Systrafoss

SystrafossSystrafoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland and is unique in its kind. Systrafoss is located along ring road 1 at Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the south of Iceland.

From Vík í Mýrdal drive east in the direction of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Just before the exit (roundabout) you already can see Systrafoss in the distance at the left side of the road (gps 63.784099, -18.047958). For a better view drive further to Kirkjubæjarklaustur and at the roundabout take the left turn (road 202 to Kirkjubæjarklaustur). Drive through the village until you see Systrafoss at the right side of the road falling down from the cliffs. There is a parking just after Systrafoss near the cafe (gps 63.786542, -18.059216).

The parking is also the trailhead for a walk to the top of Systrafoss. At the left side of the waterfall there is a trail going up (ascend 50-60 meter) with a beautiful viewpoint on Systrafoss somewhere at the beginning. Arrived at the top you will have an amazing view on the valley below. It is also possible to walk to lake Systravatn.

Systrafoss is fed by the small lake up  Systravatn. In summertime a lot of melted snow feeds the lake creating this beautiful waterfall. Although Systrafoss is only 60-80 meter high it is a waterfall with a distinguished shape. 

The shape of the rocks, how the water falls and the surroundings make this waterfall one of the most beautiful and photogenic waterfalls in Iceland.

Systrafoss means sister falls and is named after a monastery (in the years 1186-1550) that was located in Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the medieval time. Systra refers to the nuns in the monastery. The story goes that the lake was a place to bath for the nuns. On a certain day a hand came up out of the water holding a golden comb. When two nuns reached for the comb the hand pulled them under water after they drowned.

The name  Kirkjubæjarklaustur is derived from 3 words:  kirkju: church, bæjar: a small village, klaustur: monastery.

There are several other beautiful waterfalls in the south of Iceland but another nice and easy to reach waterfall is located at the east side of Kirkjubæjarklaustur: Stjórnarfoss.

For all waterfalls in Iceland visit my main page about waterfalls in Iceland.

For a list with all waterfalls in Iceland or a map with all waterfalls in Iceland, go to the main Iceland section.

One thought on “Systrafoss

  • 26 July 2017 at 15:26
    Permalink

    Thank you for the info. Thanks to it, I opened this waterfall to myself and explored the area around.

    Reply

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About Systrafoss

CountryIceland
RegionSuðurland, Vestur-Skaftafellssýsla
LocationKirkjubæjarklaustur
RiverSystravatn (Lake)
Height80m
Latitude63.788319
Longitude-18.060879
Best visitSummer
Rating

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