Steinahellir

Steinahellir

Steinahellir is located in the lower slopes above Holtsós in the Eyjafjöll region. In front of the cave lies a small pond known as Hellisvatn, where folklore claims a nykur, a mythical water spirit, resides. According to local tradition, the people of Eyjafjöll once attempted to drive their district magistrate into the pond during the so-called “sheep-clothing dispute,” a story that will be told in more detail later.

Numerous tales of hidden people are also associated with the cave and its surroundings. Steinahellir faces south and is surrounded by grassy slopes that extend up to the cliff belt of Steinafjall. Several rockfalls occurred from the mountain near the cave in September 1979, again in 1984, and a major landslide took place on March 11, 1986. Large boulders from these events are still visible above the cave.

Access to Steinahellir is very easy. A short turn off the main road leads directly to an access road in front of the cave entrance.

The cave is spacious. The entrance is approximately six meters wide and up to four meters high. Inside, the cave becomes wider and higher and extends roughly 15 meters in depth.

Steinahellir served as the assembly site for the people of Eyjafjöll from 1818 to 1905 and was fitted with a wooden front during that period. Boats belonging to the Eyjafjöll community were built and stored in front of the cave. It was also used as a sheep shelter, both in earlier times and into the 20th century, and hay was stored there as well. Later, the cave was used as a storage space for machinery.

Toward the end of the 20th century, the cave was cleared out and is now accessible to visitors.

Text and photo: www.eyjafjoll.is

The place can form part of a wider journey through South Iceland, making it easy to combine the visit with other destinations in the region.