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
Steinahellir er staðsettur í hrjóstrugu landslagi.