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, thieves were once drowned in its waters.
Þjófafoss is a waterfall on the Þjórsá, the longest river in Iceland. It lies east of the Merkurhraun lava field, in a modest canyon carved into a flat volcanic plain, and behind it rises the lonely, plateau-like mountain of Búrfell.
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 can be reached from both the north and the south side, but the southern approach is easier and gives far more colorful views.
How to get to Thjofafoss
To get to Thjofafoss, take Route 1 (the Ring Road) and turn onto Road 26 (Landvegur) between the town of Selfoss and the village of Hella. After about 45 km (28 miles) north you will see a sign for the Þjófafoss waterfall; from there it is another 4 km (2.5 miles) to the parking lot by the falls.
Thjofafoss pairs well with the nearby sights of the Þjórsárdalur valley: the reconstructed Viking farm at Stong and Thjodveldisbaer, the green hollow of Gjain and the twin cascades of Hjalparfoss.