Systrafoss

Background

History & Background

Systrafoss takes its name from the Benedictine convent that operated at Kirkjubær from 1186 until the Reformation. The waterfall drops from Systravatn, and together the lake, waterfall and nearby Systrastapi preserve place-names associated with the convent and the nuns who lived in the district.

Systrafoss falls directly above the village and is linked by walking routes to the plateau around Systravatn. A marked route can be combined with paths through the small planted woodland on the hillside and other viewpoints above Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Water flow varies, and visitors should follow marked trails rather than inventing routes on the steep hillside.