Gjain, Haifoss and Hjalparfoss Guide [2024]

Visiting the amazing waterfalls of Gjain, Haifoss and Hjalparfoss from Reykjavik in Iceland? Read on to find out how to get to Gjain, Haifoss and Hjalparfoss, and things to do there.

Gjain is a setting fit for a fairytale

If you’ve ever visited Iceland, you would probably be well-acquainted with the Golden Circle route. The popular Golden Circle route consists of Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gulfoss.

For tourists, these famous stops are pretty much on every one’s bucket list - and that’s exactly why you should go on this alternate Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik – the Platinum Circle (yes, it’s a thing we’re trying to coin).

Every one visits the Golden Circle. Every tour company runs tours to these stops.

Well, we’ve cooked up a day trip itinerary for you that is even better than the Golden Circle route, and much less visited. The ‘Platinum Circle’ consists of the amazing Gjain, Haifoss and Hjalparfoss. This itinerary will allow you to see jaw-dropping waterfalls, cascading waters and fairy tale canyons.

If you’re someone who likes to explore destinations that are off the beaten track, read on!

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How to get to Gjain, Haifoss and Hjalparfoss

First thing’s first – you’ll need a rental car. We strongly, strongly recommend a 4WD. As you’ll be driving on some pretty bumpy roads (especially on the way to Haifoss), it’s crucial that you drive a 4WD. We usually rent from Europcar and haven’t had a problem so far. Europcar has a few locations in Reykjavik - at the Airport, in the City Center and near the cruise ship harbour.

Alternatively, if you’re not keen on self-driving, Viator offers tours that cross all the stops on this itinerary, but of course this option is much more expensive.

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Let’s begin our day trip!

1) Gjain

The first stop on your Platinum Circle day trip is the lovely Gjain. Gjain is 138km from Reykjavik and is about a 2-2.5 hour drive from the capital.

Gjain is like a little wonderland of everything that makes Iceland so magical, in one compact area. At Gjain you’ll see the pretty Gjarfoss waterfall, with its waters cascading into the Red River. The best way to describe Gjain is that it’s very fairytale-esque. It looks like it’s come straight out of a children’s picture book. It kind of reminded me of something you would find in Peter Rabbit or The Hobbit.

Make sure to wander around the grounds of Gjain and marvel at Iceland’s natural beauty, before moving on to your next stop.

Gjarfoss Waterfall is quaint, but pretty

Even the Gjain car park offers scenic views

The beautiful Gjain possesses lots of different types of scenery

Picturesque Gjarfoss

How to get to Gjain:

To get to Gjain, you’ll have to drive onto Road 32, turn onto Road 332, turn again onto Road 327, and then turn into the Gjain parking lot.

As I mentioned earlier, the road gets bumpy. But, be patient, and you’ll be met with a worthy reward. When you get to the parking lot, take an easy, short descending hike down to Gjain. This shouldn’t take more than 5-10 minutes for a person with any reasonable level of fitness.

2) Haifoss Waterfall

The second stop of your day trip will be the imposing Haifoss Waterfall. This was the highlight of our day trip.

Haifoss is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, and one of our favourite things that we saw on our trip

The Haifoss area is actually made up of two waterfalls, Haifoss and Granni. This area was one of my all-time favourites on my 1-week Iceland trip.

Those who have a fear of heights should steer clear of the edge as Haifoss sits on a steep cliff!

Haifoss sits 122 metres high, and is a true sight to behold. Located in the Fossa river, Haifoss is actually Iceland’s third highest waterfall (not including the waterfalls found in Mosarjokull, but I digress).

Be warned – Haifoss is truly spectacular, but very, very tall. One slip on the edge of the waterfall will lead you to certain doom. Do not creep over the edge, and stay safe at all times. Don’t risk it and take stupid photos for Instagram! It’s not worth it. The views are plenty amazing just walking around the rim of the falls without getting too close to them.

The Haifoss area is actually made up of two waterfalls, Haifoss and Granni

Granni (literally meaning ‘Neighbour’) are Haifoss’ neighbouring falls. Unlike Haifoss, Granni’s waters do not cascade straight downwards at a 90-degree angle, but rather slide down numerous ridges before forming beautifully at the bottom.

Fossarfalur Valley is close to Haifoss and Granni

In the area, you’ll also see Fossardalur valley, which is a valley punctuated by faded green hills. Definitely a nice little bonus after seeing the falls.

Haifoss was one of the most memorable waterfalls we’ve ever witnessed

How to get there to Haifoss:

Haifoss is about a 35-45 minute drive from Gjain. The drive could take longer if the roads are particularly bumpy, and is dependent on how slow you go. Take Road 332 all the way until you see a sign to turn left into the Haifoss car park. Keep driving on the gravel road until you reach the car park.

3) Hjalparfoss

The third and final stop on this amazing Alternative Golden Circle Day Trip is Hjalparfoss.

Haifoss was one of the most memorable waterfalls we’ve ever witnessed

We put Hjalparfoss last on our itinerary as we think it’s a nice and satisfying way to end an adventurous day completing the Platinum Circle. After seeing the beautiful Gjain and the grandiose of Haifoss, Hjalparfoss is a peaceful and relaxing way to round out your day trip.

An easy drive from Gjain and Haifoss, Hjalarpafoss is the perfect way to end your day trip

Hjalparfoss’ waterfalls are not the tallest, but what’s unique about these falls is the shape of the cascading waters. Two waterfalls flow through until they meet into the middle, connecting at the river Fossa. The two falls almost make a “U” shape.

Hjlarpafoss is perfect for a quick photo stop on this day trip

How to get to Hjalparfoss:

Hjalparfoss is about a 35-40 minute drive from Haifoss, or a 30 minute drive from Gjain. From Haifoss, you take road 332 all the way down, pass Gjain, and keep going until you turn onto Road 32 again. Keep going on Road 32 until you reach the signs to turn into Hjalparfoss. Keep driving until you reach the falls.

So there you have it – three incredible stops along the Platinum Circle. Gjain, Haifoss and Hjalparfoss certainly make for an attractive, quiet alternative to the classic but crowded Golden Circle.

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Got more time?

Got loads of sunlight and more time to explore? I’m looking at you, midnight sun!

The Platinum Circle can easily be done with the classic Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gulfoss) or other stops such as Kerid Crater, Faxafoss, Bruarfoss or even the stops on the South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara Beach).

Seljalandsfoss is an imposing waterfall you can walk behind, located in the South Coast of Iceland

Also on the South Coast of Iceland, Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s most epic and formidable waterfalls

Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland’s most famous black sand beach

What you you should bring on this day trip

No matter the weather, there are always a few things that you should bring to Iceland, including:

• a rain jacket

• warm clothes

• an umbrella

• suitable hiking shoes

• if visiting in the winter - snow boots, thermals, gloves, scarfs, thick jackets etc.

Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change at any time. Always be ready for harsh conditions.

Have you visited, or are planning to visit the Platinum Circle (Gjain, Haifoss and Hjalparfoss)?

Let us know in the comments below! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.