Þjófafoss

1,176 photos

Quick Facts

South

Region

Varies

Access

What is it

Þjófafoss is located on the river Þjórsá on the east side of the Merkurhraun lava fields in the south of Iceland, at the southwest tip of the hill Búrfell.

The Vibe

The sound of falling water fills the air. Mist catches the light. This is Iceland at its most elemental.

Weather & conditions

Ring Road R1

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From Reykjavík to the foss

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Daylight

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About

Þjófafoss

The Story

A viewing point for the waterfall can be accessed by a gravel track that leads about 4 kilometres (2. 5 mi) northwest from Route 26 or by a track that leads south from Route 32 past the hydroelectric power station Búrfellsstöð and Hjálparfoss..

Real Talk

Come early morning or late evening to avoid crowds. The light's better for photos anyway. Bring layers - waterfall spray plus Icelandic wind equals cold.

Visit

How to get there

Access

Accessibility: varies

By road

Follow Ring Road (Route 1) to South Coast. Check live conditions above before departing.

Best season

Best in year-round. Year-round access possible.

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Top experiences near Þjófafoss

Hand-picked tours from Iceland's best-rated operators — pre-book to skip the queue.

South Coast Full-Day Tour

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Glacier Hike + Skógafoss

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Northern Lights from Þjófafoss

6h · winter only · from 12,990 kr

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Photography Workshop — Waterfalls

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Photos

Anja M.

Daniel P.

Sofia L.

Marco R.

Elena K.

Tómas V.

Reviews

Anja Müller

Mar 28, 2026 · Sightseeing

Unique experienceWet & mistyParking availableFamily friendly

Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.

Conditions: Wet, misty spray, soaked path

Parking: Paid, 800 ISK, large lot

Difficulty: Easy

Daniel Park

Feb 14, 2026 · Photography

Great light at sunriseCrowded in summerGljúfrabúi nearby

Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.

Conditions: Icy path, cold spray

Parking: Paid lot, small fee

Difficulty: Easy

Sofia Lindström

Jan 6, 2026 · Road trip

Winter closed behindIcyGreat views

Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.

Conditions: Snow, ice, closed path

Parking: Free in winter (closed booth)

Difficulty: Easy (front only)