Raudarfoss
(Rauðárfoss, (Systrastapi))
Rauðárfoss is an amazing beautiful waterfall in the south of Iceland in a region with a high rate of waterfalls per square kilometer. Rauðárfoss is one of the many waterfalls and is located 3 kilometers west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur along road 1.
Rauðárfoss is a one of my favorite waterfall in the region and is appr. 20 meters high and has the shape of a bridal veil.
Rauðárfoss means waterfall in the red river. The color of the red water come from the soil in the river, see here. Rauðárfoss is often mistaken with the Systrafoss nearby or is called Systrastapi.
Systrastapi is a steep rocky hill west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Folklore says that on top of it, two nuns of the monastery were buried after being burned at the stake for violating codes of ethics. One is supposed to have sold herself to the Devil, carried consecrated Communion bread past the door of the privy, and had carnal knowledge with men. The other spoke blasphemously of the Pope. After the Reformation the latter nun was regarded as innocent and beautiful flowers grew on her grave, while the other one’s grave remained barren. The rocky hill can be ascended and from the top the view of glaciers, among other things, is amazing.
Other waterfalls nearby are: Stjornarfoss, Systrafoss and Foss a Sidu.