Háifoss
122 m
One of Iceland's tallest waterfalls
Thjorsardalur (Þjórsárdalur): Waterfalls & Viking History
Þjórsárdalur
Updated February 5, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
A green valley along Iceland's longest river, the Þjórsá. Home to towering waterfalls, Viking history, and a hidden oasis used as a filming location.
Region
South Iceland
Best time: June – September
Þjórsárdalur features Háifoss (122 m, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls), Hjálparfoss, the reconstructed Viking farmstead Stöng, and the hidden oasis of Gjáin. The valley has been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones and Stranger Things, drawing visitors who want to see these dramatic landscapes in person.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-05
Some roads require 4x4. Stay on marked paths near waterfalls. Check river conditions before visiting remote areas of the valley.
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
Enchanted oasis of small waterfalls, pools, and lush vegetation in a lava gorge
Key Highlights
Háifoss Waterfall
122 m waterfall plunging into a dramatic canyon — one of Iceland's tallest
Hjálparfoss
A picturesque twin waterfall surrounded by columnar basalt formations
Viking Farmstead Stöng
Reconstructed longhouse buried by Mt. Hekla's eruption in 1104
Gjáin Oasis
Hidden paradise of small waterfalls and lush vegetation — 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 — best weather for the Gjáin oasis and Háifoss viewpoint hike
- September: Fewer visitors, autumn atmosphere at Stöng farm, northern lights possible
- May: Háifoss is at impressive flow from 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.