Is parking available near Jónshellar?

Yes, there is typically a designated parking area at the trailhead for Jónshellnastígur, which leads directly to Jónshellar. Look for signs for the Vífilsstaðir area trails.

Is there an entry fee to visit Jónshellar?

No, there is no entry fee to visit Jónshellar or to hike the Jónshellnastígur trail. It is a natural site open to the public.

What kind of footwear and clothing should I bring for the hike?

Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended due to the rugged and uneven lava terrain, which can be slippery, especially when wet or moss-covered. Dress in layers, including waterproof and windproof outerwear, as Icelandic weather can change rapidly.

How difficult is the hike to Jónshellar?

The hike is considered moderate. While the trail is marked, it traverses a rugged lava field with uneven surfaces and some elevation changes. It is suitable for most hikers with reasonable fitness.

Can I enter the caves at Jónshellar?

Yes, you can enter the caves. The largest cave, historically used as a sheep shelter, is easily accessible. Exercise caution when exploring, especially in wet conditions, and be mindful of your surroundings.

Iceland/capital-region

Jónshellar

Explore ancient sheep shelters and a historic sanatorium path winding through rugged, moss-draped lava fields.

At a Glance

Visit time

1–2 hours

Best season

Morgunn eða snemma eftir hádegi, sérstaklega frá maí til september.

Access

Hægt að nálgast með bíl að upphafspunkti gönguleiðar, síðan er gengið um merktan göngustíg um hraunið. Mælt með góðum gönguskóm.

GPS

64.0753, -21.9036

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About

About Jónshellar

Explore ancient sheep shelters and a historic sanatorium path winding through rugged, moss-draped lava fields.

Discover unique lava caves and walk a historic trail once used by sanatorium patients for healing walks.

Photos

Photo Gallery

Background

History & Background

The history of Jónshellar is deeply intertwined with the Vífilsstaðir Sanatorium, a significant institution in Icelandic healthcare. The path leading to these caves, Jónshellnastígur, gained renown as the 'Berklastígur' or Tuberculosis Path. During the sanatorium's operation, patients were encouraged to engage in daily outdoor exercise, and this trail through the Vífilsstaðahraun lava field became a crucial part of their healing regimen, offering fresh air and gentle activity amidst nature, with its distinctive moss-covered rocks and sparse vegetation. Beyond its role in patient recovery, Jónshellar itself holds an older, more rustic history. The caves, particularly one with a distinctive stone wall and smooth dirt floor, served as vital sheep shelters for centuries. These natural refuges provided protection for flocks of up to 50 sheep from the harsh Icelandic elements, showcasing the ingenious adaptability of early settlers and farmers. The remnants within the caves offer a tangible link to a pastoral past, where humans and animals relied on the natural landscape for survival, utilizing features like the rugged, lichen-dusted rock formations seen in the image.

Nestled within the dramatic Vífilsstaðahraun lava field in the Reykjanes region, Jónshellar offers a unique blend of geological wonder and poignant history. These three distinctive rock shelters, known as Jon's Caves, are found beneath a prominent cliff face overlooking Vífilsstaðir. The landscape, as seen in the accompanying image, is characterized by its rugged, greyish-white lava formations, generously draped with patches of vibrant green and golden-brown moss. Sparse, dry bushes with gnarled, bare branches dot the terrain, contrasting with the rich, earthy tones of the ground cover. One of the caves stands out for its historical use as a sheep shelter, evidenced by a partially preserved stone wall at its entrance and a remarkably smooth dirt floor within, capable of housing a substantial flock. The journey to Jónshellar is as significant as the destination itself. The caves mark the southern terminus of the Jónshellnastígur trail, a path with a compelling past. During the era of the Vífilsstaðir Sanatorium, this route was famously known as the 'Berklastígur,' or Tuberculosis Path. Patients from the sanatorium would regularly walk this trail as part of their daily therapy, finding solace and strength in the fresh air and the rugged, yet beautiful, lava landscape. Today, the path remains a well-defined and marked route, inviting hikers to follow in these historic footsteps, admiring the unique geological formations and the resilient vegetation. Exploring Jónshellar and its surroundings provides an immersive experience into Iceland's natural and social history. Hikers can admire the unique geological formations of the lava field, ponder the lives of the shepherds and patients who once sought refuge or recovery here, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Reykjanes peninsula. Proper hiking gear, including sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, is always recommended. Be sure to check local trail conditions before embarking, especially outside of the summer months, to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure through this historically rich landscape.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Imagine a crisp Icelandic morning, decades ago, the air biting but fresh. A shepherd, perhaps named Jón, coaxes his flock of 40-50 sheep into the largest of the three Jónshellar caves, a natural refuge from the elements. The rough stone wall, still visible in part, offers a semblance of warmth against the grey-green moss clinging to the rough volcanic rock. Later, the same path leading through the dry, brown grasses and bare, gnarled branches of low-lying bushes transforms. It becomes the 'Berklastígur,' a daily ritual for patients from the Vífilsstaðir Sanatorium, seeking the healing power of fresh air amidst the stark beauty of the moss-draped Vífilsstaðahraun lava field. Each step on the marked trail, now a testament to resilience, echoed with quiet determination. Today, hikers walk in their footsteps, discovering not just the rugged landscape but also the poignant echoes of lives lived and sustained by these very caves and trails.

💡 Did You Know?

The Jónshellnastígur trail, leading to Jónshellar, was famously known as 'Berklastígur' (Tuberculosis Path) for patients from Vífilsstaðir Sanatorium.

Explore

Hidden Gems Nearby

✦ The Unmarked Caves

While one cave clearly served as a sheep shelter, explore the other two less prominent 'skútar' at Jónshellar to imagine their potential uses throughout history.

They offer a glimpse into the natural shelters used for various purposes over centuries.

✦ Vífilsstaðahraun Lava Field Views

Beyond the caves, the surrounding Vífilsstaðahraun lava field offers stark, beautiful landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity, perfect for contemplation and photography.

Provides a dramatic backdrop and showcases Iceland's raw geological power.

✦ Remnants of the Berklastígur

Keep an eye out for any remaining markers or subtle signs along the Jónshellnastígur that hint at its past as the 'Tuberculosis Path' for the sanatorium patients.

Connects you directly to the human history and resilience associated with this unique trail.

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