The Town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur and Its Surroundings
General
Kirkjubaejarklaustur – this unpronounceable name is actually the name of a quiet little town in southern Iceland, with a population of only about 150 residents. The town is located 70 km from Skaftafell National Park. History tells us that the first settlers in the town were monks who emigrated from Ireland. Until the year 1550, nuns lived in the town, and today they are commemorated at Systrastapi (the Sisters' Rock).
The town became well known mainly in the 18th century, when the eruption of the Laki volcano, about 50 km from the town, brought enormous devastation and destruction not only to Iceland, but to the entire world. The eruption at the Laki craters (Lakagigar) was the largest volcanic eruption since the settlement of Iceland began. The craters formed over eight months of massive eruption that shook the region. The eruption caused the death of about one-fifth of Iceland's population, and millions more worldwide who died as a result of starvation.
The local pastor in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Jon Steingrimsson, delivered a sermon known as the "Fire Sermon." According to local legend, the sermon succeeded in stopping the flow of lava and saving the town. If you want to hear more about this historic eruption, it is recommended to visit the town's visitor center, where a short film describing the eruption and its aftermath is screened.
♦ Book a guided jeep tour from Viator to the Laki Craters, Tjarnargígur, and Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Departs from the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur and lasts 8 hours.
Fjadrargljufur Canyon
The Icelandic Grand Canyon is located 10 km from the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Access to the canyon is convenient: to reach it, continue on Route 1, and just after Kirkjubaejarklaustur, turn onto Road F206 towards Lakagigar. After a few minutes of driving, there is a right turn toward Laki. Do not turn at this junction; instead, continue straight until you reach the canyon. The canyon can also be reached via the road to Laki, but this requires crossing the river several times and is therefore not suitable for all vehicle types. The Fjadra River flowing along the canyon and the black basalt cliffs make it a charming, pleasant, and beloved hiking destination.
♥ Recommended Accommodation in Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Hotels:
Icelandair Hotel Klaustur
A 3-star hotel in the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, about a one-hour drive from Skaftafell Park.
Free internet and free parking.
Hotel Geirland
A 3-star hotel, 3 minutes drive from the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
A variety of rooms, some in separate cottages. Free parking, free internet in public areas.
Guesthouse:
Hunkubakkar Guesthouse
Located 8 km from the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur on Road 206.
A variety of rooms, some with private bathrooms and some shared. Some also feature a balcony.
Free parking, free internet in public areas.
♦ Recommended 6-8 day guided tours in Iceland from Viator