Skriduklaustur
Austurland
Skriduklaustur is a prominent cultural and research center located in Fljótsdalur, East Iceland. It is renowned for the ruins of an Augustinian monastery that operated from 1493 until 1552, the last Catholic monastery established in Iceland. The monastery was modest in size, housing never more than six monks, and included a church consecrated in 1512, built in traditional turf and stone with a copper-clad roof. Later, the estate became the residence of the celebrated Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson, who built the Gunnarshús house in 1939, designed by German architect Fritz Höger in a distinctive style. Today, Skriduklaustur serves as a museum and cultural center, offering exhibitions on medieval monastic life and Gunnarsson’s literary legacy. Visitors can explore the archaeological site, which revealed over 13,000 artifacts during excavations from 2000 to 2012, and enjoy the Klausturkaffi café emphasizing local cuisine. The site hosts various cultural events and offers guided tours and multimedia experiences year-round.
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Tip: The best time to visit Skriduklaustur is from April through October when opening hours are regular and daily. During winter, hours are irregular, so check the official website or social media for updates. It is advisable to book guided tours in advance to fully appreciate the archaeological and literary exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy local food at the on-site Klausturkaffi café. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, or students; inquire on-site or online.
Interesting facts
- •Skriduklaustur was the last monastery established in Iceland before the Reformation.
- •The monastery church was built following the St. Gallen plan, a well-known European monastic architectural layout.
- •Over 13,000 artifacts and bones were uncovered during archaeological excavations at the site between 2000 and 2012.
- •Gunnar Gunnarsson’s residence, Gunnarshús, was designed by German architect Fritz Höger and contains over 30 rooms.
- •The estate was donated to the Icelandic state with stipulations to serve cultural and educational purposes.
- •The site hosts a renowned café, Klausturkaffi, specializing in regional Icelandic cuisine.
History
The Skriduklaustur monastery was founded in 1493 as the last Catholic monastery in Iceland, active until 1552 when its properties were confiscated by the Danish crown during the Reformation.
The monastery owned extensive lands in East Iceland and operated a reading school by royal decree, although this was later revoked.
After the dissolution, the estate was leased by local officials, some of whom played notable roles in regional history.
In the 20th century, the site became the home of Gunnar Gunnarsson, who contributed the estate to the Icelandic state with the condition it serve cultural purposes.
Archaeological excavations from 2000 to 2012 uncovered significant medieval remains, enhancing understanding of monastic life in Iceland.
Place Guide
Monastery Ruins1493–1552
The remains of the Augustinian monastery include foundations of the church and monastic buildings, reflecting the St. Gallen architectural plan. The church, consecrated in 1512, was constructed of turf and stone with a copper roof, and featured a nave, choir, and entrance doors for monks and laity.
GunnarshĂşs1939
This residential manor was built in 1939 by renowned Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson with design by German architect Fritz Höger. The house features over 30 rooms across two floors and an attic, showcasing a unique architectural style blending Icelandic and German influences.
Cultural Center Exhibitions
Permanent exhibitions about the medieval monastery and Gunnar Gunnarsson's life and works are displayed here. The center also hosts art exhibitions and cultural events year-round, offering multimedia guides and personal tours.
Klausturkaffi Café
Located on the ground floor of GunnarshĂşs, Klausturkaffi offers visitors local Icelandic dishes emphasizing regional ingredients, providing a culinary complement to the cultural visit.
Contact
Phone: 471 2990
