Best for
History + mountain views
Wide cascade with Mount Búrfell rising behind it.
Þjófafoss (Thief's Falls)
A wide 5-meter waterfall on Iceland's longest river, the Þjórsá, with Mount Búrfell behind it and a name associated with stories of drowned thieves.
Region
South Iceland
Gravel road access. Year-round. Mountain views.
Quick Answer
A wide waterfall on the Þjórsá river (Iceland's longest) near the Merkurhraun lava field. Named because outlaws were allegedly drowned here as punishment in medieval times. Mount Búrfell rises directly behind the falls.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. River banks can be slippery and the current is strong; stay back from the edge and check road conditions before driving gravel roads.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Access
Gravel road
Off Route 32. Regular car possible in summer, 4x4 recommended.
Pro tip
Combine with Háifoss
Nearby Háifoss and Gjáin are worth adding to your route.
What to Expect at Þjófafoss
- A wide, powerful cascade across the Þjórsá river
- Mount Búrfell rising directly behind the falls
- Quiet location near the Merkurhraun lava field
Nearby Attractions to Þjófafoss
How to Get to Þjófafoss
- Located in South Iceland near the Merkurhraun lava field
- Access via gravel road off Route 32
- About 2 hours drive from Reykjavik
- Regular car possible in summer, 4x4 recommended
- Short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint
Best Time to Visit Þjófafoss
- Accessible year-round, though gravel road is best in summer
- Hydropower diversions affect flow; late-summer surplus is conditional
- Morning and evening light suits photos of Mount Búrfell
- Winter visits are possible but check road conditions first
- Fewer crowds than the main South Coast waterfalls
Why photographs show different amounts of water
Visit South Iceland explains that hydropower works divert much of the river around Þjófafoss. Surplus water is more likely to pass the falls when Sultartangalón fills in late summer; Búrfell II has reduced flow further in both summer and winter. Choose this stop for the river landscape below Búrfell, without assuming an older high-flow photograph represents current conditions.
Planning help
Þjófafoss FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How tall is Þjófafoss?
Þjófafoss is approximately 5 meters (16 feet) tall. It is not especially high, but it is wide: it spans the Þjórsá, Iceland's longest river.
Why is it called Thief's Falls?
Þjófafoss means 'Thief's Falls' in Icelandic. The name is associated with stories of thieves being drowned here. Treat this as a naming tradition; this guide has not established a medieval documentary source.
How do I get to Þjófafoss?
Þjófafoss is located in South Iceland near the Merkurhraun lava field. It is accessible via a gravel road off Route 32. A regular car can manage in summer, but a 4x4 offers more comfort on the gravel sections.
Can I see Mount Búrfell from Þjófafoss?
Yes. Mount Búrfell rises directly behind the waterfall, and the wide falls with the mountain backdrop photograph well.
When is the best time to visit Þjófafoss?
The amount of water depends on hydropower operations as well as the season. Visit South Iceland describes much of the flow being diverted, with surplus water more likely in late summer when Sultartangalón is full. That is not a promise of a particular flow on your visit. Check road conditions separately.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.