Gjáin
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Located in southern Iceland, this small valley contains breathtaking waterfalls and volcanic formations.
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c00pertravel
New Jersey143 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
First - a warning: you NEED a 4x4 SUV to get there! There's a sign on the road advising that 4WD vehicles are allowed, and that regular sedans are not. If you don't heed that warning, you (and your car!) may regret it later. A part of the road leading to the park is a very rough gravel. Once you get to the park though you are rewarded with a beautiful view, of waterfalls and a few paths among them where you can wonder around and enjoy the scenery. If you have time and ability to visit this off the beaten track place, I highly recommend it!
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea
Fishers, IN40 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Stunning lush beauty with multiple waterfalls. The road to get there is 4 miles of gravel through barren land, but well worth it. Hike is easy. Make sure to cross the stream and take in the waterfalls on both sides
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kasejason
Chicago, IL357 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
On our recent trip to Iceland, my friends and I were undecided about whether or not we should visit Gjain. It seemed so far out of the way that we weren't sure whether or not it would be worth the trip. At the end of a drive around the Golden Circle we still had a little time, so we decided to check Gjain out. Boy are we glad we did! This place cannot be described accurately in words. It's like something you would only expect to see in a movie!
There seem to be two different ways to get to Gjain. You can park at Stöng and hike in from there, or you can drive directly to the valley itself. We opted for the later option and had a little trouble finding the place. If you choose to drive, head towards Landmannalaugar on route 32. After Hjalparfoss, drive up the hill for about 10 kilometers and look for a sign on the right of the road for Holaskogur. Just after this sign, turn left onto the dirt road (look for more signs for Holaskogur and also for Laxargljufur). If you get to a long wooden bridge over the river, you've gone too far. Once on the dirt road, follow it until you reach a T and make a left turn. Stay on this bumpy gravel road for another 5 kilometers or so and you will come to a gate. Open the gate and drive through (making sure to close it again behind you) and you will soon see a couple of roads leading off to the right. Take any of these (they make a loop) and they will lead you to the top of the Gjain valley. There are steps leading down into the valley from here. Google maps will provide you with directions to this parking area if you search for "Gjáin, Stangarvegur, Iceland."
Once you get into the valley, you will feel like a little kid at a playground. There are waterfalls everywhere accompanied by rocks, bridges, and caves that you can climb on/ in. From the parking area mentioned above, you can explore a good part of the valley without getting your feet wet. If you are interested in seeing a little more, you can cross the streams a few times to get to other waterfalls and different parts of the valley. Plan to bring waders if you intend to cross the streams as the water is cold and will easily run over and into even the most waterproof of boots.
If you are planning to visit Landmannalaugar or are simply in this area, you should not hesitate to stop and see the Gjain. It is even worth a special trip just to see the valley itself. If you're like us and can't decide whether or not to visit, it's an easy choice. Just go see it and you won't regret your decision!
There seem to be two different ways to get to Gjain. You can park at Stöng and hike in from there, or you can drive directly to the valley itself. We opted for the later option and had a little trouble finding the place. If you choose to drive, head towards Landmannalaugar on route 32. After Hjalparfoss, drive up the hill for about 10 kilometers and look for a sign on the right of the road for Holaskogur. Just after this sign, turn left onto the dirt road (look for more signs for Holaskogur and also for Laxargljufur). If you get to a long wooden bridge over the river, you've gone too far. Once on the dirt road, follow it until you reach a T and make a left turn. Stay on this bumpy gravel road for another 5 kilometers or so and you will come to a gate. Open the gate and drive through (making sure to close it again behind you) and you will soon see a couple of roads leading off to the right. Take any of these (they make a loop) and they will lead you to the top of the Gjain valley. There are steps leading down into the valley from here. Google maps will provide you with directions to this parking area if you search for "Gjáin, Stangarvegur, Iceland."
Once you get into the valley, you will feel like a little kid at a playground. There are waterfalls everywhere accompanied by rocks, bridges, and caves that you can climb on/ in. From the parking area mentioned above, you can explore a good part of the valley without getting your feet wet. If you are interested in seeing a little more, you can cross the streams a few times to get to other waterfalls and different parts of the valley. Plan to bring waders if you intend to cross the streams as the water is cold and will easily run over and into even the most waterproof of boots.
If you are planning to visit Landmannalaugar or are simply in this area, you should not hesitate to stop and see the Gjain. It is even worth a special trip just to see the valley itself. If you're like us and can't decide whether or not to visit, it's an easy choice. Just go see it and you won't regret your decision!
Written July 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean F
West Hartford, CT58 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
This valley is something you would never expect to see. Water comes out of everywhere! It was one of the most unique things we did in Iceland. It reminds me of something you'd see in a Disney animated movie, but it exists in real life. The entire valley is really green and surrounded by volcanic rock and basalt columns. You could easily spend 2-3 hours here to get to every part of the valley in order to take it all in. The water comes out of every direction and is a deep blue in color, really making it look unique when it falls into the river from the various waterfalls. Note that it was used in a Game of Thrones episode briefly when
The valley is along a road that is for 4WD only (the road did not look like you needed a 4WD though, a normal passenger car could do it - but the entrance had some very blatant signs that said that you needed a 4WD). We did not have a 4WD and parked at the Northeast end of unpaved 328 and we walked from there. The GPS said that it was about a half mile shorter to get there from this end than the other. It was about a 2 mile walk on this road to the valley where there was a parking area. The parking area was right at the rim of the valley. There is a really easy walk to the bottom of the valley and paths to get you just about everywhere on the southeast side of the valley. In order to see it all, you have to cross some wide rivers that aren't really that deep. There are rocks to use to get across, but some are small. If you have waterproof hiking shoes, that would be best (crossing the rivers my shoes slipped in a few times and they were fine, until my shoe went in a deeper part where the water level was above the rim of my shoe).
The GPS coordinates of the parking area are the following 64°08'58.9"N 19°44'14.8"W (or 64.149688, -19.737438).
My recommendation would be to go later in the day where the light is less harsh (makes photographing the numerous waterfalls a lot easier).
The valley is along a road that is for 4WD only (the road did not look like you needed a 4WD though, a normal passenger car could do it - but the entrance had some very blatant signs that said that you needed a 4WD). We did not have a 4WD and parked at the Northeast end of unpaved 328 and we walked from there. The GPS said that it was about a half mile shorter to get there from this end than the other. It was about a 2 mile walk on this road to the valley where there was a parking area. The parking area was right at the rim of the valley. There is a really easy walk to the bottom of the valley and paths to get you just about everywhere on the southeast side of the valley. In order to see it all, you have to cross some wide rivers that aren't really that deep. There are rocks to use to get across, but some are small. If you have waterproof hiking shoes, that would be best (crossing the rivers my shoes slipped in a few times and they were fine, until my shoe went in a deeper part where the water level was above the rim of my shoe).
The GPS coordinates of the parking area are the following 64°08'58.9"N 19°44'14.8"W (or 64.149688, -19.737438).
My recommendation would be to go later in the day where the light is less harsh (makes photographing the numerous waterfalls a lot easier).
Written August 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christie R
Vienna, VA280 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
Not sure why trip advisor has a snow/glacier photo associated with this place. It is a waterfall valley in the middle of nowhere and it is strikingly beautiful. We had a private guide with a 4x4, otherwise it would be impossible to get here over the gravel and dirt roads - and it's not marked either. You will be driving through a desolate landscape - looks like wind whipped, gray dessert up here in the highlands. When our guide pulled over, we thought he was nuts. But one walk to the edge of the canyon and the view down almost knocked me over. I thought I was in Hawaii (but only momentarily). There are stairs to the canyon floor and waterfalls. They are pretty well maintained. I will say that the bottom is squishy and wet, with many trails include 1x6 pieces of plywood over little culverts and streams. I'd most definitely wear your waterproof hiking boots here and DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA. At the back of the canyon is a waterfall - fairly tall coming over the edge. There are also multiple other falls coming out of the canyon walls in other areas. They are smaller falls, but beautiful. Think clear glacier streams flowing over walls of moss covered rocks. Clear blue water and rivulets. Caves in the canyon walls. Places to climb, hike and wonder around. Literally - the only thing that was missing from this fairytale landscape was a unicorn.
Written July 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tarostra
Bangkok, Thailand254 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
We were going towards Landmannalaugar on route 32 but the weather turned bad so we turned off down the rough gravel road on the left to the Stöng archaeological site and the Gjáin waterfalls. A 4WD is useful but we did see normal cars too. We parked at Stöng and walked 15mins through the beautiful, hidden valley to the waterfalls, but if you're in a hurry or hate walking you can drive further (I think you'd be missing part of the mystery of the place though)
The lush green and many flowers of the valley, the tumbling waterfalls and the weirdly twisted basalt formations really feel special in the midst of the bleak, severe beauty of the surrounding area. We loved it, even in the rain.
Two tips. One, stick to the paths as it's easy to get lost if you make your own trail (and you'll be damaging plants that struggle to survive in the difficult conditions). Two, after heavy rain some parts of the path are more difficult as you need to cross the stream. If you don't want wet feet, waterproof boots would help
The lush green and many flowers of the valley, the tumbling waterfalls and the weirdly twisted basalt formations really feel special in the midst of the bleak, severe beauty of the surrounding area. We loved it, even in the rain.
Two tips. One, stick to the paths as it's easy to get lost if you make your own trail (and you'll be damaging plants that struggle to survive in the difficult conditions). Two, after heavy rain some parts of the path are more difficult as you need to cross the stream. If you don't want wet feet, waterproof boots would help
Written July 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ayca L
Oslo, Norway68 contributions
Aug 2019
A must when visiting this part of Iceland. Park your car at Gjain, walk the path to Stöng and up on the other side. Expect to use 3 hrs. Almost elvish landscape in the middle of the lava fields.
A note on getting there: some people claim the road is doable in a 2wd. That may very well be, but the road is restricted to 4x4. It is not an F road, but you will void your car insurance by going with a 2 WD. If you want to take the risk, chances are it will be ok. Otherwise be prepared to pay.
A note on getting there: some people claim the road is doable in a 2wd. That may very well be, but the road is restricted to 4x4. It is not an F road, but you will void your car insurance by going with a 2 WD. If you want to take the risk, chances are it will be ok. Otherwise be prepared to pay.
Written August 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stefandreas
Frankfurt, Germany158 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
As everybody says: this is just soooo nice, especially when the sun is shining. If my family raves about Iceland they think of Gjain. Not very big, a good hour is ok to explore, but pure paradise. I would recommend to do the whole 327 for everyone with a SUV (Duster etc.): its really not that bad and hey, its also fun to drive on bad roads. And these rustic roads keep the busses away, which are present in Hjalaparfoss for exemple and ruin the experience there. So, visiting the Porsa valley with Stöng, driving up to Gjain (as I said: no problem at all), than continue to Haifoss (easy but bumpy as well, but also no problem for a SUV) : thats a pretty perfect day in iceland.
Written August 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken W
Vancouver, Canada745 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
First of all, access is via road 32. If you are coming from Selfoss, it is about 70 km. It is better to take the second access road into Gjain. You will cross a bridge then go up a hill with a switchback ( the only one on the whole trip). About 6 km further, a gravel road, Haafossvegur, goes to your left. It is a gravel road in the middle of a gravel plain. After 200 m turn left. A regular car can handle this road if you take it slow in places. It is best to come back out the same way unless you have a higher clearance vehicle. As for the little valley, it is a delight. It is very easy to wade or cross the river just below the falls. Trails throughout give you all sorts of nice views
Written June 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cecilia y
37 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
This place is magical; when we got there, we couldn't believe our eyes. This is where they filmed a scene in Game of Thrones (Arya and the Hound), but looks like the Shire if it had waterfalls and rivers. We found directions to this place on an Iceland blog. The directions are pretty straightforward and you can plug the place in the GPS. However, there is a section where it's off road and goes up and down a small hill. We rented a VWGolf and we were ok. The only minor downside is that there were a lot bugs, half our pictures were us trying to shoo flies from attacking us. If you have a truck, you can just drive to the place without doing the hike. The hike was around 25-30 minutes from the parking lot.
Written June 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo,
Bedankt voor deze review. Even voor alle duidelijkheid een vraag; kunnen wij dus ook zonder 4x4 in Gjain komen (wij gaan namelijk met onze eigen bus en dit is geen 4x4)? En kunnen we dan dus parkeren op de parkeerplaats en vanuit daar er naartoe wandelen? Is dit een tevens een geschikte wandelroute voor kinderen?
Ik hoor het heel graag! Bedankt alvast!
Written January 13, 2022
Hi, Did you have a 4x4 or did you park at Stong?
Written July 5, 2018
4x4 is a must, because of the condition of the road. We park the car at Stong, and hike over the bridge to the old viking farm, and went on to Gjain.
Written August 11, 2019
Hola Jota! En una semana estaremos en Islandia y la ruta del primer día es el circulo dorado pero viendo tu recomendación no se si desviarnos a Hjalparfoss, Gjain y Haifoss. Llevamos un turismo normalito de alquiler y no 4x4, crees que nos merece o sería arriesgarnos un poco? Si es llegar al parking y andar 15 min iramos pero si supone más tiempo no disponemos de él. Muchas gracias!
Written June 30, 2018
Stephanie R
Charlottesville, Virginia
We will be in the area in late August 2017, with a 2x2 vehicle. We really want to visit Gjain. Can someone give me an idea of how far we can take the car? Is it clear where we should park? I was planning on coming from Fludir taking 30 to 32 to 332 (Haifoss) to 327 and parking at Stong.
Thanks!
Written July 31, 2017
The road to Gjain is extremely rough. We had a lighter 4x4 vehicle and even we had a hard time. Probably one of the worst non-F roads we encountered.
That being said, it's not illegal to try to take a 2 wheel drive vehicle (as I don't believe it's an F road). I did see one small car make it, but I have no idea how long it took them, or if they sustained any damage to their undercarriage.
If you do this, I would just recommend letting 4x4s pass you (as drivers tend to get agitated when smaller cars attempt roads they shouldn't and hold up traffic). Also, look into your rental company and see how tough they will be if the car takes a beating.
Written August 1, 2017
Ciao non sono riuscita a capire dove si trova questa attrazione, in base all'indirzzo dato da tripadvisor si trova nella penisola di Reykjanes ma non l'ho trovata. Ho visto poi sulla cartina sempre di trip che si trova da tutt'altra parte. potreste aiutarmi almeno a capire la zona? Grazie
Written April 25, 2017
Haifoss, from what i have read, requires a 4x4. Does Gjain Falls require such a vehicle as well?
Written May 24, 2016
There aren't any 4x4 signs for the road to Haifoss but there are for Gjain. In my opinion, a 4x4 would be a good idea for both drives. The road to haifoss has a ton of very large potholes and large rocks to clear. If its raining or really wet, you could find yourself stranded without 4 wheel drive. But, it is possible to make it with a regular car or SUV; just be very careful and go slow! For Gjain, the road is more loose dirt and gravel. When dry, which is was for us, its an easy drive and I felt like it could be done in a car more so than the drive to Haifoss. The difference maker would be if the road was really wet due to heavy rain. Without 4 wheel drive in that situation, you could find yourself stuck rather easily. My advice is get the 4 wheel drive, that way you can explore everything Iceland has to offer. Haifoss and Gjain were two of our favorite stops and well worth the extra money for the 4x4!!!
Good luck!!!
Written November 12, 2016
Pat S
Vermont
I will be traveling there in early July, and while a fearless driver, undeterred by gravel or challenge, I will be driving a regular car, not an SUV. What is the best way to carefully access the Gjain/Stong area in a regular car.....mixed messages from reviewers leave me unsure if its possible.....or which route would be best, where to park and hike. I would love some advice. Very much want to visit. Also.....if we get there ok, can we also get to Haifoss? If we had to hike in, where would best place to park be? Please send me some advice- to help plan my adventure.....Thank you.
Written April 3, 2016
There is only one road to Stöng and I would not recommend driving it in a regular car - although we did see one such vehicle when we were there I have no idea how they made it in one piece. The closest place to park and hike would be at Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng (reconstruction of the excavated building at Stöng) but it is probably around a 10km hike to Stöng itself from there. We met a couple who had parked and walked (we gave them a lift back) as they only had a regular car - they were very glad they didn't try the drive! We were there in November 2016 and had a 4x4 (which we were very glad of!)
If you do choose to drive in a regular car - as well as being exceedingly careful and driving very slowly - be aware that most rental insurance policies will not cover chassis damage (even if you have a zero excess) and many are invalidated if you drive a non-4wd on F-roads. Also driving off the established track is illegal in Iceland due to damage to the limited vegetation creating erosion problems. I would suggest hiring a 4wd for a short duration to make the trip.
From Stöng it is a short hike (approx. 30 mins) to Gjáin (follow the markers). A longer walk (2-3hours each way) from Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng will get you to Háifoss.
Written January 9, 2017
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