[ˈhɛʰkla]. ), or Hecla, is a stratovolcano in the south of Iceland with a height of 1,491 metres (4,892 ft). Hekla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes; over 20 eruptions have occurred in and around the volcano since 874.During the Middle Ages, Europeans called the volcano the Gateway to Hell .Hekla is part of a volcanic ridge, 40 kilometres (25 mi) long.The most active part of this ridge, a fissure about 5.5 km (3.4 mi) long named Heklugja, heklugjá is considered to be the Volcano hekla. properekla is part of a volcanic ridge, 40 kilometres (25 mi) long. The most active part of this ridge, a fissure about 5.5 km (3.4 mi) long named Heklugja, heklugjá is considered to be the Volcano hekla. proper