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, affectionately known as 'Klaustur,' is a fascinating village in South Iceland, strategically located on Ring Road 1 between Vík and Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Despite its small population, it serves as the sole service center in the Skaftárhreppur municipality, offering essential amenities like fuel, restaurants, accommodation, and a supermarket for travelers. The village's name, meaning 'church farm convent,' hints at its profound historical roots. Evidence suggests Irish monks may have settled here before the Norse. The site became home to Iceland's first female Benedictine convent in 1186, a center of culture and learning until the Reformation. This monastic past is etched into the landscape, giving names to iconic features like Systrafoss (Sisters' Falls), Systravatn (Sisters' Lake), and Systrastapi (Sisters' Rock). Beyond its history, Klaustur is a gateway to extraordinary natural phenomena. Discover Kirkjugólfið ('The Church Floor'), a striking natural basalt column formation that appears like a perfectly tiled church floor, shaped by ancient glaciers and the sea. Witness the beauty of Systrafoss, a two-tiered waterfall cascading from Systravatn. Explore the vast Eldhraun lava field, a stark yet beautiful reminder of the devastating 1783 Skaftáreldar (Laki) eruption, an event forever linked to the village's miraculous survival during the 'Fire Sermon.' As part of the Katla Geopark and a gateway to Vatnajökull National Park, Kirkjubæjarklaustur offers a rich tapestry of history, geology, and Icelandic resilience.