Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stöng, Búrfell & Around
As the Þjórsá's valley gets more remote inland, the drama and unusual sights increase.
There is no accommodation.
Sights
The following sights are arranged in the order you'll encounter them driving northeast on
Rte 32.
Hjálparfoss WATERFALL
Heading further along Rte 32 from Árnes towards Stöng and Þjóðveldisbær, take a short
(1km) detour along a signposted track to the delightful waterfall Hjálparfoss, which tumbles
in two chutes over twisted basalt columns and into a blue pool.
Stöng RUIN
Buried by white volcanic ash in 1104 during one of Hekla's eruptions, this ancient farm
once belonged to Gaukur Trandilsson, a 10th-century Viking who lived a tempestuous life.
Excavated in 1939 (Iceland's first proper archaeological dig), it's an important site, used to
help date Viking houses elsewhere. The ruins are covered by a large wooden shelter at the
end of a very rough dirt road that branches off Rte 32 about 20km beyond Árnes (best with
4WD, especially after rain).
Brief mentions in some 12th-century graffiti in Orkney, in Njál's Saga and in a scurrilous
medieval rhyme hint that Trandilsson had a fling with the housewife at the nearby farm
Steinastöðum and was killed over the affair in an axe duel. Contemplate this as you explore
the site, where you'll find stone-lined fire pits and door lintels made from octagonal basalt
columns and an impressively desolate lava landscape.
Gjáin CANYON
A walking path behind Stöng farm takes you a couple of kilometres to a strange and lovely
lush little valley, Gjáin, full of twisting lava, otherworldy caves and spectacular waterfalls.
Gjáin simply means rift, and it was a filming location in Game of Thrones .
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