Gjáin

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

The place at a glance

Type: Viewpoint
Popularity: Moderate
Region: Highlands
Location: 64.14900, -19.73682

About the place

Explore Gjáin, an oasis in the heart of the Þjórsárdalur valley. This verdant gully, a rarity in Iceland, seems to emerge from nowhere in the midst of barren lava fields. Long unknown to tourists, Gjáin, meaning “rift” in Icelandic, gained in popularity after its appearance in the “Game of Thrones” series.

This small valley offers a striking contrast between its lush greenery, dark volcanic structures and strikingly blue waterfalls. The Rauðá river feeds several waterfalls at Gjáin, including the majestic 15-metre-high Gjárfoss, pouring its waters from volcanic rock into a pond.