At Systrafoss, the Fossá river flows down from Lake Systravatn—the waterfall, river and lake are all directly connected here. Above Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the Ástarbrautin trail offers views over the village and of the rootless scoria cones of Landbrotshólar. During your stay, you can choose between different highlights, such as a circular hike of about five kilometres and the village’s cultural and historical sites.
Landscape of lake, basalt and lava
Systravatn lies above Kirkjubæjarklaustur, at the edge of the rocky belt. In the Systrafoss valley is Fossasteinn, a large boulder that fell from the mountain in 1830 during a violent thunderstorm. The village’s landscape is shaped not only by its waters but also by striking geological formations.
East of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Kirkjugólf is located along Road 203. This protected natural monument consists of columnar basalt. Eldmessutangi marks the point west of Systrastapi where the lava came to a halt; this endpoint of the lava flow is still visible today. The two sites illustrate different geological features: basalt columns at one and a visible boundary of the lava flow at the other.
For orientation: Road 1 runs along the edge of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Kirkjugólf lies east of the village along Road 203.
Hiking trails and viewpoints
The Ástarbrautin is a circular hiking trail of about 5 km above the village. It starts at the Skaftárstofa Information Centre and leads to Systrafoss. Most of the trail runs over grass and begins with a steep climb of 80 metres. From there, you can see across Kirkjubæjarklaustur and towards the rootless scoria cones of Landbrotshólar; visibility depends on the weather. Weather and trail maintenance also affect trail conditions. Check conditions before setting out.
Other hiking trails run near Systrafoss, including an easy path up to Systravatn. Alongside the circular route of about five kilometres, there is also a trail whose easy climb to the lake offers a different focus.
West of Kirkjubæjarklaustur rises the steep rocky hill Systrastapi, which can be climbed. A chain on its south side can be used to climb the hill. From the summit, the view extends over glaciers, the lava from the Laki eruption and the area around the village.
Monastery history and local traditions
The name Systrafoss is connected with the convent at Kirkjubær, founded in 1186; the village was later named Kirkjubæjarklaustur. According to local tradition, two nuns from the convent are said to be buried on the summit of Systrastapi. Another legend tells of two nuns who reached for a hand wearing a gold ring and were pulled into the depths of Systravatn.
The cave Sönghellir, between Systrastapi and Systravatn, is also linked to a monastic tradition: nuns from Kirkjubær and monks from Þykkvabæjarklaustur are said to have communicated by singing. The memorial chapel Minningarkapella Sr. Jóns Steingrímssonar was dedicated in 1974 to the clergyman Jón Steingrímsson (1728–1791). It stands a little east of the old church site. The old cemetery includes gravestones for Jón Steingrímsson and his wife, Þórunn.
Skaftárstofa and the swimming pool
Skaftárstofa is the tourist information centre in the Kirkjuhvoll community centre. It has a multimedia exhibition about the monastery at Kirkjubær, as well as an educational exhibition by Vatnajökull National Park and Katla Geopark. A nature exhibition covers the Skaftá and the 2011 Grímsvötn and 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruptions. The centre also has a large exhibition and events hall. As exhibition content and operating details may change, check the latest information before visiting.
The swimming pool at the Kirkjubæjarklaustur sports centre has a heated pool for adults and a children’s paddling pool. These facilities may also change; checking the latest information can help with planning.
Discover more destinations: Hveragerdi, Háfur, Vestmannaeyjar, Grimsnes, Vík Í Mýrdal, Selfoss, Kálfafell, Stokkseyri.
For the broader travel overview: Sudurland.
