Steinahellir Cave
Steinahellir is at the foot of the slope above Holtsós. In front of the cave is Hellisvatn (Cave Lake), which is said to be inhabited by a kelpie, a malevolent supernatural creature resembling a horse. The cave mouth faces south. It is surrounded by grassy slopes that stretch up to the rocky palisades of Mt. Steinafjall. Rock slides occasionally occur from the mountain above.
Steinahellir is a South Iceland cave by Holtsós, known for local folklore, meetings and practical farm use.
Quick guide to Steinahellir
| Location | South Iceland, near Holtsós below Eyjafjöll |
| Best for | Folklore, South Coast history, farm-cave context and short route stops |
| Nearby places | Eyjafjöll, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Hvolsvollur and Vik |
| Typical visit time | Short stop if access and conditions are suitable |
| Best season | Summer and dry conditions are easiest |
| Good to know | Rockfall and access conditions matter; treat this as a cautious short stop. |
| Coordinates | 63.5600,-19.7100 |
What is Steinahellir?
The cave has been connected with stories about the water in front of it, with regional gatherings and with later use as a sheep shed, hay storage and machinery shelter. It is a place where folklore and practical rural history meet.
Steinahellir is best planned as part of a wider Iceland nature route, not as an isolated stop.
Why visit Steinahellir?
Steinahellir is interesting because it is not just a hole in the rock. It shows how caves could become meeting places, shelters and everyday farm spaces in the South Coast landscape.
How to visit Steinahellir
Use caution around the cave and surrounding slope, especially if there is loose rock or poor weather. Do not enter unsafe areas or ignore local access limits.
Tours that fit a Steinahellir route
Steinahellir works best as a cultural side stop, while the bookable cave choices nearby are Caves of Hella, Katla Ice Cave and South Coast route tours.
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 Steinahellir
Use Steinahellir as part of a connected route rather than a disconnected cave stop.
Towns and villages near Steinahellir
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Folklore and waterfall stop
Combine Steinahellir with Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi and the Eyjafjöll farm region.
South Iceland cave theme
Use Caves of Hella as the managed cave stop, then treat Steinahellir as a local-history add-on if time allows.
Weather-safe plan
If cave access is poor, choose the LAVA Centre Volcano Exhibition in Hvolsvollur and continue the South Coast route.
FAQ about Steinahellir
Is Steinahellir 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 Steinahellir?
Only approach if access is clearly suitable and conditions feel safe. If there are closure signs, unstable slopes or poor footing, skip it.
Is Steinahellir 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 Steinahellir?
Useful nearby anchors include Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, the Eyjafjöll region and Vik if the route continues east.
What tours fit Steinahellir?
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 Steinahellir 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 Steinahellir?
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 Steinahellir?
Hvolsvollur is a practical western base, while Vik works better if the day continues to Reynisfjara or Katla activities.