Gullfoss waterfall
Gullfoss waterfall is beyond a doubt one of the most stunning and majestic sights in Iceland. It won‘t show you the soft and gentle side of Iceland, this is the really wild and rugged side of Icelandic nature. In clear visibility you will even get a glimpse of Langjökull glacier, its white brilliance meeting the sky high on the horizon.
Listening to the thunder of wild water and feeling the airborne droplets of moisture in the air, you will know you are in the presence of a great waterfall the moment you leave the car park. Photogenic, glorious, turbulent and mesmeric in any season of the year, Gullfoss is all of these and far more. For me, these falls are at their loveliest when the giant boulders they drop over are cloaked in a patina of shimmering ice, but always take care in slippery conditions. There can be ice within the waterfall but it never freezes. It is also very special in the bright Arctic summer light.
1. Gullfoss – waterfall facts
At its widest, above the falls, the flow is 800 ft wide as the river forces its way into the 70 ft high canyon. The drops of 36 ft and 69 ft are at an angle to one another, giving a dramatic pivoting staircase effect. The torrent then descends into a 105 ft deep crevice named Gullfossgjúfur.
2. Why is it named Gullfoss?
The golden-toned mist that hovers above the water much of the time gave this waterfall its name. Gullfoss means Golden Fall(s). The gentle beauty of dreamy golden mist juxtapositioned with raw power are part of the unique beauty of Gullfoss.
3. Where does Gullfoss originate?
Gullfoss is on the tumultuous Hvítá, a glacial river. It originates at Hvítárvatn, the glacial lake at Langjökull glacier.
4. Where does the river finish up?
After Hvítá roars through Gullfoss, it meanders quite a bit and three rivers flow into it along the way, Tungufljót, Brúará and Stóra Laxá, adding greatly to its volume. Close to Þrastarlundur, another river, the Sog, fuses with Hvítá. At this point, the river gains a new name, Ölfusá. This is the beautiful river that flows through the town of Selfoss. Between Eyrarbakki and Þórlákshöfn, but closer to Eyrarbakki, the water enters the Atlantic Ocean. The bridge on Road 34 will carry you over the spot.
5. How was Gullfoss formed?
The canyon in which Gullfoss sits was formed by an enormous glacial flood known as a jökulhlaup. The magnitude of these giant floods is such that huge chasms are torn out of solid rock. Geothermal activity beneath Langjökull glacier or a volcanic eruption created massive volumes of meltwater that poured forth.
6. Why is Gullfoss the second biggest waterfall in Iceland?
This often perplexes people because it is not so tall. However, when it comes to flow volumes this waterfall can easily lay claim to second place behind Dettifoss in North Iceland. The average summer flow rate is 4,900 cu ft per second, but this can surge far higher. The biggest flood rate recorded is 71,000 cu ft per second.
7. Gullfoss hydroelectric dam battle
In the early twentieth century, foreign investors and an Icelandic lawyer, poet and politician with controversial ideas wanted to dam the Hvítá river higher up. This plan would have harnessed the river’s massive hydroelectricity generating capacity at the cost of obliterating Gullfoss. Sigríður Tómasdóttir, a local environmentalist and farmer’s daughter, swung into action. She fought incredibly hard, often going to Reykjavík to put the case on behalf of her beloved Gullfoss, and laws were passed preventing the involvement of foreign investors. Today an impressive stone statue and plaque stand above the falls commemorating her efforts.
With different personalities at the helm, another later battle took place concerning the exploitation of this iconic waterfall. In 1979, Gullfoss was finally granted permanent protected status, as befits the most frequently visited waterfall in Iceland.
8. When is Gullfoss open?
Gullfoss is open all the time and every day. The lower paths are closed in winter due to slippery conditions but the view is still magnificent. The upper pathways and viewpoints are wheelchair friendly.
9. Gullfoss – Where to eat and facilities
A small fee is charged to use the toilets at the car park.
The toilets at the Panorama Restaurant, Café and Gift Shop are free to customers.
Excellent soups, including a vegan option and kjötsúpa, the Icelandic lamb soup, are available. Fresh cakes, salads and sandwiches, together with a wide choice of drinks and alcohol beverages, will tempt your taste buds at the spacious self-service cafeteria.
Souvenirs of all kinds, jewelry, books, foods and clothing are for sale the shop.
10. What else can you do at Gullfoss?
Gullfoss waterfall trail is quite short at around 1.1 mi but it will show you spectacular views of the canyon and falls. Photographers adore the Gullfoss vistas. It is lovely to chill out and enjoy the café or browse in the gift shop. The charming villages of Laugarvatn and Flúðir are not far away, and you are fairly close to Langjökull, the nearest glacier to Reykjavík. River rafting trips can be enjoyed nearby.
11. How far is Gullfoss from Geysir and Þingvellir?
Gullfoss is 6.0 mi (10km) from Geysir using Road 35. Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir) is 43 mi (70km) from Gullfoss via the shorter route along Roads 35, 365 and 37. The longest route through Skálholt is 50 mi along Roads 35, 358, 35, 37 and then the 365 from Laugarvatn.
12. Where is Gullfoss?
Gullfoss Falls are 73 mi (118km) from Reykjavík. You need to head towards Mosfellsbær where you join Highway 1, and follow the route to Þingvellir. You then need to take Roads 365, 37, and 35.
13. How to get to Gullfoss?
If you want to hire a car and drive there is a large free car park close to the falls. But if you prefer to join a shared or private tour check our Golden Circle tour options.
Written by Kay Tina Cook
