2. Mount Hekla, Iceland – The Volcano That Spits Out Souls
Mount Hekla is one of Iceland’s most active and feared volcanoes, having erupted over 20 times since its first recorded explosion in 1104. For medieval Europeans, this fiery mountain was more than just a natural wonder—it was believed to be an actual entrance to hell. The frequent, violent eruptions and the ominous, smoke-covered landscape led many to believe that the souls of the damned were being spewed out from its depths.
Icelandic folklore is filled with eerie tales of spirits and demons lurking around Hekla. Some legends say witches ride their broomsticks to Hekla on Easter, while others claim that souls trapped in purgatory can be heard wailing from beneath the lava flows. Even as scientific understanding has advanced, Mount Hekla retains its ominous aura, making it one of the world’s most famous gates to hell. Travelers and scientists alike remain in awe of this powerful force of nature, never knowing when it might erupt again.
