Skaftárhreppur Essentials

Skaftárhreppur encompasses a diverse landscape shaped by the massive 1783 Laki eruption and the resulting Eldhraun lava field. This region features the 100-meter deep Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, the columnar basalt formations of Kirkjugólf and Dverghamrar, and the dramatic 688-meter Lómagnúpur mountain. Visitors can explore the Eldgjá volcanic fissure, home to the two-tiered Ófærufoss waterfall, and the historic village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, which serves as a gateway to Vatnajökull National Park and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Scenic canyon with steep walls, a winding river, and a waterfall visible from an observation platform. Known for its geological significance and hiking opportunities.

Laki

Laki or Lakagígar is a volcanic fissure in the western part of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland, not far from the volcanic fissure of…

Ófærufoss Waterfall

Ófærufoss is a waterfall situated in the Eldgjá chasm in the western part of Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland.

extensive moss covered lava field

Part of the Eldhraun flow from the 1783 Laki eruption, these expansive fields are covered in thick woolly fringe moss. It remains one of the largest lava flows in recorded history.

Dverghamrar (columnas basálticas)

A protected natural monument featuring hexagonal basalt columns and pillow lava. These formations were shaped by marine erosion when the sea level was higher following the last Ice Age.

Lómagnúpur

A prominent 688-meter-high palagonite mountain characterized by its sheer vertical cliffs. It is a major landmark of the South Coast, visible for miles across the Skeiðarársandur plains.

Kirkjugólf

An 80-square-meter area of natural columnar basalt eroded flat by glaciers and waves. The formation resembles a man-made tiled floor, though it is entirely geological in origin.

Fagrifoss

Fagrifoss is waterfall situated in Southeast Iceland near the Lakagígar region.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

This tiny village with only 120 inhabitants is the place where many travellers stop to refresh themselves or sleep during their long trips.

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

Fourth largest Icelandic glacier, with an ice cape covering a volcano.

Systrafoss

Two side-by-side waterfalls that drop from the Systravatn lake over the mountain edge. A hiking trail leads from the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur up to the lake at the top.

Foss á Síðu

A narrow waterfall dropping from a high cliff near the Ring Road. Due to its position, strong winds often blow the falling water back up over the cliff edge.

Laufskálavarða

A lava ridge covered in thousands of small stone cairns. Travelers crossing the Mýrdalssandur desert traditionally add a stone to a cairn here to ensure a safe journey.