713 621 8000 Contact Hines

Grainhouse, 6 Dryden St London WC2E 9NH United Kingdom 44 207 292 1900

Asia Pacific Headquarters

Suites 2801-02, One Exchange Square 8 Connaught Place Central, Hong Kong, SAR China

U.S. East Region

345 Hudson Street 12th Floor New York, NY 10014 United States 1 212 230 2300

U.S. Midwest Region

444 West Lake Street Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60606 United States 1 312 419 4900

U.S. Southeast Region

T3 West Midtown 383 17th Street NW, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30363 United States 1 770 206 5300

U.S. Southwest Region

845 Texas Avenue Suite 3300 Houston, TX 77002 United States 1 713 237 5600

U.S. West Region

12101 W Olympic Blvd Suite 200 Los Angeles, CA 90064 United States 213 629 5200

Asia Pacific Region

Eurasia region.

One Horizon Center 12th Floor Gurgaon 122002 India 91 124 480 2222

European Region

Grainhouse, 6 Dryden Street London WC2E 9NH United Kingdom 44 207 292 1900

Gadigal Country, The Peapes Building Level 3, 285 George St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia 61 2 9232 3137

Av. das Nações Unidas, 12901 Torre Norte - 6 ° andar São Paulo 04578-910 Brazil 55 11 5504 7600

81 Bay Street Suite 3500 Toronto, ON M5J 0E7 Canada 416 595 1949

Greater China

Suite 333, Hyundai Motor Tower 38 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District Beijing, PRC 100027 China 8610 8453 8855

66 Avenue Charles de Gaulle Neuilly-sur-Seine, IDF 92522 France 33 1 41 45 80 80

Hines Immobilien GmbH Joachimsthaler Str. 1 10623 Berlin Germany 49 30 726241 100

Mitropoleos 3 4th floor Athens 10557 Greece 30 210 364 7895

Riverside 4, Third Floor Central Quay, Sir John Rogerson's Quay Dublin, D02 RR77 Ireland 353 1 7999900

Via Broletto 35 Milan 20121 Italy 0039 02 8962921 [email protected]

Toranomon Hills Station Tower 32F 2-6-1 Toranomon Minato-ku Tokyo 105-5532 Japan 81 3 4520 3500

35F Avenue John F. Kennedy Luxembourg L-1855 352 264 337 1

Torre del Angel Reforma 350 Mexico D.F. 06600 Mexico 52 55 52428809

The Netherlands

Rokin 69D Amsterdam 1012 KL Netherlands 31 208 960 510

Nordic Countries

Jens Kofods Gade 1, 2.th 1268 Copenhagen K Denmark 45 22 88 20 70

Torre B Piso 15 Torre de las Americas Punta Pacifica, Panama City Panama 507 028 20 7375

Wola Center 33 Przyokopowa Street Warsaw 01-208 Poland 48 22 351 2400

Paseo de la Castellana 110, 2º B Madrid 28046 Spain 34 91 703 00 23 [email protected]

South Korea

8F, D1, D Tower 17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu Seoul 03155 Republic of Korea 82 2 6952 5203

United Kingdom

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Official Name

Other names, name of complex.

Tours Helka

Structural Material

All-Concrete

Official Website

HEKLA: Future in France

220 m / 722 ft

Floors Above Ground

Floors below ground.

76,000 m² / 818,057 ft²

• By Location

Construction Schedule

Construction Start

MEP Engineer

The Design Engineer is usually involved in the front end design, typically taking the leadership role in the Schematic Design and Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.

Other Consultant Other Consultant refers to other organizations which provided significant consultation services for a building project (e.g. wind consultants, environmental consultants, fire and life safety consultants, etc).

These are firms that consult on the design of a building's façade. May often be referred to as "Cladding," "Envelope," "Exterior Wall," or "Curtain Wall" Consultant, however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Façade Consultant" exclusively.

Permasteelisa Group

Material supplier material supplier refers to organizations which supplied significant systems/materials for a building project (e.g. elevator suppliers, facade suppliers, etc)., tk elevator gmbh, amundi immobilier; primonial reim, ag real estate; hines.

Usually involved in the front end design, with a "typical" condition being that of a leadership role through either Schematic Design or Design Development, and then a monitoring role through the CD and CA phases.

Ateliers Jean Nouvel

The main contractor is the supervisory contractor of all construction work on a project, management of sub-contractors and vendors, etc. May be referred to as "Construction Manager," however, for consistency CTBUH uses the term "Main Contractor" exclusively.

Global News

14 July 2021

Near Paris, Skyscraper Reaches Midway Mark

In La Défense just outside of Paris, the Hekla tower is over halfway completed. The project has completed 30 of 49 floors, with a final...

01 July 2019

Tour Hekla Begins Construction in La Défense Near Paris

The currently under-construction Hekla Tower at La Défense is emblematic of next-generation skyscrapers: one that is integrated with the urban habitat. The building, which is...

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• La Defense access

Hekla in figures

Inextricably linked to the architectural object, the programming and services offered by Hekla aspire to provide a unique user experience, the result of impeccably high standards and a vision aiming to offer the best in every domain, at the center of a neighborhood in the midst of a comprehensive redevelopment program.

• 2022 year of completion
• 220 m height
• 2 lobby levels
• 1,700 sq. meters typical office floor plate
• 290 cm constant floor to ceiling height on all the office floors
• 6 lobby levels
• 48% lower primary energy consumption than RT 2012 thermal regulations

76,000 square meters

Of office and service space, 2,518 square meters, of terraces and loggias.

workers can be accommodated

Certifications targeted - highest ratings.