Best for
Village walk + history
Twin streams named for medieval nuns, steps from the village.
Systrafoss (Sisters' Falls)
A twin 25-meter waterfall at Kirkjubæjarklaustur: two streams falling side by side, named for the nuns of a medieval convent. An easy walk from the village center.
Region
South Iceland
Easy walk from village. Year-round. Medieval history.
Quick Answer
A twin waterfall at Kirkjubæjarklaustur, named for the nuns (sisters) of a medieval convent that once stood nearby. The river Fossá flows from Systravatn above the cliff. An easy walking trail from the village center makes it one of the most accessible waterfalls on the South Coast.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. The trail can be slippery in rain, so wear sturdy shoes. Check weather conditions before your visit.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Very easy
Short, well-maintained trail from Kirkjubæjarklaustur center.
Pro tip
Explore the village
Kirkjubæjarklaustur has Kirkjugólf basalt floor and more trails.
What to Expect at Systrafoss
- The river Fossá descending from Systravatn above the village
- A quiet setting at the edge of a small village
- Medieval history connected to a Benedictine convent
Nearby Attractions to Systrafoss
- Kirkjugólf (natural basalt floor, resembling church tiles)
- Foss á Síðu (waterfall visible from the Ring Road)
- Dverghamrar (Dwarf Cliffs, columnar basalt formation)
How to Get to Systrafoss
- Located at Kirkjubæjarklaustur on Iceland's South Coast
- Right off Route 1 (Ring Road), about 260 km from Reykjavik
- Easy walking trail starts from the village center
- Just a few minutes' walk to the waterfall
- Free to visit; no entrance fee or special vehicle needed
Best Time to Visit Systrafoss
- Accessible year-round from the Ring Road
- Summer has the greenest surroundings and warmest weather
- A pleasant stop when driving between Vík and Höfn
- The village has services including a gas station and café
- Trail can be slippery in rain, so wear sturdy shoes
Choose the village view or the route above the cliff
Systravatn is the source above Systrafoss. The regional guide describes a climb to the lake and the Golden Nugget artwork, which recalls local hydroelectric history. Near the foot of the gorge, Fossasteinn is a large rock associated with an 1830 rockfall.
For a longer outing, the Icelandic route description gives Ástarbrautin as a five-kilometre circuit along the top and down toward Kirkjugólf. That is a different commitment from viewing the falls from the village. Check the signed route and conditions before choosing the climb.
Planning help
Systrafoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How tall is Systrafoss?
Systrafoss is approximately 25 meters (82 feet) tall. The river Fossá flows from Systravatn above the cliff; the lake is the source of the waterfall.
Why is it called Sisters' Falls?
Systrafoss means 'Sisters' Falls' in Icelandic. It is named after the nuns (sisters) of a medieval Benedictine convent that once stood nearby at Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The place name recalls the convent history of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
How do I get to Systrafoss?
Systrafoss is located right at the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the South Coast. An easy, well-maintained walking trail leads from the village center to the waterfall, just a few minutes' walk.
Can I swim in the lake at Systrafoss?
Systravatn is above the waterfall, not a bathing lake at its base. This guide does not establish it as a designated bathing place. Use the village swimming pool if you want a managed place to swim, and check its current hours.
When is the best time to visit Systrafoss?
Systrafoss is accessible year-round. Summer has the greenest surroundings and longest daylight. It makes a pleasant stop when passing through Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the Ring Road.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.