Thjofafoss (Þjófafoss) is one of Iceland’s smaller and lesser-known waterfalls, known as the waterfall of thieves.
This is because, as the story goes, in the past robbers were executed over its waters.
Þjófafoss is part of the Þjórsá River, the longest river in Iceland. It is located east of the Merkurhraun lava field in a modest canyon carved into a flat volcanic plain. Behind the waterfall rises the lonely Bürfell mountain resembling a plateau.
Interestingly, the water flow is controlled and supervised by Landsvirkjun, Iceland’s main electricity producer. As a result, the river sometimes dries up and the mighty waterfall almost disappears. The advantage of the artificially reduced volume, however, is that the normally very muddy water becomes much cleaner. When the river’s volume increases, it returns to its original form.
Thjofafoss is accessible from both the north and south sides, but access from the south side is easier and provides far more colorful views.
How to get to Thjofafoss
To get to Thjofafoss, take Road 1. Then turn onto Road 26 (Landvegur) between the town of Selfoss and the village of Hella. Driving about 45 km north, you will see a sign for the Þjófafoss waterfall. The drive to the parking lot at the waterfall is about 4 km.
