In 1783, a huge lava flow streamed from Lakagígar in what became known as the “Skaftá Fires. ” This is believed to have been one of the greatest lava flows in a single eruption in the history of the world.

The molten lava filled the gorges through which the Skaftá and Hverfisfljót rivers flowed, and swept down in two branches into inhabited areas, to spread over the lowlands where it laid waste many farms. Its cubic measure is estimated um 16km3 and the square measure of the lava is approximately 580km2.

In Skaftáreldahraun you find a good place to stop the car and take a look over the lava field shortly (4 km) before you arrive in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. There you find a car park and an information board.