Region
South Iceland
260 km from Reykjavik
Kirkjubaejarklaustur: Laki Craters and a Former Monastery
Iceland's monastery village: a tiny green settlement among lava fields, and the gateway to the Laki craters and Fjadrargljufur canyon.
Population
~150
South Iceland • Historic site
Kirkjubaejarklaustur (locals shorten it to 'Klaustur') is a green patch surrounded by lava fields and glacial outwash plains. The settlement housed a medieval monastery, and today it has the last services for 70 km in either direction along the Ring Road.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Laki craters require a 4x4 and are only accessible in summer (typically July-September).
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Official sources to check
Population
~150
Ring Road service village
Known for
Laki craters
Historic monastery site
Top Attractions near Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Laki Craters (Lakagígar)
130 volcanic craters from 1783 eruption
Fjadrargljufur Canyon
100m deep moss-covered gorge
Kirkjugolf
Natural basalt 'church floor' formation
Systrafoss Waterfall
Waterfall near the village
Eldhraunid Lava Field
Vast moss-covered lava from Laki
Skaftafell
Vatnajokull National Park gateway
How to Get to Kirkjubaejarklaustur
From Reykjavik: 3.5 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road), passing through Vik.
From Vik: About 1 hour east on Route 1. A practical stop before or after Skaftafell.
To Laki: 4x4 only via F-road 206. Guided tours recommended. Road open July-September typically.
Best Time to Visit Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Summer: Only time to access Laki craters (July-September). Best for highland F-roads and long hiking days.
Year-round: Fjadrargljufur canyon and Ring Road attractions accessible. Village services open daily.
Planning help
Kirkjubaejarklaustur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.