Guide de Voyage : Gjarfoss Waterfall

Gjarfoss is a beautiful waterfall in a stunning valley amid the remote South Iceland countryside.

The Gjarfoss waterfall, Gjárfoss in Icelandic, is in the Gjain valley, a paradise-like landscape with many gorgeous natural features in a tiny area. Travelers who love exploring lesser-known hidden gems will not want to miss visiting Gjarfoss and its surroundings.

Gjarfoss waterfall isn't massive like many of Iceland's more famous cascades. However, its charm lies in its magical setting packed with treasures, including lava caves, basalt columns, and lush greenery.

Travelers renting a four-wheel drive vehicle in Iceland can visit Gjarfoss waterfall at their leisure or as part of a self-drive tour. This amazing 8-day summer self-drive holiday and this adventurous 7-day self-drive vacation both include a taste of the Icelandic Highlands and a chance to see the Gjarfoss waterfall.

---

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir. No edits made

---

Gjarfoss Waterfall Location and Travel Tips

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir. No edits made

Gjarfoss waterfall is an off-the-beaten-track attraction on the edge of the Thjorsardalur valley.

It's upcountry in South Iceland and very close to the Icelandic Highlands, approximately 81 miles (131 kilometers) east of Reykjavik.

You need a four-wheel drive to reach the Gjarfoss car park. However, some report that a two-wheel drive is sufficient in summer if you park at the Stong Viking longhouse and walk from there. 

The trail between Stong and Gjarfoss is rated easy and is a 1.3-mile (2.1-kilometer) roundtrip. Allow one hour or more to walk from Stong and enjoy the waterfall and surrounding area.

A four-wheel drive is always recommended in this area because weather is unpredictable and road conditions can vary. Four-wheel drives also offer greater flexibility regarding where you can go. They allow you to travel on F-roads, several of which are nearby.

Summer is the best season to visit the Gjarfoss waterfall, as road conditions may not be suitable during winter.

How to Reach Gjarfoss Waterfall from Reykjavik

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir. No edits made

To reach Gjarfoss from Reykjavik, take road 49 out of the city. Turn right onto the Ring Road, traveling past Hveragerdi and Selfoss towns until you reach Skeida-og Hrunamannavegur (road 30). 

Turn left and drive for around 11.2 miles (18 kilometers), then turn right onto Thjorsardalsvegur (road 32). Turn left onto road 327, continuing past the turnoff to Stong Viking longhouse, and park in the Gjain parking lot to access the waterfall.

From the parking lot, it's a short walk down into the valley, where you'll find the Gjarfoss waterfall and other natural features like the lava caves. The waterfall is about a 546-yard (500-meter) return walk from the car park. If you walk from the car park, allow around 30 minutes to visit the waterfall and surrounding area.

Gjarfoss Waterfall Features

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir. No edits made

The Gjarfoss waterfall is 49 feet (15 meters) high. Its rugged, uneven ridgeline beautifully frames it, and it has another small waterfall next to it. Gjarfoss tumbles into a pristine pool of water, which then flows down a rocky stream bed. The pool is a prime swimming spot if you don't mind icy-cold waters.

Gjarfoss has a serene atmosphere that feels like an oasis. It is abundant in bird life and lush greenery in summer. Lava fields from past volcanic eruptions surround it, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.

According to Icelandic folklore, Gjarfoss is home to spirits protecting the breathtaking natural features.

Other Features of the Gjain Valley

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir. No edits made

The Gjain valley has diverse attractions, including waterfalls, lava caves, basalt columns, and the Rauda (red) river. An intriguing rock formation with a hole in it is perfect for photo opportunities.

The valley is a picturesque place to hike and boasts incredible vistas of the Hekla volcano. 

Owing to its awe-inspiring beauty, Gjain was a Game of Thrones filming location. Fans can marvel at the epic backdrop from the Water Dance with Arya and the Hound (from season four, episode five).

Attractions Near the Gjarfoss Waterfall

Just a mile (1.7 kilometers) from the Gjarfoss waterfall by car, the Stong Viking longhouse is a testament to Iceland's rich history. It offers a captivating glimpse into medieval life. Visitors can explore the meticulously reconstructed longhouse and imagine the daily activities of early Icelandic settlers, making it an enriching cultural experience.

Only 5 miles (8.2 kilometers) from Gjarfoss lies Hjalparfoss waterfall, where the Fossa and Thjorsa rivers join in a mesmerizing double cascade. 

Approximately 15.8 miles (25.5 kilometers) from Gjarfoss is the majestic Haifoss waterfall, plunging dramatically into a deep gorge. Haifoss is one of the country's tallest cascades and provides a magnificent backdrop for photographers and adventurers alike.

The Landmannalaugar nature reserve awaits 49 miles (79 kilometers) away for those seeking adventure. It promises spectacular vistas and unique geological formations amidst Iceland's rugged wilderness. With its colorful rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs, Landmannalaugar offers endless exploration options.