Presthellir - Priest’s Cave
Presthellir, or Priest’s Cave, is a small South Iceland cave connected with local refuge stories near Stóra-Mörk and Eyvindarholt.
Quick guide to Presthellir
| Location | South Iceland, above Eyvindarholt near Stóra-Mörk |
| Best for | Folklore, small historic cave context and quieter South Coast planning |
| Nearby places | Eyjafjöll, Hvolsvollur, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss and Vik |
| Typical visit time | Brief stop if it fits the route |
| Best season | Summer and dry conditions are best |
| Good to know | This is a small folklore site, not a developed cave tour. |
| Coordinates | 63.6500,-19.7000 |
What is Presthellir?
Presthellir is modest today, but the story attached to it makes it useful in a broader South Coast folklore route. It is not a major cave attraction and should be presented honestly as a small historic stop.
Presthellir is best planned as part of a wider Iceland nature route, not as an isolated stop.
Why visit Presthellir?
The value of Presthellir is the story and the landscape context. It helps travellers slow down and understand that South Iceland’s cave heritage is not only about large lava tunnels.
How to visit Presthellir
Use Presthellir only as a light optional stop. Check access, avoid private land issues and do not promise it as a major visitor cave.
Tours that fit a Presthellir route
Presthellir is too small to anchor a day by itself, so pair it with bookable South Iceland cave, volcano and South Coast experiences.
A guided South Iceland cave visit for travellers who want an accessible underground story.
A fuller South Coast route that adds a guided cave experience to lesser-known stops.
Best when a cave-focused day should also include South Coast scenery and glacier context.
A meet-on-location cave adventure for travellers already based around Vik.
A practical indoor volcano stop in Hvolsvollur when the day needs more geology context.
Places near Presthellir
Use Presthellir as part of a connected route rather than a disconnected cave stop.
Towns and villages near Presthellir
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Small folklore detour
Use Presthellir as a quick optional stop when travelling through Eyjafjöll toward Seljalandsfoss or Skogar.
Bookable cave substitute
If guests specifically want a cave experience, send them to Caves of Hella or South Coast Hidden Gems and Caves of Hella.
South Coast full day
Build the day around waterfalls, Vik and Katla Ice Cave from Vik if the cave element should be the highlight.
FAQ about Presthellir
Is Presthellir worth visiting?
Yes, if you enjoy South Iceland folklore, small historic caves and route stops that feel different from the main waterfalls. It works best as part of a wider Eyjafjöll or South Coast day.
Can you go inside Presthellir?
Access should be treated carefully and locally. If you cannot identify a clear, respectful way to visit, leave it out and choose a managed cave activity instead.
Is Presthellir a guided cave tour?
No. Treat it as a historic or folklore stop, not as a fully managed cave tour. If you want a bookable cave experience, choose Caves of Hella or a Katla Ice Cave tour from Vik.
What is near Presthellir?
Useful nearby anchors include Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, the Eyjafjöll region and Vik if the route continues east.
What tours fit Presthellir?
These are the most practical booking paths:
- South Coast Hidden Gems and Caves of Hella for a guided cave plus South Coast route.
- Caves of Hella if you want a shorter accessible underground stop.
- South Coast and Katla Ice Cave when the day should be cave-led from Reykjavik.
Can you visit Presthellir in winter?
Sometimes, but access, farm tracks, snow and daylight can change the plan. If winter conditions are poor, keep the cave as optional and use a guided South Coast tour instead.
How long do you need at Presthellir?
Most visitors only need a short stop. Allow extra time if you are walking from a safe parking area, reading the local history or combining it with nearby waterfalls.
Where should you stay for Presthellir?
Hvolsvollur is a practical western base, while Vik works better if the day continues to Reynisfjara or Katla activities.