Your Complete Guide to Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Iceland's Hidden South Coast Gem
Kirkjubæjarklaustur (locals just call it "Klaustur" - trust me, it's way easier!) is one of those places that perfectly captures what makes Iceland so special. This tiny village sits right on the Ring Road between Vík and Höfn, surrounded by some of the most mind-blowing landscapes you'll find anywhere in the Land of Fire and Ice.
What makes Klaustur really cool is its incredible history. Get this - Irish monks were living here before the Vikings even showed up in the 9th century! Talk about getting in early. The name literally means "church farm cloister," and trust me, once you hear the stories about this place, you'll understand why it's got such a dramatic name.
But here's the thing - Klaustur isn't just about history. This little village sits smack in the middle of some of Iceland's most awesome natural attractions. We're talking volcanic craters, epic canyons, stunning waterfalls, and lava fields that'll blow your mind. It's like nature decided to show off all in one place.
Why Kirkjubæjarklaustur Should Be on Your Iceland Itinerary
Most people just drive through Klaustur on their way around the Ring Road, but you'd be missing out big time if you don't stop. This place is perfectly positioned for exploring some seriously incredible sights that most tourists never get to see.
Strategic location perks:
- Right between Vík and Höfn on the Ring Road
- Gateway to Vatnajökull National Park
- Base camp for exploring the Laki craters
- Close to mind-blowing Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
- Surrounded by Iceland's tallest trees (yep, that's actually a thing here!)
What makes it special:
- Way fewer crowds than other Ring Road stops
- Packed with local folklore and dark legends
- Perfect for a peaceful overnight stop
- Amazing hiking opportunities right from the village
Must-See Attractions Around Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Kirkjugólf - Nature's Church Floor
Just 1.5 km east of the village, you'll find one of Iceland's coolest geological formations. Kirkjugólf, or "church floor," is this incredible natural pavement made of hexagonal basalt columns that honestly look like they were designed by some ancient architect.
Why it's awesome:
- Perfect hexagonal stone columns that look man-made but totally aren't
- Easy 10-minute walk from the parking area
- Great photo opportunities - the geometric patterns are seriously Instagram-worthy
- Free to visit and accessible year-round
Pro tip: The best light for photos is during golden hour when the shadows really make those hexagonal patterns pop.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon - Epic Drama in Stone
Drive 10 km west of Klaustur and prepare to have your mind blown. Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is this incredible winding gorge that's up to 100 meters deep and about 2 km long. The whole thing was carved by a glacial river over thousands of years.
What makes it special:
- Serpentine canyon with multiple viewpoints
- Hiking trail along the rim with jaw-dropping views
- The river below creates this gorgeous turquoise ribbon
- Featured in a Justin Bieber music video (yeah, really!)
Good to know: The canyon can get pretty busy during peak summer, so try to visit early morning or late evening for a more peaceful experience.
The Laki Craters - Volcanic History You Can Walk On
About 50 km northeast of Klaustur (accessible in summer only), the Laki crater row is one of Iceland's most dramatic volcanic sites. This is where one of history's most devastating eruptions happened in 1783-1784.
The incredible story:
- 135 craters erupted along a 27 km fissure
- Created one of the world's largest lava fields
- The eruption lasted 8 months and changed global climate
- Nearly wiped out Iceland's population
Visiting today:
- Rough highland road - 4WD recommended
- Hiking trails to crater viewpoints
- Mind-blowing lunar-like landscapes
- Open roughly June to September only
The Village and Its Dark Past
The Fire Mass Legend
The most famous story from Klaustur involves reverend Jón Steingrímsson and his legendary "Fire Mass." During the devastating 1783 Laki eruption, lava flows were heading straight for the village. Steingrímsson gathered everyone in the church and delivered what became known as Eldmessa (the Fire Mass), praying for divine intervention.
Legend says the lava stopped just short of the village. Whether you believe in miracles or not, you can visit the small memorial chapel dedicated to Steingrímsson and see where this incredible moment supposedly happened.
The Nuns' Scandalous Story
From 1186 to 1550, Klaustur was home to a Benedictine convent, and let me tell you, these nuns had some serious drama going on. Local folklore claims two of the sisters got involved in some pretty unholy activities - we're talking deals with the devil and, well, let's just say they broke their vows in multiple ways.
The legend goes:
- Two nuns were executed for their sins and buried at Systrastapi (Sister Rock)
- After the Reformation, one was found innocent
- Flowers bloomed over the innocent nun's grave
- The guilty one's grave remained barren
You can hike up to Systrastapi, a steep rocky hill west of the village, to see where this dark tale supposedly played out.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Systrafoss Waterfall and Lake Systravatn
This hike is perfect if you want sweeping views over the village and surrounding landscapes. The trail takes you up to Systrafoss waterfall and continues to Lake Systravatn.
What to expect:
- Moderate hike taking 2-3 hours round trip
- Gorgeous waterfall with multiple tiers
- Crystal-clear mountain lake at the top
- 360-degree views over the village and lava fields
- Best done in good weather - the trail can be slippery when wet
Exploring Eldhraun Lava Field
One of Iceland's largest lava fields spreads out around Klaustur, created by that massive 1783 Laki eruption. This moss-covered wonderland is seriously otherworldly.
Hiking tips:
- Stick to marked paths to protect the fragile moss
- The moss can take decades to recover if damaged
- Multiple access points along the Ring Road
- Incredibly photogenic - the green moss against dark lava is stunning
When to Visit Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Summer (June-August): Peak season with the warmest weather and access to highland attractions like Laki. All hiking trails are open, and you'll have nearly 24-hour daylight. Expect more tourists but also the best overall experience.
Spring/Fall (April-May, September-October): Fewer crowds and dramatic weather that creates incredible lighting for photography. Highland roads may be closed, but all the main attractions around the village are accessible.
Winter (November-March): Quiet and atmospheric with potential Northern Lights viewing. Some hiking trails may be challenging due to ice and snow, but the village itself is cozy and the landscapes are magical.
Where to Stay in Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Hotel Klaustur: The main accommodation option in the village, offering comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Icelandic cuisine.
Guesthouses and B&Bs: Several smaller options provide a more intimate experience and often include breakfast.
Camping: Basic campsite facilities available for those on a budget or traveling with camping gear.
Nearby options: If Klaustur is full, Vík (1 hour west) or the Skaftafell area (1.5 hours east) offer more accommodation choices.
Getting to Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Klaustur sits right on Route 1 (the Ring Road), making it super easy to reach by car.
From Reykjavík: About 4 hours east via the Ring Road From Vík: 1 hour east on Route 1 From Höfn: 2.5 hours west on Route 1
Tour options:
- South Coast tours that include stops in the area
- Ring Road packages with overnight stays
- Self-drive tours allowing flexible exploration
Local Services and Amenities
For such a small village, Klaustur has everything you need for a comfortable stop:
Essential services:
- Gas station (important - next fuel is far!)
- Small grocery store for supplies
- Restaurant and café options
- Tourist information center
- Basic banking services
Good to know: This is your last chance to fuel up and grab supplies before heading into some pretty remote areas, especially if you're planning to explore the highlands or continue east toward Höfn.
Combining Klaustur with Other Attractions
Klaustur works perfectly as a base for exploring multiple South Coast highlights:
Day trip options:
- Skaftafell and glacier hiking (1.5 hours)
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (2.5 hours)
- Vík and Reynisfjara black sand beach (1 hour)
- Diamond Beach and Stokksnes Peninsula (2 hours)
Multi-day itinerary ideas:
- South Coast exploration combining waterfalls, glaciers, and black beaches
- Ring Road adventure with highland detours
- Vatnajökull National Park focused trip
Photography Tips for Kirkjubæjarklaustur Area
The landscapes around Klaustur are incredibly photogenic, but here are some insider tips:
Best locations:
- Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon for dramatic gorge shots
- Kirkjugólf for unique geometric patterns
- Eldhraun lava field for otherworldly moss-covered landscapes
- Systrafoss area for waterfall and village overview shots
Lighting conditions:
- Golden hour creates warm light on the moss-covered lava
- Overcast days work great for waterfall photography
- Blue hour can be magical for landscape shots with the village lights
Equipment tips:
- Wide-angle lens for canyon and landscape shots
- Polarizing filter to reduce reflections and enhance colors
- Sturdy tripod - it can get windy!
Book Your Kirkjubæjarklaustur Adventure
Ready to explore one of Iceland's most historically rich and naturally stunning villages? Kirkjubæjarklaustur offers the perfect combination of fascinating folklore, incredible landscapes, and authentic Icelandic village life.
You've got the freedom to customize your Iceland adventure exactly how you want it. Include Klaustur in a comprehensive South Coast tour, make it a stop on your Ring Road journey, or use it as a base for exploring Vatnajökull National Park.
Our local travel team is here if you need help planning the perfect itinerary. With just a 5% deposit, you can secure your spot and start looking forward to discovering this hidden gem where history, legends, and natural wonders come together.
Ready to explore Iceland's most legendary village? Start planning your Kirkjubæjarklaustur adventure today and discover why this tiny place has such big stories to tell.
Related Reading
Related: Complete South Coast Guide - Hidden Gems Beyond the Crowds
Related: Iceland Ring Road Itinerary - Don't Miss These Stops
