Þjófafoss, Waterfall in Southern Region, Iceland
Þjófafoss is a wide waterfall where the Þjórsá river drops with force, creating white water and spray against the dark volcanic rock of the surrounding landscape. The cascade flows through a terrain of ancient lava fields that gives the area a raw and dramatic appearance.
The waterfall's name comes from a dark past when convicted criminals, particularly thieves, were executed by being thrown into the water during medieval times. This brutal history has remained part of local stories and memory.
The Þjórsá river shapes how locals relate to this landscape, serving as a natural dividing line that marked different communities in earlier times. People here see the river as a defining feature of their region and connection to the land.
The waterfall is reached by leaving the main ring road and traveling on a gravel road across the lava landscape. Visit during drier weather when possible, as the ground can be slippery and the area is often windy and exposed.
The water flow changes noticeably throughout the year because a power station upstream controls how much water the river releases. This means the waterfall can look quite different depending on the season and the station's operating needs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
