Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Background

History & Background

The area around Kirkjubæjarklaustur boasts a rich and ancient history, with some evidence suggesting that Irish monks, known as 'Papar,' may have settled here even before the Norsemen. According to the Landnámabók (Book of Settlement), the site was considered sacred, and it was believed that no pagan could reside there; a pagan named Hildir Eysteinsson reportedly died instantly upon attempting to settle in the 10th century, becoming interred in Hildishaugur. A pivotal moment in the village's history was the establishment of a Benedictine convent at Kirkjubær in 1186. This was Iceland's first female monastery, operating as a significant cultural and literary center until the Reformation in 1550. The convent's legacy is deeply embedded in the local landscape, inspiring names such as Systrafoss (Sisters' Falls), Systravatn (Sisters' Lake), and Systrastapi (Sisters' Rock). Kirkjubæjarklaustur also holds a remarkable place in the annals of Icelandic resilience. During the catastrophic Lakagígar eruption of 1783, a massive lava flow threatened to engulf the village. It was miraculously spared when the lava stopped just short of the local church, an event widely attributed to the powerful 'Fire Sermon' delivered by Reverend Jón Steingrímsson, a story that continues to resonate with visitors.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur sits on Route 1 between Vík and the Skaftafell area. The village is a useful base for nearby sites including Systrafoss, Systrastapi and Kirkjugólf, and for routes toward the interior of Skaftárhreppur. The place name reflects the Benedictine nunnery established at Kirkjubær in 1186. The district is also closely associated with Rev. Jón Steingrímsson and the 1783 Skaftáreldar eruption.