Stranger Things Adventure | The Gate at Háifoss | Private Tour

Time to visit one of Iceland’s most dramatic waterfalls — Háifoss. Just a short drive away, this towering giant plunges 122 meters (400 ft) into a vast canyon carved through ancient volcanic rock. From the viewpoint you’ll also see its elegant neighbor Granni, the “friendly” waterfall, creating a spectacular twin cascade that feels almost cinematic.

But we won’t stop at the viewpoint. Just like stepping beyond the ordinary world — something fans of Stranger Things might appreciate — we’ll descend into the canyon itself. A scenic hike of about 1.5 hours both ways takes us down to the valley floor, where the scale of Háifoss truly reveals itself. Standing below the roaring falls, surrounded by towering cliffs and raw highland wilderness, it’s easy to imagine you’ve crossed into another dimension — the kind of mysterious landscape where Eleven might appear searching for a way back.

Endless cascades of water running down among lava fields…  the first astonishing pictures on your route will be painted by the Hjálparfoss waterfall. Split in two with a lovely pond in front, the meeting point of the rivers Fossá and Þjórsá owes the name Hjálp (meaning ”help”) to the interesting history of its surrounding area. Great spot to kick-start the exciting day!

Next, we continue to the enchanting valley of Gjáin, one of the Highlands’ best-kept secrets. Hidden among lava fields, this lush oasis feels almost unreal — a maze of mossy cliffs, tiny waterfalls, clear streams, and peaceful ponds. We’ll take a gentle hike through the valley, exploring its winding paths and discovering viewpoints that make this place feel like a scene from a fantasy world.

Fans of Stranger Things might recognize the atmosphere immediately — a mysterious landscape that could easily belong to Eleven’s world, where reality feels just slightly different and every corner hides something unexpected.

Nearby, we’ll also visit Þjóðveldisbærinn, a reconstructed Viking-age turf farm. Stepping inside this historic house offers a glimpse into how Iceland’s early settlers once lived, surrounded by the same powerful landscapes that still define the Highlands today.