Visit Þjórsárdalur Valley in the Icelandic Highlands
Tucked between South Iceland and the edge of the Icelandic Highlands, Þjórsárdalur Valley offers a wonderful mix of nature and history. The valley is home to waterfalls, hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, and fascinating traces of Iceland's past. While many visitors come to see the three waterfalls in Stranger Things, Þjórsárdalur offers much more than a filming location.
Planning to explore beyond the Golden Circle or venture into the Highlands? Þjórsárdalur Valley is a rewarding destination for travellers interested in both nature and Viking history.
Where is the Þjórsárdalur Valley?
Þjórsárdalur Valley (Thjórsárdalur Valley) is located in South Iceland, where the lowlands gradually meet the Icelandic Highlands. It stretches along the river Þjórsá, Iceland's longest river, and lies northwest of Mount Hekla and east of the Golden Circle. The valley is approximately 130 km (81 mi) from Reykjavík, making it an easy day trip from Iceland's capital.
Despite being within easy reach of South Iceland's popular attractions, Þjórsárdalur remains relatively peaceful. Visitors can explore waterfalls, lava fields, and historic settlements without the crowds often found at some of Iceland's top destinations.
A Brief History of Þjórsárdalur Valley
The story of Þjórsárdalur is closely tied to Volcano Hekla, which rises just east of the valley. Early Icelandic settlers were drawn to the area's fertile land and access to fresh water from the river Þjórsá. Farms and small communities flourished here during the Viking Age.
Life in the valley changed dramatically in 1104 when Mount Hekla erupted. Ash and volcanic material covered large parts of the region, burying farms and forcing many residents to leave. The eruption also contributed to the formation of the vast Þjórsá Lava field, one of Iceland’s largest lava flows.
Centuries later, archaeologists uncovered evidence of these early settlements. One of the most significant discoveries was the farm at Stöng, which was excavated in 1939. The site provided valuable insight into how Icelanders lived during the Commonwealth period. Today, it remains one of the country's most important archaeological locations.