Kirkjubæjarklaustur: South Iceland's Remote Outpost

Kirkjubæjarklaustur (universally shortened to ‘Klaustur’ by anyone who’s tried to say it twice) is a small settlement of approximately 150 people in the eastern South Iceland lowlands, halfway between Vík and Höfn. It sits in the shadow of the Vatnajökull ice cap to the north and between the Skaftá and Hverfisfljót rivers. Its relative isolation and position on the Ring Road make it a natural overnight stop — and it has more geological and historical significance than its size suggests.

Getting There

By car: 75km east of Vík on Route 1. Allow 1 hour. From Höfn it’s approximately 135km — 1.5–2 hours.

By bus: Strætó route 51 connects Reykjavík to Höfn via Klaustur. The journey from Reykjavík takes approximately 5 hours. Infrequent service.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

The area’s standout attraction, approximately 7km north of the village on Route 206. A deep, sinuous canyon cut by the Fjaðrá river through palagonite rock formed during sub-glacial volcanic eruptions. The canyon is 100m deep and approximately 2km long; a marked walking trail runs along the eastern rim with multiple viewpoints. Free entry. Allow 30–45 minutes for the rim walk. Accessible year-round but the path can be slippery in winter.

Kirkjugólf

A flat basalt floor exposed beside the road through the village — the tops of hundreds of hexagonal basalt columns, naturally jointed and worn flat, forming what looks like a paved floor. Approximately 80 square metres in area. Early settlers believed it was a church floor from pre-Settlement times; the name means ‘Church Floor’. Free. Five minutes to view.

Laki Fissure (Lakagígar)

One of Iceland’s most catastrophic volcanic events occurred here. In 1783–84, the Laki fissure erupted continuously for 8 months, releasing an estimated 14km³ of lava and massive amounts of sulphur dioxide. The resulting ‘Haze Famine’ killed approximately 25% of Iceland’s population, poisoned livestock across the country, and sent sulphurous haze across Europe and North America. In France it contributed to the conditions preceding the Revolution.

Laki is accessible from Klaustur via a highland F-road (F206) open approximately June–September. A 4WD is required. The fissure row contains 130 craters. The drive takes approximately 1.5–2 hours from Klaustur one way. No guided tour is needed but check road.is before heading out.

Systrafoss Waterfall

A double waterfall immediately above Klaustur, visible from the village. A short walk (approximately 20 minutes return) through birch woodland leads to the base. Free.

Núpstaður

A cluster of old turf farm buildings at the foot of the Núpsstaðarháls cliff, approximately 25km east of Klaustur. One of Iceland’s best-preserved traditional farm complexes — several of the buildings date to the 17th and 18th centuries. The small church (Núpstaðakirkja) is particularly well preserved. Free to view from outside.

Where to Stay

Hótel Kirkjubæjarklaustur — The only proper hotel in the settlement. Doubles from approximately ISK 28,000–40,000 in peak season. Restaurant on site.

Klaustur Campsite — Adjacent to the hotel. Open June–September. Approximately ISK 2,000 per person.

Guesthouses in the area: Several farm guesthouses along the Ring Road between Vík and Klaustur. Search booking platforms for ‘South Iceland guesthouse’ — prices typically from ISK 18,000–28,000.

Where to Eat

Hótel Kirkjubæjarklaustur Restaurant — The only sit-down restaurant for many kilometres. Lamb, fish, and burgers. Mains approximately ISK 2,800–4,500. Reliable quality given the limited competition.

Systrakaffi — Café and grill attached to the petrol station in the village. Soup, sandwiches, and hot food. The practical option.