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about the eruption of the volcano Hekla in 1104, the area was inhabited by Vikings. As a result of the eruption, lava destroyed dozens of farms, and Gjáin was no longer considered a good place to live.
Gjáin is a picturesque gorge located in the Þjórsárdalur valley in the southeastern part of Iceland. One of Iceland’s smaller but more charming waterfalls can also be found here.
Gjáin – a picturesque corner of trolls
Gjáin is an interesting destination for those looking for a short walk, peace, relaxation and respite. It brings to mind a miniature fairyland, full of waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, caves, basalt columns and lush vegetation.
The cherry on the cake is the Rauðá (Red River) flowing through the gorge and the Gjárfoss waterfall lying on top of it. It is truly a dream setting for the lives of legendary Icelandic trolls, elves or fairies. Also adding to the uniqueness of the place is the fact that it appears virtually out of nowhere. This is because it becomes visible only when approaching the edge of the valley. To the great surprise (and delight) of travelers.
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about the eruption of the volcano Hekla in 1104, the area was inhabited by Vikings. As a result of the eruption, lava destroyed dozens of farms, and Gjáin was no longer considered a good place to live.
Gjáin – tips and practical information
- Gjáin is best visited from early June to early October. Outside of that time of year, it is either inaccessible and snow-covered, or just plain uninteresting in color.
- The loop from the Gjain parking lot, to the waterfall, then to the nearby excavation site Stong – Viking House and back to the parking lot, is no more than 2 km. Such a walk, therefore, should not take more than half an hour, although rather with stops for photos and entrance to the caves: probably about an hour.
- Since the Game of Thrones series was filmed in Gjáin, the number of people visiting the canyon has increased. If you’re going there in the summer, there’s a good chance you won’t be alone.
- To reach the parking lot next to the canyon, a 4×4 vehicle is not necessary, although there is a gravel road (327).
