Háifoss
122 m
One of Iceland's tallest waterfalls
Thjorsardalur (Þjórsárdalur): Waterfalls & Viking History
Þjórsárdalur
A green valley along Iceland's longest river, the Þjórsá. Home to tall waterfalls, a Viking farmstead, and the gorge of Gjáin, used as a filming location.
Region
South Iceland
Best time: June – September
Þjórsárdalur holds Háifoss (122 m, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls), Hjálparfoss, the reconstructed Viking farmstead Stöng, and the green gorge of Gjáin. The valley has been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones and Stranger Things.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Some roads require 4x4. Stay on marked paths near waterfalls. Check river conditions before visiting remote areas of the valley.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
River
Þjórsá
Iceland's longest river at 230 km
Best Season
Jun–Sep
Roads accessible in summer months
History
Viking Age
Reconstructed farmstead Stöng from 1104 AD
Viking
Stöng Farm
Excavated Viking Age farm buried by the 1104 Hekla eruption, now a museum reconstruction
Waterfall
Gjáin
Small waterfalls, pools, and green vegetation in a lava gorge
Key Highlights
Háifoss Waterfall
122 m waterfall dropping into a deep canyon, one of Iceland's tallest
Hjálparfoss
A twin waterfall surrounded by columnar basalt formations
Viking Farmstead Stöng
Reconstructed longhouse buried by Mt. Hekla's eruption in 1104
Gjáin Oasis
Gorge of small waterfalls and green vegetation, used as a filming location
Þjórsá River
Iceland's longest river at 230 km, flowing through the valley
Filming Locations
Featured in Game of Thrones and Stranger Things
How to Get There
- Route 32 from Route 1 near Selfoss leads to the valley, about 120 km (1.5 hours) from Reykjavik
- Háifoss and Gjáin waterfall are accessed via Route 332, a gravel road requiring a 4x4
- Stöng reconstructed Viking farm is accessible by standard car via Route 327
- Route 26 from the south and Route 32 from the west provide alternative approaches
- The area is well-signposted from the Ring Road and from Selfoss town
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: All attractions accessible, Háifoss at full flow, wildflowers in Gjáin, 8-15°C
- July: Peak season, with the best weather for Gjáin and the Háifoss viewpoint hike
- September: Fewer visitors, autumn colors at Stöng farm, northern lights possible
- May: Háifoss runs high with snowmelt but some roads may not yet be open
- Year-round: Stöng area accessible by car, but Háifoss road closes in winter
Planning help
Thjorsardalur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.