In 1186, the Benedictine Convent in Kirkjubaer, now Kirkjubaejarklaustur, was established and it continued to operate until 1554. A folktale tells of disobedient nuns, who for their sins were supposedly burned on a natural rocky pedestal now called, Systrastapi. The waterfalls, Systrafoss and the lake, Systravatn, on the plain above town, are both named after the religious sisters.

Archaeological research was done on the ruins surrounding the old cemetery at Kirkjubaejarklaustur during the years 1995-2006. Near the ruins is an informative sign about the archaeological study.

The multimedia exhibition „History Buried in the Sand – The Convent in Kirkjubaer“ is open in Skaftárstofa – a tourist information center located in the community center Kirkjuhvoll. The exhibition includes footage, text and spoken language in Icelandic and English that invites visitors to learn about Kirkjubaejarklaustur in ancient times in a lively and fun way.

Ten ideas for recreation in the regions close to Vatnajökull glacier:

1. Try mountain biking in the beautiful green nature around Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
2. Visit Lakagígar (Laki), series of craters that were formed 1783-84, in one of the world’s largest mixed eruptions in recorded history (565 km² and 12 m³). 50 km north of Kirkjubaejarklaustur.
3. Feel the thrill as you fly down a zipline or paraglide from a mountain with a view of the famous rock formation Reynisdrangar by Vík.
4. Take a stroll on the beautiful „Black beach“ (Reynisfjara) near Vík, at a safe distance from the violent waves.
5. Visit Skaftafell, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park. Hike up to the spectacular Svartifoss waterfall or join a guided glacier hiking tour sold on site.
6. Go on an excursion of the mighty glacier itself with a local tour operator, on foot or skis, by snowmobile or super jeep.
7. Experienced hikers can join a tour to climb Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland’s highest peak.
8. Go on a birdwatching tour to Ingólfshöfði cape.
9. Sail between the icebergs on Jökulsárlón or lesser-known Fjallsárlón.
10. Walk between sparkling “diamonds” – melting icebergs on the black sands of Breiðamerkursandur.

For more information and travel tips, go to www.south.is