Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Iceland

Living in Kirkjubaejarklaustur means embracing small-town life in Iceland’s rugged south. With just 500 residents, this village is quiet to the point of isolation. The essentials are covered—fuel station, bank, supermarket—but don’t expect urban conveniences. You’ll need a car to get anywhere, as the nearest city, Reykjavik, is a three-hour drive west.

The village sits on the Ring Road, making it a convenient stop for travelers but not much of a hub for expats. Winters are long and dark, with limited social options. If you’re drawn to nature, the surrounding hills and nearby attractions like the Laki craters and Skaftafell are stunning. But daily life here is slow, and the tight-knit community can feel insular to outsiders. Kirkjubaejarklaustur is for those who crave solitude and can handle Iceland’s harsh climate—not for anyone needing a bustling expat scene.