Things to do in Kirkjubaejarklaustur

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Fjaðrárgljúfuris located in southern Iceland, close to the Ring Road, and is accessible shortly after turning off the road. The canyon is approx. 2 km long and up to 100 m deep. At the end of the Ice Age, approx. 9,000 years ago, surging glacial meltwater carved this deep valley through soft volcanic rock. The Fjaðrá River at the valley floor is still slowly cutting through the rock today. The river's name means "feather" in Icelandic, which is how the canyon got its name. The canyon walls are layered and covered in thick moss, while the turquoise river winds through the valley floor in a series of curves, creating a beautiful contrast with the dark rock walls that is particularly striking when viewed from the cliff top.

Stjornarfoss

Stjórnarfoss is located in the Skaftárhreppur municipality in southern Iceland, adjacent to the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. The waterfall is a two-tiered cascade, with water rushing down from an arched lava cliff. It is approx. 15m high, and the wide, dome-shaped cliff face gives it a unique silhouette that distinguishes it from other Icelandic waterfalls. The base of the cliff is filled with mist, and it is surrounded by typical southern Icelandic green meadows and volcanic hilly terrain. Compared to more famous nearby waterfall attractions, it is less crowded and offers a more tranquil and quiet environment, where you can experience the power of the water hitting the lava up close. It is a natural view worth stopping for on a road trip along the south coast.

Gönguleið um Eldhraun

Gönguleið um Eldhraun traverses the Skaftáreldahraun lava field in southern Iceland and is a famous hiking trail for experiencing one of the "largest lava flows on Earth." This lava field originated from the Laki eruptions of 1783–1784—a fissure eruption of rare historical scale—and the lava field, covering over 500 square kilometers, remains intact to this day. For hundreds of years, the lava surface has been covered in thick, woolly moss that is silver-gray when dry and turns a vibrant emerald green after rain, resembling an otherworldly carpet spread over the undulating rocks with a surreal landscape. The trail terrain is rugged and uneven, so you must wear non-slip hiking boots and strictly follow the rule of not stepping on moss off the trail to protect this extremely fragile ecosystem. The route is located within the Katla Geopark and is accessible along the Ring Road (Route 1), making it one of the most impressive natural hiking experiences in southern Iceland.

Systrafoss

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Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal hot spring on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, set amid a stark black volcanic lava field. Its water comes from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station—after deep geothermal water is extracted for power generation, the mineral-rich residual water flows into low-lying areas between the lava, gradually forming this geothermal lagoon. The water has a high silica content, and it is this silica that gives the lagoon its distinctive milky blue color, which stands out strikingly against the surrounding black lava. Steam rises from the surface year-round, and from a distance it looks like a glowing blue sapphire in the wilderness. The signature experience at the Blue Lagoon is to visit the in-water mask bar and apply silica mud to your face, enjoying a natural mud mask. This white silica mud is formed from minerals deposited from the geothermal water; it feels fine and silky to the touch and is a bathing ritual unique to the Blue Lagoon. The hot spring area also has a sauna, a steam room, and a steam cave, where you can alternate between steam bathing and outdoor soaking to experience the shift between hot and cold. If you happen to visit on a snowy day, soak in the warm water and look up as snowflakes fall onto the black lava—the contrast of ice and fire is unforgettable. The pale blue water of the entire lagoon, wreathed in steam, together with the rugged lava landscape, creates a scene full of Icelandic character.

Fjarðarárgljúfur Viewpoint

Kirkjugólf Natural Monument

Kirkjugólf Natural Monument is located in Iceland. It is a basalt rock area composed of honeycomb-like polygonal rocks and is a precious natural view.

Dverghamrar

Fossálar Waterfall

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Sky Lagoon

•Soak and relax in warm geothermal waters •Experience Icelandic bathing culture with the 7-step ritual •Enjoy the view from the infinity pool •Connect with Icelandic bathing traditions •Relax your mind, body and soul Nestled on a stark, stunning coastline, Sky Lagoon feels a world away from everyday life. Iceland's newest geothermal lagoon honours centuries-old bathing culture, embracing the warmth of a people tied closely to sea, sky and the power locked deep within the land. For centuries, Icelanders have trusted the calming, healing effects of geothermal water to help make them one of the happiest people on earth. Our 7-step rejuvenating Sky Ritual brings this culture to life for every guest and is included in the Sky Lagoon experience. Choose the admission package that suits your schedule and budget. Take part in the Ritual For centuries, Icelanders have trusted the calming, healing effects of geothermal water to help make them one of the happiest people on earth. Skjól Ritual brings this culture to life for every guest. Get a Sky Lagoon pass and immerse yourself in the warmth of an oceanside geothermal lagoon, where the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you. Take your relaxation deeper with a unique 7-step spa ritual included in the pass. Choose between the SÉR Pass or SAMAN Pass. With Sér Pass, you benefit from private changing facilities and shower cabins with signature botanical body products. With Saman Pass, you will use shared changing and showering facilities. Connect with Icelandic traditions and relax your mind, body, and soul. Complete the 7-step ritual to fully immerse yourself in Icelandic bathing traditions. Step 1 - Laug (Lagoon): Slow down and relax in the lagoon Step 2 - Kuldi (Cold): Cool down with the cold plunge Step 3 - Ylur (Warmth): Relax and enjoy the views in the sauna Step 4 - Súld (Drizzle): Refresh in a cold mist Step 5 - Mýkt (Softness): Invigorate and exfoliate with a rejuvenating body scrub Step 6 - Gufa (Steam) - Chill out in the steam room Step 7 - Saft (Juice) Taste the essence of krækiber — the crowberries that dot our lava fields.   After the experience, you can enliven your taste buds at Keimur Café and Smakk Bar. Discover and connect with the local flavors of the region.