The town Kirkjubaejarklaustur sits as a starting point for the south-east region, relatively close by to Vatnajokull glacier, Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon. The town itself isn’t a must-see sort of destination, but it has a very agreeable setting and several interesting sights, and definitely worth spending a day there on your journey to the eastern parts of Iceland (when travelling from Reykjavik). Originally the place was -known as Kirkjubær; the Klaustur bit was added in 1186 when a convent of Benedictine nuns was established. Although it was abandoned with the Reformation in 1550, the name stuck. According to the Landnámabók, this tranquil place between the cliffs and the river Skaftá was first settled by papar, Irish monks who used Iceland as a retreat before the Norse arrived, making Kirkjubaejarklaustur one of the first settlements in the history of Iceland.
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We’ve put together a list of interesting sights in and near Kirkjubaejarklaustur for you to enjoy while traveling in the south-east corner of Iceland.
Laki – Volcano
During the devastating Laki eruptions of the late 18th century, this area suffered greatly and, west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, you can see ruins of farms abandoned or destroyed by the lava stream. The lava field unimaginatively knows as Edlhraun averages 12m thick. Laki itself can be climbed in less than an hour from the parking area and yields a fantastic view of the active fissure. The easies troute lies to the left of the crest leading up to the firs plateau.
Systrafoss waterfall at Kirkjubaejarklaustur
The prominent waterfall that tumbles down the cliffs via the ravine Bæjargil is known as Systrafoss. The lake Systravatn above the falls was reputedly a bathing place for the nuns. Legend has it that during one bath, two nuns were dragged down to their doom after greedily reaching for a gold ring that appeared on a mysterious hand there. The lake is a short and pleasant walk up the cliffs from Kirkjubaejarklaustur village.
Steingrímsson Memorial Chapel
The chapel at Kirkjubæjarklaustur was consecrated in 1974. It was built in the memory of reverend Jón Steingrímsson, fire cleric (1728-1791). He said the famous Eldmessa (Fire Mass) on July 20, 1783 in the church in Klaustur. Many believe that the Eldmessa stopped the stream of the lava that threatened habitation at the time. The place where the stream of lava stopped is now called Eldmessutangi and is to the west of Systrastapi, but the chapel is situated a little to the east of the old church site.
Systrastapi
Systrastapi is a steep rocky hill west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Folklore says that on top of it two nuns of the monestary are buried after being burned at the stake for violating codes of ethics. One is supposed to have sold herself to the Devil, carried consecrated Communion bread past the door of the privy, and had carnal knowledge with men. The other spoke blasphemously of the Pope. After the Reformation the latter nun was regarded as innocent and beautiful flowers grew on her grave, while the other one’s grave remained barren. The rocky hill can be ascended and from the top the view of glaciers, among other things, is amazing.
Kirkjugólf basalt columns
Kirkjugólfið (The Church Floor) is in the field just east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It’s an approx. 80 m² expanse of columnar basalt, eroded and shaped by glaciers and waves. There has never been a church there but the plane looks as though it’s man made. Columnar basalt is formed when lava flow gets cooled and contraction forces build up. Cracks then form horizontally and the extensive fracture network that develops results in the six sided formation of the columns. Kirkjugólf is a protected natural
monument.
Dverghamrar
Dverghamrar (Dwarf Rocks), just east of Foss, are peculiar and beautiful formations of columnar basalt. On top of the columns there is cube-jointed basalt. The landscape is thought to have been moulded at the end of the Ice Age. The sea level was higher at that time and it is believed that the waves caused the peculiar look of the rocks. Dverghamrar are a protected natural monument. Columnar basalt is formed when lava flow gets cooled and contraction forces build up. Cracks then form horizontally and the extensive fracture network that develops results in the six sided formation of the columns.
Best hotel in town
While staying in Kirkjubaejarklaustur we recommend the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur as a great base for your south-east adventures. The hotel is located in the middle of town, has a decent restaurant that serves catch of the day from nearby streams, usually the arctic char, a well-known delicacy in this area. The staff is friendly and conversant and newly renovated rooms make this a great layover.