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Iceland

Skaftárhreppur

Systrafoss - Waterfall – Viewpoint loop from Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Iceland

Skaftárhreppur

Systrafoss - Waterfall – Viewpoint loop from Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Easy

4.6

(48)

340

hikers

Systrafoss - Waterfall – Viewpoint loop from Kirkjubæjarklaustur

01:17

4.35km

110m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Katla Geopark

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.43 km

Systrafoss - Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

The waterfall is about 60-80 meters high and has a striking shape. The rock formations, how the water falls and the surroundings make Systrafoss one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Iceland. The name Systrafoss means 'sister waterfalls' and is named after a monastery that was located in Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the Middle Ages. 'Systra' refers to the nuns in the monastery.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.69 km

Gullmolið – The Gold Nugget

Highlight • Monument

The Gullmolinn project, which means 'golden mill', transforms the inlet housing of the Kirkjubæjarklaustur hydroelectric power station by painting it a shiny gold. This symbolizes the value of the small, local hydroelectric power stations that were once found throughout Iceland. These power stations were an important source of light and heat without the smoke and pollution associated with oil lamps and other forms of heating.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.89 km

Systravatn Lake

Highlight • Lake

Systravatn is a small lake located on the top of a mountain near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in Iceland. The lake is best known for being the source of the Systrafoss waterfall. According to local legends, Systravatn was the bathing place for the nuns of the nearby monastery. There is a story that two nuns bathing in the lake saw a hand rising from the water with a beautiful gold ring. When they tried to get the ring, they were reportedly pulled underwater and drowned

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.02 km

Kirkjubæjarklaustur Lake and Surroundings

Highlight • Lake

It is beautiful to walk here and reminds me of a golf course.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.34 km

Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

A new viewpoint of the surroundings on a slope. There is an information board about water birds.

Translated by Google •

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2.90 km

Basalt Cliffs and Rock Formations

Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument

The descent starts at a basalt wall with beautiful rock formations. We go down a good path in a zigzag until we reach a forest, which we pass on the right.

Translated by Google •

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3.46 km

Hildishaugr (Hildir's Grave Mound)

Highlight • Historical Site

Hildishaugur is a burial mound in Iceland, located near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. According to legend, a pagan man named Hildir Eysteinsson tried to settle this area in the 10th century. However, when he set foot on this ground, he died immediately and was buried on the nearby hill, now known as Hildishaugur, meaning "Hildir's Mound."

Translated by Google •

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3.72 km

Kirkjugólf (Church Floor) Basalt Columns

Highlight • Natural Monument

Kirkjugólfið, also known as 'the church floor', is a natural monument consisting of an area of approximately 80 square meters of columnar basalt stone slabs. These stones have a hexagonal shape that resembles man-made tiles, but there has never been a church or other building on this site.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.35 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.31 km

1.47 km

248 m

231 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

1.35 km

1.28 km

641 m

503 m

326 m

231 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (130 m)

Lowest point (20 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 23 June

13°C

8°C

96 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Systrafoss - Waterfall – Viewpoint loop from Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Systrafoss - Waterfall

Gullmolið – The Gold Nugget

Systravatn Lake

Kirkjubæjarklaustur Lake and Surroundings

Viewpoint

Basalt Cliffs and Rock Formations

Hildishaugr (Hildir's Grave Mound)

Kirkjugólf (Church Floor) Basalt Columns

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