About
About Systrafoss Waterfall
Systrafoss: Twin cascades tumble from a sacred plateau.
Experience the legend and beauty of the Sister's Waterfall.
Background
History & Background
Systrafoss Waterfall has been a landmark in South Iceland for centuries, known to early Icelandic settlers who traveled these routes. The waterfall's name appears in historical records and local folklore, reflecting its importance to the communities that lived nearby. During the settlement era (874-930 AD), waterfalls like this served as natural boundaries between farmsteads and were often referenced in land claims recorded in the Landnámabók (Book of Settlements). Through the centuries, the waterfall has been a source of fresh water, a gathering place, and a symbol of the raw power of Icelandic nature. Modern visitors can now access the site easily, but the waterfall remains as awe-inspiring as it was to the first settlers who beheld it over a thousand years ago.
Systrafoss (Sisters' Falls) cascades down the hillside above Kirkjubæjarklaustur village. A walking path with steps leads to the top, offering beautiful views. The waterfall is named after the nuns who lived at the medieval convent that once stood here.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
The waterfall is named after the nuns who lived at the medieval convent that once stood here.
💡 Did You Know?
The name 'Systrafoss' is linked to a Benedictine convent that once stood on the plateau above, adding a layer of history and lore to its stunning cascades.
Local Legend
The Hidden People of the South
According to Icelandic folklore, the hills and rock formations of South Iceland are home to the huldufólk — the hidden people. These beings live in a parallel world, invisible to most humans, but occasionally revealing themselves to those with the gift of sight. Farmers in the region have long respected certain rocks and hills, refusing to disturb them for fear of angering the hidden people. Stories tell of those who built roads through huldufólk dwellings suffering misfortune until the paths were rerouted. Even in modern Iceland, road construction projects have been altered to avoid disturbing known huldufólk sites, reflecting a respect for tradition that persists in this ancient landscape.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Geirland
Geirland is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Gunnars saga Keldugnúpsfífls", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Keldunúpur
Keldunúpur: A site of ancient prophecy and a tragic saga's turning point.
Kirkjubær á Síðu (nú Kirkjubæjarklaustur)
Kirkjubær á Síðu: A historic site where faith and saga intertwine.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ Early Morning Visit
Visit Systrafoss Waterfall at sunrise or early morning for the most magical light and fewer crowds.
The morning light creates stunning rainbows in the mist, and you may have the waterfall entirely to yourself.
✦ Nearby Trails
Explore the lesser-known walking trails around Systrafoss Waterfall that most tourists skip.
These trails offer unique perspectives of the waterfall and surrounding landscape that you won't find in guidebooks.
✦ Winter Transformation
Systrafoss Waterfall takes on an entirely different character in winter when partially frozen.
The ice formations create a spectacular natural sculpture, and the contrast with the flowing water is breathtaking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
📍 Location
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