Þjófafoss
Þjófafoss or “thief falls” runs in the river Þjórsá, the longest river in Iceland, and is located in the middle of Merkurhraun lava field in the south of Iceland. Legend has it, as the name of the waterfall indicates, that thieves were drowned there for their crimes back in the days.
Quick guide to Þjófafoss
| Location | South Iceland, Þjórsárdalur and highland-edge route area |
| Best for | Þjórsárdalur waterfall route planning, photography and practical nature stops |
| Nearby places | Haifoss, Hjalparfoss, Gjain, Hekla |
| Typical visit time | 45 minutes to half a day, depending on access and route plan |
| Best season | Summer and early autumn are easiest; highland roads are seasonal |
| Good to know | Parking, paths and spray can vary by season; use marked access and avoid unsafe stopping on roads |
| Coordinates | 64.0568,-19.8661 |
A strange name, a wide river and Búrfell in the background
Þjófafoss has a stronger identity than its fame suggests. The name, the broad Þjórsá setting and the Búrfell backdrop give it a different personality from the cliff waterfalls farther south.
It is best written as a landscape stop: river, lava, mountain and route mood together.
Þjófafoss links Þjórsá, Búrfell and the volcanic interior edge.
Flow and season shape the experience
Þjórsá is a powerful river, but the waterfall experience can vary. That makes expectation-setting important: travellers should not arrive expecting a fixed postcard scene in every season.
The stronger plan is to combine Þjófafoss with Hjálparfoss, Þjórsárdalur and Hekla-area scenery.
The right traveller will like the detour
Þjófafoss is best for travellers who enjoy landscape context more than headline fame. It is not the obvious first waterfall for a short trip, but it can make Þjórsárdalur feel more complete.
Private routes can use it well because the guide can decide whether the road and water conditions make the stop worthwhile.
Think of Þjófafoss as landscape, not just water
Þjófafoss is strongest when the page talks about the whole scene: Þjórsá, Búrfell, lava and the highland-edge feeling. The waterfall alone may not justify the detour for every traveller, but the landscape can.
That framing helps users decide. If they want famous icons, go elsewhere first. If they want volcanic river country and a quieter route, Þjófafoss starts to make sense.
Not every Þjórsá loop needs it
Þjófafoss is most convincing when the route already leans toward river landscapes and the edge of the highlands. If the day is built around famous waterfalls, it may be too specialist.
If the day is about volcanic space, Búrfell and quieter roads, it can become exactly the right kind of stop.
Best Þjófafoss highland-edge pairings
Þjófafoss fits flexible highland-edge and South Iceland routes. It is strongest when paired with Þjórsárdalur rather than sold alone.
A guided South Coast day for waterfalls, black-sand scenery and classic route stops.
A practical choice when waterfalls should pair with Sólheimajökull glacier scenery.
A small-group route for travellers who want the main waterfalls handled in one day.
Best for flexible timing at smaller waterfalls and photo stops.
An active South Coast add-on when the day should include a glacier adventure.
Places near Þjófafoss
Nearby stops should support the way Þjófafoss is actually visited: choose the base, activity or next landscape that matches your direction of travel.
Towns and villages near Þjófafoss
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Þjófafoss route ideas around Þjórsá and Búrfell
Use Þjófafoss as a highland-edge add-on, not as the main reason to leave the paved comfort zone.
Þjórsá river stops
Pair Þjófafoss with Hjálparfoss and valley scenery.
Highland-edge upgrade
Add Háifoss if the road and weather make sense.
Quiet landscape route
Use Þjófafoss when the day is about lava, river and mountain mood, not only waterfall icons.
FAQ about Þjófafoss
Is Þjófafoss worth visiting?
Yes, if you are already building a Þjórsá or Þjórsárdalur route. It is less essential on a short first-time South Iceland day.
What makes Þjófafoss different?
Þjófafoss is about setting: broad river, lava, Búrfell and quieter highland-edge atmosphere.
How do you visit Þjófafoss?
Check route conditions and avoid making Þjófafoss a rushed side road in poor weather or low light.
What should you combine with Þjófafoss?
Þjófafoss works best with Hjálparfoss, Háifoss, Hekla.
What tour fits Þjófafoss?
Choose View highland-edge route options when you want the wider route handled.
How long do you need at Þjófafoss?
Allow enough time for safe access, photos and route changes. A quick stop may be possible, but the day feels better when this waterfall is not squeezed in at the last minute.
Can you visit Þjófafoss in winter?
Þjófafoss can work outside summer when roads and paths are safe, but winter ice, wind and daylight should decide how ambitious the stop becomes.
Do you need a 4x4 for Þjófafoss?
Not always. Use current road conditions and local signs as the deciding factor, especially on gravel, highland-edge or winter routes.
What does Þjófafoss mean?
The name is commonly translated as Thieves’ Falls, and local stories are part of the waterfall’s character.
Is Þjófafoss close to Búrfell?
Búrfell is an important visual landmark in the area and helps make the waterfall setting memorable.
Þjofafoss waterfall runs through Merkurhraun lava field in South Iceland
The view over Þjofafoss waterfall with the mountain Búrfell in the background
Þjófafoss or Thief Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in South Iceland