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Gjáin valley

ÞjórsárdalurValleyFree entrySummer access
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Gjáin
Gjáin
GJÁIN IN SHORT

Gjáin is a small, green valley with waterfalls, basalt columns and pools, tucked into the edge of the Þjórsárdalur highlands in South Iceland. It is about 120 km (around 1 hour 45 minutes) from Reykjavík, free to visit, and best reached from late spring to autumn.

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Quick factsHistoryGetting thereWhat to seeBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Gjáin

Gjáin sits below the Viking-age farm ruin at Stöng, at the point where the highlands give way to farmland. A short walk down into the valley reveals a surprisingly lush pocket of moss, small waterfalls, ponds and dark basalt columns, all packed into a compact area that feels different from the open lava fields around it.

It is a quiet spot, popular with people exploring Þjórsárdalur rather than a stop on the main tourist route, and it rewards a slow walk rather than a quick photo stop. The land around it is bare pumice and lava, which is why Gjáin is often called an oasis. On a clear day you can see the volcano Hekla from the valley.

Quick facts

RiverRauðá, which forms the valley's small waterfalls
WaterfallsGjárfoss and a smaller fall beside it
RegionSouth Iceland, Þjórsárdalur valley
From ReykjavíkAbout 120 km, around 1 hour 45 minutes by car
RoadRoute 32, then gravel Road 327 towards Stöng (4x4 advised)
Walk from StöngAbout 2 km there and back, 15–20 minutes each way
From HjálparfossA short drive further into the valley
EntryFree
Opening hoursOpen all year, though access is easiest from late spring to autumn
Time needed30–60 minutes
Seen on screenGame of Thrones, season 4, episode 5

Hekla, the Viking farms and Game of Thrones

Þjórsárdalur was farmed in the Viking Age. In 1104 the volcano Hekla erupted and buried the valley in pumice. About 20 farms were abandoned, among them Stöng, whose ruins lie a short walk from Gjáin. The valley was never settled again, and it has belonged to nature ever since.

Gjáin is also a Game of Thrones location. In season 4, episode 5, Arya Stark and the Hound rest here on their journey, and Arya practises her water dancing by the stream while the two keep up their feud.

Icelandic folklore is full of elves, trolls and hidden people, and some visitors describe Gjáin as a place with a strong, calm energy. Whatever you believe, it is one of the most peaceful corners of the south.

How to get to Gjáin

By carFrom Reykjavík, take Route 1 east, then Route 30 and Route 32 into Þjórsárdalur, and turn onto Road 327 towards Stöng. Road 327 is a bumpy gravel track with potholes, so a 4x4 is strongly advised. In a small car, go slowly and check that your rental terms allow it.
Trail 1: the hike from StöngPark at the Saga Age farm ruins at Stöng, about 122 km from Reykjavík. The path leads to the north-west end of the valley. It is about 2 km there and back, 15–20 minutes each way, and the last part goes up and down some steep, rocky ground.
Trail 2: car park and stairsIf you prefer less walking, a second track leads to a small parking area on the south side of the valley. From there you only walk down some stairs. The lava caves and the smaller of the two waterfalls are easiest to reach from this side.
By public transportThere is no public bus to Gjáin, so a rental car or a tour that covers the valley is the practical way to visit.

Roads further into Þjórsárdalur can be gravel and rougher in places, so check conditions before driving out, especially outside summer.

What to see in Gjáin

For a small valley, Gjáin holds a little of everything that lava and water can make.

Gjárfoss waterfallThe main waterfall drops into the deep gorge, framed by black-brown basalt columns. The white water against the dark rock and the green slopes is the classic view of Gjáin. A smaller waterfall falls into the valley beside it.
The river RauðáThe river Rauðá runs through the valley and splits into clear streams and ponds. On a still day the water reflects the sky and the columns.
Basalt columns and lava cavesLook for the regular basalt columns in the valley walls and the small lava caves, along with other lava formations. In summer the valley floor is covered with fresh green grass and moss.
The view of HeklaFrom the rim you can see Hekla, the volcano that emptied this valley of people in 1104.

The vegetation is fragile. Keep to the paths and the stairs, and do not walk on the moss.

Best time to visit Gjáin

SummerThe valley is at its greenest, the access road is at its easiest and the bright light shows the colours at their best. This is the time to come.
WinterAccess can be harder, with rougher road conditions and less daylight; many visitors save Gjáin for the warmer months.

Safety and practical tips

  • Combine it with Hjálparfoss and Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng nearby, since they sit in the same valley.
  • Wear shoes with grip, as the path down has steps and can be wet or uneven.
  • Take your time; this is a place to walk around slowly rather than rush through.
  • Check road conditions before driving out, since the final stretch is unpaved.
  • Add Gjáin to a Golden Circle day if you have time, and drive about 30 minutes further to Háifoss waterfall.
  • It is a good stop on the way to Landmannalaugar.
  • Stay on the paths. The moss and grass here take years to recover from footprints.

Facilities and accessibility

No toilets, café or shop at Gjáin itself. The nearest services are around Flúðir.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

HjálparfossHjálparfossTwin waterfall nearby in the same valleyÞjóðveldisbærinn StöngÞjóðveldisbærinn StöngReconstructed farmhouse modelled on the Stöng ruins near Gjáin
Þjórsárdalur valleyThe wider valley Gjáin sits withinHáifossHáifossOne of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, further alongÞjófafossÞjófafossWaterfall on the Þjórsá with a view of BúrfellHeklaHeklaThe volcano you can see from the valleyLandmannalaugarLandmannalaugarHighland hot springs and rhyolite hills, further inland

Where to stay near Gjáin

Most visitors see Gjáin as part of a day trip through Þjórsárdalur rather than an overnight stop. The nearest accommodation is around Flúðir.

Gjáin FAQ

Is Gjáin free to visit?

Yes, there is no entrance fee.

How long should I spend at Gjáin?

About 30–60 minutes is enough to walk around the valley.

Is Gjáin hard to get to?

It takes some effort. The final stretch of road is rough gravel, and the walk into the valley has steps and some steep, uneven ground.

What is there to see at Gjáin?

Small waterfalls, basalt columns, moss-covered rock and quiet pools in a compact, green valley.

How far is Gjáin from Reykjavík?

About 120 km, around 1 hour 45 minutes by car.

Was Game of Thrones filmed at Gjáin?

Yes. Gjáin appears in season 4, episode 5, in the scenes where Arya Stark and the Hound rest on their journey and Arya practises her water dancing.

Do I need a 4x4 to reach Gjáin?

A 4x4 is strongly advised. Road 327 towards Stöng is a bumpy gravel track with potholes.

How long is the hike to Gjáin?

From Stöng it is about 2 km there and back, 15–20 minutes each way. From the parking area on the south side you only walk down some stairs.

See Gjáin with a local

Tours and trips that include Gjáin, booked directly with a local travel agency in Iceland.

Landmannalaugar Super Jeep Tour from ReykjavíkDAY TOURLandmannalaugar Super Jeep Tour from ReykjavíkFrom 46,125 ISK per personLandmannalaugar Private Tour in IcelandPRIVATELandmannalaugar Private Tour in IcelandFrom 207,000 ISK per group
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