There are so many natural gems in Iceland that it would be almost a life’s work to explore them all. To enjoy it to the fullest, you need to come to the same area at different times of the year to fully appreciate what you see. Each place has its own characteristics and charm of winter, summer, spring and autumn. Something new always appears in the interplay of light, shades, shadows, and weather.
The options of filming locations in Iceland were so many that it can be assumed that the producers of Game of Thrones had problems choosing and rejecting!
One filming location was high up in Þjórsárdalur, more specifically Gjáin. Incredibly beautiful place and one of the most magnificent natural gems in Iceland. Gjáin must be treated with special respect and caution.
Rauðá is a rock river that feeds into the river and waterfalls. It creates many waterfalls, and from the lava flows water that forms waterholes.
The environment is characterized by columnar basalt, lush vegetation and lava formations reminiscent of elves and trolls. There is also a lot of angelica.
Down in Þjórsárdalur Valey is the settlement hut Stöng. From there, it is a relatively short and easy walk to Gjáin.
You can access Gjáin from two directions. One is from the settlement hut Stöng to the north of Gjáin and the beautiful Gjárfoss. The route is 2.1 km back and forth, an easy walk. The other way is from the car park south of Gjáin, where you can walk down the steps into this adventurous wonderland.
Many Icelanders believe in elves and the spirit of nature, including myself. Many times on my travels around the fairy-tale-like land, I feel the presence of the hidden people, for example, very strongly in Gjáin.
Photo and text: steinipip
