The Ultimate Guide to Gjain, Iceland

Gjain is hidden in the Þjórsárdalur valley and looks like it is where fairies should live. Although the valley is small, it is magical and beautiful, with waterfalls, volcanic rock, and bright blue pools. When you walk into Gjain, it will feel as if you were transported to a magical fairyland.

Gjain is easily one of the best hidden gems in South Iceland, and you will quickly fall in love with it when you visit! You can enjoy a beautiful hike through the valley and explore its many waterfalls and pools. This guide has everything you need to know about Gjain, Iceland!

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Tips for Visiting Gjain, Iceland

Have a car approved for F roads. Although the road leading to Gjain is not as rough as other F roads, it is still unpaved. Having a 4x4 vehicle approved for F roads is crucial.
Stay on the marked trails. Over the last few years, a few hiking trails have been rerouted. It is crucial to only hike on the marked trails because many older ones are now closed for restoration.
Wear proper footwear. Although the hikes in Gjain are not strenuous, you should wear footwear with good traction. The trails leading into Gjain are steep.
Pack layers and a rain jacket. The weather in the Gjain is unpredictable, making it crucial to pack layers and a rain jacket.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

How to Get to Gjain, Iceland

Gjain is fairly easy to get to, although a 4x4 vehicle is required since it is off an unpaved road. Although the road leading to Gjain is not as rough to drive as other F roads, having a 4x4 vehicle approved for F roads is crucial.

From Reykjavik, you follow the Ring Road south before turning onto Road 32. Road 32 travels east into Iceland, offering beautiful views. Eventually, you will turn onto Road 327 and follow it until you see signs for Gjain.

The parking lot of Gjain is small. Although it is considered a hidden gem, it can fill up quickly. I recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon.

fun day trips from reykjavik

Where to Stay Near Gjain Iceland

Selfoss is the closest town near Gjain and offers everything you need for your stay. It has plenty of accommodations, restaurants, and shops to enjoy. A few hotels and campgrounds are closer to Gjain but further away from shops and restaurants.

Hotels and Campgrounds near Gjain

Árnes Campground

What to Pack for Gjain, Iceland

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!

Hiking in Gjain, Iceland

Although there is a beautiful viewpoint near the parking lot overlooking all of Gjain, I recommend hiking the easy trail into it. You can get an up-close and personal experience with its beautiful waterfalls and pools. I promise the easy hike is worth it!

The first section of the trail is a short walk from the parking lot and leads to an upper viewpoint of Gjain. The trail from the parking lot splits left and walks along an edge above Gjain. From this viewpoint, you can view the beautiful valley and its waterfalls. It is a stunning overlook and a great way to see it from above before hiking into Gjain!

beautiful places in the iceland highlands

The trail travels back towards the parking lot before turning left to descend into Gjain. This section is the steepest as it climbs down into the valley. Once in the valley, most of the trial is flat and easy to follow.

Once on the valley floor, Gjain has many trails you can explore. I recommend turning left at the first fork and hiking along the short loop to get beautiful views of the Rauðá river and its small but beautiful waterfalls. The water is bright blue in the sun, making it a beautiful sight!

Once you finish the loop, the trail turns left to continue into the valley. This section has a bridge that provides a beautiful view of a small waterfall along the edge of Gjain. The trail has a few side trails leading to viewpoints, and I recommend visiting each before heading further into Gjain.

The trail in Gjain has a river crossing, but big rocks are in the river, making it easy to cross. Once across the river, the trail travels towards the most beautiful waterfall in Gjain, Gjárfoss. Gjárfoss is about 50 feet tall, cascading into a bright blue pool and surrounded by basalt columns. It is easily one of the most beautiful spots in Gjain! I could not get over how beautiful the pool was, with its bright blue waters. It was one of the bluest pools I have ever seen in Iceland!

From Gjárfoss, you have two options: hike back the way you came to the parking lot or continue to Stöng. The trail to Stöng is about 0.5 miles one way and leads to the ruins of a Viking settlement farm. You can also drive to Stöng after you visit Gjain if you do not want to hike the additional one-mile round trip. If you do not want to hike to Stöng, you will follow the same trails through Gjain.

Gjain is the perfect addition to every Iceland bucket list, especially if you are visiting the highlands of Landmannalaugar. Gjain is only a short detour along the drive into the highlands.

If you want to visit Gjain, this guide is the perfect place to start planning your trip! It has everything you need to know about visiting Gjain, Iceland.