STJÓRNARFOSS IN SHORTStjórnarfoss is a small, wide waterfall on the river Stjórn at Kleifar, a few minutes outside the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in South Iceland. It is about 250 km (around 3 hours 15 minutes) from Reykjavík, free to visit, open all year, and most people spend 15–20 minutes there.
About Stjórnarfoss
Stjórnarfoss is easy to miss if you are focused on the bigger falls further east, which is part of its appeal. It is only about 10–15 m high, but it is wide for its height and catches the eye from a distance. The water spreads out over a rounded ledge of rock in a curtain of many thin streams and lands in a small, shallow pool. It does not look like the usual single-column waterfall.
There are two tiers. Above the main rounded drop, a second, sloping tier brings the water down through a narrower channel, and you can see it best from a little way back. Dark volcanic rock, low cliffs and green slopes frame the falls, with Kirkjubæjarklaustur's other well-known waterfall, Systrafoss, a short drive away in the village itself.
A faint path leads to the foot of the falls in a few minutes. It starts by the small Kleifar campsite, next to the bridge over the stream. Photographers should take their wider shots on the way in, since the best angles are often from further back, not at the base.
Because it is close to the Ring Road but not directly on it, Stjórnarfoss gets far fewer visitors than the well-known stops on the South Coast, and you may have it to yourself. It is a good stretch-your-legs stop on the drive between Vík and Skaftafell. On warm summer days, local people come here to swim in the pool below the falls.
Quick facts
HeightAbout 10–15 m, in two tiers
RiverStjórn
RegionSouth Iceland, at Kleifar near Kirkjubæjarklaustur
From ReykjavíkAbout 250 km, around 3 hours 15 minutes by car
From KirkjubæjarklausturAbout 2–3 km north on road 203 (Geirlandsvegur), a few minutes by car
ParkingSmall informal parking area by the Kleifar campsite, just across the bridge
WalkAbout 100–200 m, a few minutes on a faint path
EntryFree
Opening hoursOpen all year, day and night
Time needed15–20 minutes, longer if you swim or picnic
How to get to Stjórnarfoss
By carFollow the Ring Road (Route 1) to the roundabout at Kirkjubæjarklaustur, by the fuel station. Turn towards the village and follow the sign for Geirland onto road 203 (Geirlandsvegur). The falls are about 2 km up this road, at Kleifar.
By public transportThere is no scheduled bus stop at the falls, so a rental car or a South Coast tour that includes Kirkjubæjarklaustur is the practical way to get there. From the village it is a walk of 2–3 km along road 203.
Walking thereA short, easy path leads from the parking area by the campsite to the base of the waterfall, suitable for most visitors.
The small roads by the village can be confusing the first time. If in doubt, follow the signs for Geirland and road 203. You will see the waterfall ahead before you reach the bridge.
How to reach Stjórnarfoss waterfall
Stjórnarfoss is just off the Ring Road. From either direction you leave Route 1 at the same roundabout.
Step 1: The roundabout at KirkjubæjarklausturDriving east from Vík, or west from Skaftafell, leave the Ring Road at the roundabout beside the fuel station and head towards the village.
Step 2: Road 203 to GeirlandFollow the sign for Geirland onto road 203 (Geirlandsvegur) and drive north for about 2 km. The road is narrow, so take it slowly.
Step 3: Spot the falls and cross the bridgeThe waterfall comes into view from a distance as you drive up. Cross the small bridge over the river Stjórn.
Step 4: Park by the campsiteJust over the bridge is the parking area for the Kleifar campsite. Park here without blocking campers.
Step 5: Walk to the fallsA faint path leads from beside the bridge and the campsite along the riverbed to the foot of the falls. It takes a few minutes.
Our older guide gave the drive on road 203 as about 0.8 km; other sources say 2–2.5 km from the village. Either way it is only a few minutes.
What to see and do at Stjórnarfoss
The rounded main dropA curtain of narrow streams slides down a curved rock face into a flat pool. The water is modest against the big rocks around it, which is what gives the place its quiet character.
The upper tierStep back towards the bridge to see the sloping upper tier above the main drop. You cannot see the whole waterfall from the base.
PhotographyThe falls sit low among taller cliffs and green slopes. Shoot as you walk in, since the wider view from the path often works better than the view at the foot.
SwimmingLocals bathe in the pool on good summer days. The water is cold river water, not geothermal, so go in slowly, stay near the edge and keep it short.
Camping at KleifarThe small campsite beside the falls is simple, with few facilities, and in our opinion has more charm than most. A larger, more modern campsite with more services is in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Best time to visit Stjórnarfoss
Summer (June–August)More water and green hills around the falls. A convenient stop if you are already stopping in Kirkjubæjarklaustur for fuel or food.
Winter (November–March)Quieter still, with a chance of ice on the path. Daylight is short, so plan your stop around it.
Safety and practical tips
- Combine it with Systrafoss, the other waterfall right in Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, since both are close together.
- Wear shoes with grip. The path can be muddy or icy depending on the season.
- Take your photos on the way in. The best view is often from further back.
- Bring a towel in summer if you want to do as the locals do and take a dip.
- Park in the campsite parking area, not on the narrow road or the bridge.
- Check the weather and road conditions on vedur.is and umferdin.is before driving in winter.
Facilities and accessibility
There are no visitor facilities at the falls themselves. The Kleifar campsite next door is basic and seasonal. Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, a few minutes away, has fuel, shops, cafés, restaurants and a larger campsite.
Nearby places worth a stop
Where to stay near Stjórnarfoss
Kirkjubæjarklaustur has hotels, guesthouses and a campsite, and makes a convenient overnight stop between Vík and Skaftafell. Campers can also stay at the simple Kleifar campsite right by the falls in summer.
Stjórnarfoss FAQ
Is Stjórnarfoss free to visit?
Yes, there is no entrance fee and no parking charge.
How do I get to Stjórnarfoss?
Leave the Ring Road at the Kirkjubæjarklaustur roundabout, follow road 203 towards Geirland for about 2 km, cross the bridge and park by the Kleifar campsite. The falls are a few minutes' walk.
How far is Stjórnarfoss from Kirkjubæjarklaustur?
About 2–3 km, a few minutes by car.
How high is Stjórnarfoss?
About 10–15 m, depending on how the two tiers are measured.
Can you swim at Stjórnarfoss?
Locals do on warm summer days. The pool is cold river water, so take care and keep it short.
Can you camp at Stjórnarfoss?
Yes, at the small Kleifar campsite beside the falls in summer. A larger campsite with more facilities is in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Is Stjórnarfoss worth stopping for?
It is a small waterfall, so treat it as a short, easy stop, not a destination in itself. It is well worth it if you are already passing through Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
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