Gullfoss

Overview

Gullfoss stands as Iceland's most celebrated waterfall, a thundering two-tiered cascade where the glacial Hvítá river plunges 32 metres into a dramatic canyon. Located in the Haukadalur valley in southwest Iceland, this "Golden Waterfall" earned its name from the golden hue that dances across its mist when sunlight strikes the spray at certain angles. The waterfall's unique L-shaped formation creates a spectacular display as the river first drops 11 metres, then turns 90 degrees before tumbling another 21 metres into the narrow Gullfossgjúfur canyon below.

As the crown jewel of Iceland's Golden Circle route, Gullfoss attracts over one million visitors annually, yet its raw power remains undimmed by tourism. The waterfall's significance extends beyond its natural beauty—it represents Iceland's early conservation movement, saved from hydroelectric development in the 1920s by the determined efforts of Sigríður Tómasdóttir, daughter of the farm owner. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate showcases the untamed force of Icelandic nature, with peak flow reaching 130 cubic metres per second during summer months.

The waterfall's accessibility and year-round appeal make it essential viewing for any Iceland itinerary. Whether shrouded in winter ice formations or thundering with summer meltwater, Gullfoss delivers a consistently awe-inspiring encounter with Iceland's geological forces.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 64.3270°N, 20.1210°W

**Entry Fee:** Free

**Opening Hours:** 24/7 (visitor facilities: summer 09:00-22:00, winter 09:00-18:00)

**Best Time to Visit:** June-August for maximum flow, November-March for ice formations

**Access Level:** Easy to moderate (paved paths with some steep sections)

**Nearest Town:** Selfoss (54km southeast)

**Elevation:** 396 metres above sea level

**Water Temperature:** 2-4°C year-round

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Ring Road (Route 1) east for 49km to Selfoss, then follow Route 35 north for 46km through Laugarvatn. At the junction after Geysir, continue straight on Route 35 for 9km to reach Gullfoss car park. Total distance: 104km, journey time 1 hour 20 minutes in good conditions.

Alternative scenic route: Take Route 36 via Þingvellir National Park, adding 15km but incorporating another Golden Circle highlight. From Þingvellir, follow Route 365 east to Route 35, then north to Gullfoss.

Road conditions remain good year-round on this route, though winter driving requires caution due to ice and reduced daylight. Route 35 receives priority snow clearance as part of the Golden Circle.

Parking

The main car park accommodates approximately 200 vehicles across two levels. Parking costs 750 ISK for cars (€5.50) via automated payment machines accepting cards and cash. Coaches park in designated areas near the visitor centre. Peak summer periods (11:00-16:00) see frequent capacity issues—arrive before 10:00 or after 17:00 for guaranteed spaces.

Additional overflow parking opens during peak season, though this requires a longer walk to the viewpoints.

Access

Two viewing areas offer different perspectives. The upper viewpoint sits 150 metres from the car park via a paved path with gentle gradient, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The lower viewpoint requires a 400-metre walk down a steeper gravel path with handrails, descending 40 metres elevation. The lower path can become slippery when wet and closes during severe winter weather.

What to See and Do

The upper viewing platform provides the classic Gullfoss perspective, showcasing both tiers of the waterfall and the rainbow formation that frequently appears in the mist during sunny conditions. This vantage point offers the best photography opportunities, particularly for wide-angle shots capturing the waterfall's full scale against the surrounding landscape.

The lower viewing area brings visitors within 20 metres of the cascade's base, delivering an immersive experience of the waterfall's thunderous power. Here, the spray creates a cool microclimate even during summer, and the geological structure of the canyon becomes clearly visible. The basalt rock layers tell the story of multiple volcanic episodes over thousands of years.

Winter transforms Gullfoss into an ice sculpture, with frozen formations creating temporary ice caves and spectacular icicle curtains. The river never freezes completely due to its geothermal source, maintaining a striking contrast between flowing water and ice formations. Winter visitors should expect reduced daylight hours but often encounter fewer crowds.

The visitor centre houses exhibitions detailing the waterfall's geological formation, local wildlife, and conservation history. A café serves traditional Icelandic dishes and provides warming facilities during cold weather. Souvenir shops offer locally made crafts, though prices reflect the tourist location premium.

Best Time to Visit

**June-August:** Peak flow creates maximum spectacle, with 18-20 hours of daylight allowing flexible visiting times. Expect crowds, particularly 11:00-16:00. Lupine flowers bloom throughout the area in July.

**April-May, September-October:** Shoulder seasons offer moderate crowds with good weather potential. Aurora viewing possible during September-October evening visits. Unpredictable weather requires flexible planning.

**November-March:** Winter ice formations create unique beauty, though reduced daylight (4-6 hours) limits viewing time. Northern lights possible during clear evenings. Lower viewpoint often inaccessible due to ice. Temperatures range from -10°C to 2°C.

**December-February:** Most dramatic ice formations but shortest days and harshest weather. Essential to check road conditions before travelling.

Safety

Path edges near both viewpoints lack barriers in several sections—maintain safe distance from cliff edges, particularly when conditions are wet or icy. The spray zone creates persistently slippery surfaces on rocks and metal fixtures.

Strong winds frequently funnel through the canyon, creating sudden gusts that can unbalance visitors. Secure loose items and avoid extending cameras or phones over viewing area edges.

Winter hazards include black ice on paths, sudden weather changes, and potential whiteout conditions during storms. The lower viewing path closes when deemed unsafe by park authorities.

River access is strictly prohibited due to powerful currents and near-freezing water temperatures. Several drowning incidents have occurred from unofficial river access attempts.

Emergency services response time averages 25 minutes from Selfoss. Mobile phone coverage remains good throughout the site.

Nearby Places

**Geysir Geothermal Area** (9km south): Home to Strokkur geyser, erupting every 5-10 minutes, and the original Geysir hot spring. Walking trails connect multiple geothermal features.

**Þingvellir National Park** (50km southwest): UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the birthplace of Iceland's parliament and the meeting point of European and North American tectonic plates.

**Kerið Crater Lake** (40km south): Volcanic crater lake with distinctive red rock walls and turquoise water, formed 6,500 years ago.

**Faxi Waterfall** (15km southeast): Lesser-known waterfall on the Tungufljót river, offering swimming opportunities in natural pools during summer.

**Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)** (25km southeast): Natural hot spring pool maintaining 38-40°C year-round, Iceland's oldest swimming pool dating to 1891.

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