Gjáin

We made this trail as a study kit for an outdoor activity project for schools.

The trail leads from the parking place at Rauðá river, close to Stöng. Stöng is a ruin of a farm from the Wiking age. The area has often been affected by ash and pummice from eruptions in the volcano Hekla.

The study kit for the hike includes a description of activities for students. It can also be interesting for families or a group of friends to follow.

Detailed description/instruction:
The aim of this project is to make students see and understand how people lived at the time of settlement and what impact the Plinian eruption of the volcano Hekla in 1104 had on the valley Þjórsárdalur. Students work in groups of 2-3.

Participants start their hike at the parking place on the southern side of the river Rauðá from where they hike to the excavation site of the settlement farm Stöng. After observing the long house, farm sheds and stables they use their smartphones to follow the trail to the waterfall Gjáfoss. Participants track their own trail and mark waypoints of historical and geological interest. On the way they observe signs of the Plinian eruption from 1104, collect pumice and discover volcanic formations as basalt columns. They use their smartphones also to take photos of places of interest.

Task 1: Excavation site at Stöng (short description and photos). Mark the place as waypoint. The farm house of Stöng is larger than farm houses in later centuries. Explain why.

Task 2: Find signs of the impact of volcano eruptions on the trail (photos). Mark the place as waypoint. Find a peace of pumice and proof that it floats on water (photo/video). Please leave the piece of pumice at the site.

Task 3: Observe the waterfall Gjáfoss and it’s surrounding (photos). Mark the place as waypoint. Take a photo of basalt columns. How do basalt columns form?