Four wonderful things to do near Berjaya Hotel Klaustur

1. Hike up to Systravatn

The short but steep trail up to the highlands of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The steps begin next to Systrafoss, the "waterfall of the sisters", and wind up through a small forest by the hillside. There you can see the tallest tree in Iceland that was planted in 1949. 

When you get to the top of the hill, you will see the beautiful Systravatn, a lake that the local history says to have been a bathing place for the Benedictine nuns of the Kirkjubæjar Abbey, known to have been located here since 1186. A plaque up by the lake tells of an old legend of two nuns drowning in the lake after seeing a hand holding a golden comb rise from the waters. The two nuns went after the comb to reach for it, but the hand grabbed them and pulled them down into the lake. Other than this spooky story, your hike will be rewarded with incredible views, both of the lake and the town below.

2. The Tallest Tree In Iceland

Iceland isn't maybe known for it's forests, but the trees we do have here, we are very proud of. Taking the short hiking path to the top of the Kirkjubæjarklaustur highlands will take you past the tallest recorded tree in Iceland. It is a sitka spruce that was planted in 1949 and when it was last officially measured in 2011 it towered up to 24,8 meters. Go, sitka spruce!

3. Swimming Pool

There is no town in Iceland without a swimming pool of its own! After taking that refreshing hike up and down the steps, the local swimming pool of Kirkjubæjarklaustur will be the perfect place to relax and soak the day away. And not only because of the wonderful outdoor hot tub, but the perfect view of the place you just hiked: the highlands and the gorgeous Systrafoss waterfall cascading down. The swimming pool is located right next door to Berjaya Hotel Klaustur.

4. Berjaya Hotel Klaustur

Finish your day by enjoying dinner and perhaps some happy hour drinks at the Berjaya Hotel Klaustur's restaurant. The lamb and trout dishes are often locally sourced and the amazing views of the highland backdrop are visible from here as well. The perfect ending to a day filled with truly Icelandic experiences.