Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
- WHAT TO DO
- WHAT TO SEE
- WHAT TO EAT
- WHAT TO EXPERIENCE
The roar of the glacial river Skaftá and the stark sweep of moss-covered lava fields meet right at the base of the basalt palisade. Benedictine nuns farmed this valley from the twelfth century until the Reformation, leaving ghost legends and stone footpaths behind. You will find hexagonal basalt paving polished flat by glacial melt at Kirkjugólf, plus smoked arctic char raised in local spring water. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is worth visiting if you want to walk volcanic geology on foot and break the long drive across the southern sandur plains.
Last updated 5 Sept 2026
Field notes
Photographs · Wikimedia Commons
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What to do in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Kirkjubæjarklaustur sits sheltered beneath steep bluffs along the Ring Road, providing a welcome green break from miles of black sand outwash. Days here revolve around cliffside footpaths, basalt formations, and quiet meals of regional arctic char. It suits road-trippers and walkers looking for an unhurried base between Vík and the Vatnajökull ice cap.
24 hours in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Start early at the Kirkjugólf basalt columns, then hike the thirty-minute trail beside Systrafoss to Systravatn. For lunch, stop for pan-seared char in the village. Spend the afternoon taking in the rim path at nearby Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon before an evening pint near the chapel. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
A second day lets you explore the moss-blanketed Eldhraun lava field at your own pace and hike out to Systrastapi rock. Finish with roasted local lamb and birch schnapps at a village table, watching the afternoon shadow climb the basalt cliffs. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Three days allow a rugged summer detour inland to the Laki crater row via mountain track F206, or a relaxed excursion east toward the glacier tongues at Skaftafell, returning to the quiet river valley for the night.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland itineraries by interest
Volcanic Geology in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Walk the hexagonal basalt paving at Kirkjugólf and survey the massive 1783 Laki lava flow across the Eldhraun plains.
Local Seafood in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Taste local arctic char from the Klausturbleikja farm, pan-fried with butter and potatoes or smoked over birch shavings.
Walking & Trails in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Follow the steep marked path beside Systrafoss waterfall up to lake Systravatn for views across the southern river plains.
Sacred Architecture in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Visit the 1974 memorial chapel commemorating pastor Jón Steingrímsson's 1783 Fire Sermon during the Laki eruption.
Canyons & Gorges in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Drive six miles west on Route F206 to walk the rim of Fjaðrárgljúfur, a 330-foot-deep canyon carved by glacial runoff.
Medieval History in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Trace the 1186 Benedictine convent grounds around Systrastapi, a steep rock promontory tied to medieval folklore.
Highland Day Trips in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Board a high-clearance 4x4 for the rugged summer track north into the Laki craters and the volcanic fissure system.
Waterfalls in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Watch Systrafoss tumble down the cliffside right in town, fed by the high moorland waters of Systravatn.
Road Trips in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Break the long traverse along Route 1 between Vík and Skaftafell across the sweeping black outwash sandur.
Country Dining in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Order slow-cooked Icelandic mountain lamb and rye bread ice cream at village dining rooms like Restaurant Klaustur.
Local Crafts in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Pick up hand-knitted lopapeysa wool sweaters and local sheepskin goods at the craft shop in the community centre.
Woodlands & Nature in Kirkjubæjarklaustur Suðurland Iceland
Stroll the marked paths of Kirkjubæjarklaustur Forest, one of southern Iceland's oldest modern tree plantations.