Iceland review - 2015, Page 107

ICELAND REVIEW 105
Situated in the center of South Iceland, Kirkjubæjarklaustur is the
perfect village to base your winter exploration of the region, and to
nearby areas like Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón. The village, whose name
translates as ‘church farm cloister,’ sits at the edge of Eldhraun, an
impressive lava field created during the Laki eruption of 1783-84. Al-
though Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a small village, there is much to see and
do; from outdoor activities to sights such as Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Laki
lava field, Landbrotshólar and Dverghamrar.
OUTDOOR FUN
If you are up for outdoor activities, you’re in luck. Locals have got
you covered. Kidda from nearby guesthouse Nonna og Brynjuhús in
Þykkvabæjarklaustur, offers guided walks during the winter. She will
guide you on a one-hour hike around the monastery Þykkvabæjar-
klaustur, which operated on the site from 1186 to 1550 and guests will
enjoy gorgeous mountain views. Kidda also offers jeep tours, which
survey the vastness and beauty of the region and take visitors to a
black sand beach called Bólhraunafjara. For more information visit the
website: kiddasiggi.is.
If you’re a more independent traveler, be sure to check out Smart-
Guides from the Skaftárhreppur district, which are available for free
in the Locatify SmartGuide. It’s an automated audio-guide app with
custom maps and stories. The app triggers automatically in designat-
ed locations and it’s just like having a personal guide. For exam-
ple, the Klaustur Trail is a 20-km (12.4-mile) walk with information
about the surrounding geology, landscape and history of Klaustur
and its surroundings. The Klaustur Trail can also be split into short-
er walks.
After a day of exploring the region, the swimming pool is an
ideal spot to spend a couple of hours and soak in one of the hot
pots. There are also a number of hotels, guesthouses and restau-
rants serving local food and ready to make you feel welcome.
The village is also a wonderful site to spot northern lights, as
there is not too much light pollution around Klaustur. Lucky visi-
tors have a chance to see the sky light up with dancing green and
multicolored lights flickering over the village. It’s magical.
UNIQUE SOUVENIRS
To commemorate your visit to Klaustur, you can buy a special
glass jar with a treasure map from one of the local shops or hotels
in the area. Find the turf house by Hæðargarðsvatn lake, fill the jar
with a natural sample of your choosing and design your very own
souvenir. In the turf house, there are six drawers filled with natural
samples, including sand, moss, lava, lichen, wool, and even air.
Guests can also download the app to play a treasure hunt game
with their friends.
visitklaustur.is
KLAUSTUR – CENTER OF THE SOUTH
Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a charming village with peaceful surroundings,
spectacular nature, and a number of fun winter activities on offer.
SPECIAL PROMOTION SOUTH ICELAND