Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Kirkjubæjarklaustur?
What to see and do in Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Tucked between mossy mountains, lava fields, and waterfalls in southern Iceland, Kirkjubæjarklaustur feels like something out of an ancient tale. More than just a stop between Vík and Vatnajökull National Park, this tiny village holds countless stories. From medieval nuns to petrified lava flows, everything here speaks to the close bond between nature and spirituality. Here are nine ideas for experiencing Kirkjubæjarklaustur differently, through powerful, authentic moments, some spectacular, others more understated… but all unforgettable.
1. Walk across the “church floor” at Kirkjugólf
Just a few steps from the village center, a strange basalt mosaic rises from the green ground: Kirkjugólf, literally “the church floor.” Here, nature seems to imitate human architecture. These aren’t the remains of a sanctuary, but eroded basalt columns that look like medieval paving stones set beneath the grass. Legend has it that nuns once came here to pray. It’s a quiet, unusual place, perfect for a short walk just before sunset.
2. Uncover the mysteries of the medieval monastery
Kirkjubæjarklaustur takes its name from a Benedictine monastery founded in 1186. As you walk past the small church that stands here today, you’ll find a place of memory, with old graves and quiet corners for reflection. Ask a local guide or a passionate resident to share the legends linked to the nuns. There are many, and they offer a mystical glimpse into the hidden history of Christian Iceland.
3. Climb Systrastapi, the Sisters’ Rock
Lace up your hiking shoes and climb Systrastapi, a solitary hill rising above the surrounding plains. According to tradition, two nuns sentenced to death for heresy were executed here. At the wind-swept top, you’ll have open views over black lava fields and nearby waterfalls. There’s a raw, slightly wild energy to the place. Let the mineral silence carry your imagination between past and present.
4. Take in Systrafoss waterfall
Just across from the village, Systrafoss falls in two silver streams from the Geirland plateau. You’ll hear its murmur before you see it. Follow the trail as it climbs gradually up the cliff for a view from above. At the top, a small glacial lake, Systravatn, makes a refreshing place to pause. On the way back, take a moment to stand facing the waterfall: the vibration of water over stone feels almost meditative.
5. Explore the volcanic formations of Lakagígar
About 31 miles away, along a road accessible only with a suitable vehicle or with a local guide who knows the F206 route, you’ll find a striking field of craters: Lakagígar, formed by one of the largest eruptions in recorded history, in 1783. Out here, you feel very small. The craters line a 15-mile fissure covered in bright green moss and dotted with acidic lakes. At first glance, the landscape feels lunar, almost hostile, yet breathtakingly beautiful. A must for anyone drawn to extreme scenery.
6. Hike through Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
About a 10-minute drive from Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Fjaðrárgljúfur awaits with its jagged cliffs rising 330 feet high. Carved over time, this canyon is one of southern Iceland’s most beautiful hidden gems. A secure walkway follows its curves, overlooking a crystal-clear river where salmon sometimes flicker below. In the morning, mist clings to the rock walls, giving the whole place a touch of Nordic magic. Perfect for a contemplative escape or an unforgettable photo.
7. Walk among the black sands of Laufskálavarða
On the road toward Vík, Laufskálavarða appears like a strange field of stones and cairns, built up over generations by passing travelers. Around it, a black desert stretches as far as the eye can see, scattered with patches of soft green moss. The place is silent, almost sacred.
8. Watch the northern lights from a hidden hill
Far from light pollution, Kirkjubæjarklaustur is one of the best winter spots to watch the northern lights dance. Leave the village, find a grassy mound or a slightly elevated viewpoint, and wait. Slowly, the sky begins to crack open. Green, pink, purple. The silence is complete, broken only by the sound of your own breathing. Travelers know it: here, seeing the aurora isn’t entertainment. It’s a revelation.
9. Taste homemade skyr on a farm
Because discovering a country also means tasting it, visit a family-run farm just outside Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Here, people raise cows, grow medicinal herbs, and most importantly, make homemade skyr. It’s nothing like the kind you find in supermarkets: denser, softer, more alive. Drizzled with a little honey and served with stone-baked barley bread, it’s the perfect snack. The welcome is warm and genuine, as it often is in rural Iceland.
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Kirkjubæjarklaustur isn’t just a stop along the way. It’s Iceland in miniature: wild, spiritual, volcanic, and quietly welcoming. If you pass through too quickly, you'll miss what makes it special. Take your time, walk, and let the place speak to you.
Stop in Kirkjubæjarklaustur on a tailor-made trip to Iceland
With Evaneos, you’ll be connected directly with local, English-speaking experts based in Iceland. They know every corner of the country, live there year-round, and use their on-the-ground expertise to create a 100% tailored trip shaped around your interests, pace and budget.
Want to explore the green landscapes of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, hike off the beaten path, or discover local traditions over a shared meal? Your local expert will open the right doors, far from standardized itineraries.
