In 1186 a nunnery was founded by the Benedictine Order in Kirkjubær, now called Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and it was active until 1554. German legend tells of disobedient nuns who were supposed to have been burned at the top of Systrastapi. Lake Systravatn and the Systrafoss waterfall above the building are also named after these sisters.

In 1995-2006, archaeological excavations were carried out in the ruins next to the old cemetery with the aim of locating the ancient monastery. At the ruins, there is an educational sign about the archaeological studies.

The multi-media exhibition “The story in the sand  – The monastery at Kirkjubær”  is open in Skaftárstofu, the visitor centre of Vatnajökul´s National Park on Highway 1 west of the bridge over Skaftá river. The exhibition features illustrations, text, and spoken language in Icelandic and English, which invites visitors to learn about the Church’s liturgy in ancient times in a lively and entertaining way.

Ten ideas for recreation in and around Kirkjubæjarklaustur

1. Try mountain biking in a green and beautiful environment.
2. Take an exciting four-wheeler trip to the seaside.
3. Choose one or more walking routes around Kirkjubæjarklaustur and its surroundings
4. Explore the Fjaðrárgljúfur, a large and rugged gorge, just a few km from Kirkjubæjarklaustur
5. Dverghamrar, is a peculiar and beautiful columnar basalt formation just east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
6. Take a day trip and explore Lakagígar and Eldgjá.
7. Álftaversgígar craters is a protected natural phenomenon of international geological significance, a fascinating phenomenon and well worth seeing
8. Systrastapi and Eldmessutangi, are situated to the west of the pass. The view from the top of Systrastapi is unique.
9. Kirkjugólf, or ‘the church floor,’ is an 80 square meter expanse of columnar basalt stone slabs that slowly eroded when the sea covered the area.
10. Systrafoss is a good place to stop for refreshments after a good walk in the forest, where one of the tallest tree in Iceland is located.

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