Laufskálavarða
Plan Laufskálavarða in South Iceland with nearby Klaustur stops, South Coast route ideas, Jokulsarlon tours, itinerary links and FAQ.
Use this guide to connect Laufskálavarða with practical nearby stops, relevant tours, itinerary ideas and route planning links.
Quick guide to Laufskalavarda
| Region | South Iceland, Myrdalssandur |
| Best for | Short Ring Road stop, cairns, lava landscape, glacier views and South Coast route breaks |
| Nearby places | Vik, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Kirkjugolf, Solheimasandur and Jokulsarlon route ideas |
| Typical visit time | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Best season | Accessible year round when weather and road conditions are safe |
| Coordinates | 63.5330, -18.4300 |
What is Laufskalavarda?
Laufskalavarda is a small lava hill on the east side of Myrdalssandur. Travellers traditionally built small cairns here before crossing the black sand plains, hoping for good luck on the journey.
The name comes from the old farm Laufskalar, which was destroyed in an early Katla eruption. Today the area is a short roadside stop with cairns, open views and a strong sense of South Iceland's volcanic landscape.
Laufskalavarda is a quick stop, but it adds story and texture to the drive across Myrdalssandur.
How to visit Laufskalavarda
Laufskalavarda sits by the Ring Road on Myrdalssandur. There is parking and basic facilities, making it easy to stop for a short walk and views when weather is clear.
Use common sense around cairns and paths. The stop is short, so it works best as part of a South Coast driving day rather than a destination on its own.
Tours near Laufskálavarða
Laufskálavarða is self-guided, but it fits well with South Coast and Jokulsarlon tours. Use these options when the stop should become part of a bookable route rather than only a roadside pause.
Places near Laufskálavarða
Use Laufskálavarða as a short South Coast stop between black-sand scenery, waterfalls, basalt, canyons and glacier route ideas.
Towns and villages near Laufskálavarða
These nearby towns and villages are the practical bases for a South Coast route.
Suggested South Coast itinerary ideas
Quick Laufskálavarða stop
Pause at Laufskálavarða as a short break, then continue toward nearby waterfalls, beaches or glacier-area sights.
Klaustur and canyon route
Pair the stop with Stjornarfoss, Fjadrargljufur and the Klaustur area for a compact South Coast cluster.
Eastbound glacier-lagoon route
Continue toward Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon, or choose a guided Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach tour.
FAQ about Laufskálavarða
Is Laufskálavarða worth visiting?
Yes, when it fits the route. Laufskálavarða works best as a practical stop or planning anchor rather than an isolated detour.
Where is Laufskálavarða?
Laufskálavarða is in Iceland; use the quick guide and map above for the exact regional context before planning the drive.
How long do you need at Laufskálavarða?
Most travellers need a short stop, while slower visitors can build it into a half-day route with nearby places such as Stjornarfoss, Fjadrargljufur, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon and Laufskalavarda.
Can you visit Laufskálavarða year round?
Often yes, but weather, daylight and road conditions matter. Check conditions before travelling, especially outside summer.
What places are near Laufskálavarða?
Useful nearby ideas include Stjornarfoss, Fjadrargljufur, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon and Laufskalavarda.
What tours work well with Laufskálavarða?
The most relevant options are South Coast tours, Jokulsarlon tours and glacier hike tours, depending on whether you want sightseeing, activity tours or a guided route.
Laufskalavarda: 63.533000, -18.430000
Ring Road stop on Myrdalssandur
Parking and toilets available
Good views in clear weather
Tours available
A South Coast ATV adventure with black sand, riverbeds, volcanic scenery and an active way to explore Iceland's wild coastline.