Farmed in the Wilderness

The Klaustur Char is raised in crystal clear spring water that has been filtered through layers of natural lava rock, having originated from the Vatnajokull Glacier. The Glacier is the single largest water source in Iceland and partially a thousand year old mass of ice. Two of the largest glacial rivers in Iceland are generated from the highlands off the Vatnajokull Glacier.

In the year 1783 a volcanic eruption in Lakagigar permanently changed the landscape south of the Vatnajokull Glacier. A flourishing farming community and waterways gave way to hot flowing lava fields, although some of the rivers continued flowing underground once the lava hardened.

The Klaustur Char fish farm is built on one of those old river beds. Fresh water flows up to the surface and form free flowing streams that are ideal to cultivate fresh water fish such as the Char. The sheer quantity of fresh water is rare, even in Iceland. The unique natural conditions, an even supply of water year-round and the stable 3-8°C temperature is why Klaustur Char is able to produce the highest quality aqua-cultural products all year round.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

The South-West of Iceland is renowned for its natural beauty, mild weather and unparalleled outdoor activities. A number of Icelandic landmarks are found a short distance from Kirkjubaejarklaustur – places such as Lakagigar, Eldgja, Skaftafell and Vatnajokull.

The English translation of Kirkjubaejarklaustur is “Church Town Convent” and centuries ago it was one of the larger and most prominent farms of its era. In the year 1186 nuns of the Order of St. Benedict founded a Convent and thus the locals referred to it simply as Klaustur. (e. Convent) When Iceland became Protestant in 1550 the convent was abolished but the name Klaustur remained unchanged.

The eruption in 1783 left a permanent mark on the community. According to legend, the vicar at the time, Reverend Jon Steingrimsson, summoned everyone to mass and prayed until the lava flow stopped short of destroying the church and everyone in it. Today Kirkjubaejarklaustur is a hub for communication and tourism in the region with a variety of hotels, restaurants and recreational facilities.