Formation Area
~80 m²
A compact but striking area of naturally polished hexagonal basalt cross-sections.
Kirkjugólf (Church Floor) – Basalt Columns in Iceland
A natural basalt pavement where glacial erosion reveals hexagonal columns polished flat like church tiles
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
South Iceland
Kirkjubæjarklaustur village
Kirkjugólf, meaning "Church Floor," is one of Iceland's most curious geological formations. Located in the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in South Iceland, this natural basalt pavement consists of the eroded tops of basalt columns that have been worn perfectly flat by glacial activity during the Ice Age. The result is a surface that looks remarkably like a precisely laid hexagonal tile floor, so convincing that early Icelandic settlers believed it was the remnant of an ancient church. The formation covers roughly 80 square meters and is a protected natural monument, offering a unique perspective on basalt columns viewed from above rather than from the side.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.
Sources to check
Visit Duration
10–20 min
A brief stop within the village to view and photograph the unique formation.
Distance from Reykjavík
~260 km
About a 3-hour drive east along Route 1 to Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
What to Expect
Natural Tile Floor
The basalt column tops are worn so smooth and flat that they genuinely resemble a carefully laid hexagonal tile floor, an illusion that fooled early settlers.
Glacial Erosion Evidence
The pavement demonstrates how advancing glaciers during the Ice Age scraped and polished the columns flat, revealing their internal geometric structure.
Top-Down Column View
Unlike most basalt sites where you view columns from the side, Kirkjugólf offers a rare bird's-eye perspective of the hexagonal cross-sections.
Viking-Era Folklore
The name 'Church Floor' comes from the belief of early Norse settlers that the formation was a man-made floor, a testament to the pattern's convincing regularity.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village
The formation sits within a charming South Iceland village that has served as a settlement since the Irish monks who preceded the Norse settlers.
Nearby Systrafoss Waterfall
The pretty Systrafoss waterfall is a short walk away in the village, making for an easy combined visit with Kirkjugólf.
Getting There
Kirkjugólf is located within the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in South Iceland, about 260 km east of Reykjavík on Route 1 (Ring Road). The formation is signed within the village and has a small parking area. From the car park, it is a very short walk to the viewing platform. The site is fully accessible by any vehicle type and requires no special equipment. Kirkjubæjarklaustur also has fuel stations, restaurants, and accommodation, making it a convenient stopping point on Ring Road journeys.
Best Time to Visit
Kirkjugólf can be visited year-round. The hexagonal patterns are most clearly visible when the surface is dry, as rainwater can obscure the joints between columns. Summer offers the driest conditions and longest daylight, while the formation can be partially covered by snow in winter. Since it is within a village and requires no hiking, it is accessible even with limited winter daylight. The site is small enough that even a 10-minute stop is sufficient to appreciate the unique geological feature. Visit after dry weather for the sharpest contrast between the individual hexagonal tiles.
Planning help
Kirkjugólf FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.