Gullfoss Waterfall

Within the Golden Circle route, one of Iceland’s can’t-miss places is Gullfoss Waterfall. These falls are part of the Hvítá river and are known as the “Golden Falls,” as it offers breathtaking views for visitors surrounded by incredible natural beauty. Reaching heights of 105 feet, this powerful waterfall in the Gullfoss Nature Reserve is a stop you have to make while traveling through Iceland.

Facts & Figures

Contrasting other Icelandic waterfalls as one of the most scenic, Gullfoss Waterfall is known by its dramatic cascading tiers. It is the epitome of Iceland's wild and rugged beauty, drawing in hundreds of thousands from all over the world every year. Here are some key facts:

Why is Gullfoss Waterfall famous?

Gullfoss is famous for its two-tiered lava drop and the force of the water spray, which produces a colored rainbow in sunny weather. It is also important due to its role in the history of Iceland's environmental conservation movement.

How tall is Gullfoss?

The waterfall cascades down 32 meters (105 feet) in two stages, an 11 meters (36 ft) drop and a 21 meter (69 ft) plunge.

How deep is the crevice that Gullfoss plunges into?

The water falls into a 20-meter (65-foot) deep and 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long crevice.

How was Gullfoss formed?

The more likely theory of how Gullfoss was formed believes that Hvítá, run-off from Langjökull, shaped the ground over time. The canyon has been developing consistently since the end of the ice age when the glacier began to melt. However, there is another theory that suggests that the Gullfoss Canyon developed in a massive glacial outburst flood at the end of the ice age, where a high volume of water collected at the edge of the glacier and finally broke, generating its erosive pressures.

Geologists believe that Gulfoss was formed around 5,000 years ago.

Can you walk around Gullfoss?

Indeed, there are some good walkways maintained, from where you can view the waterfall, including a lower path that will get you just beside the water.

Can you walk behind Gullfoss?

No, you cannot walk behind Gullfoss. The waterfall is not one of the waterfalls in Iceland you can walk behind. However, you can get very close to it by following the walking paths.

Is Gullfoss open all year?

Gullfoss is fully accessible throughout the year, although it looks significantly different depending on the climate you visit in. The waterfall is wrapped in snow and ice in winter, adding to that unique beauty of Iceland, be aware that the paths might be icy so caution is recommended. In bad conditions the walking paths are closed for visitors safety.

Is there an entrance fee for Gullfoss?

Gullfoss is free to visit and there’s no entrance fee.

What are some other attractions near Gullfoss?

Many visit Gullfoss as part of the Golden Circle, a trio that also includes the Geysir Geothermal Area and Thingvellir National Park. Kerid Crater, and the Secret Lagoon are also two other top things to do close by.

History - The Woman Who Loved the Falls

Gullfoss has a storied history, both as a breathtaking natural feature and also as an example of the conservationist strain present in Iceland. At the beginning of the 20th century, a group of foreign investors wanted to use Gullfoss to generate electricity. However, the daughter of a local farmer, Sigríður Tómasdóttir fervently opposed these plans and even declared that she would leap to her death in the falls should they go ahead. Thanks to her efforts, the plans were abandoned, and Gullfoss was eventually preserved as a natural treasure. Today, her legacy is commemorated by a plaque near the waterfall.

Gullfoss Lookout Point

One of the best views of Gullfoss is from the viewing platform on top, which offers sweeping views of the waterfall itself and the adjacent landscape. The walk from the main car park to the lookout point is a short, easy 5-10 minute stroll along a well-maintained path. The trail is safe and accessible, though it can be icy in winter, so wearing sturdy footwear is recommended. In terms of proximity, the lookout allows you to get incredibly close to the falls—close enough to feel the mist on your face, especially on windy days!

The Gullfoss Visitor Center

Beside the waterfall you’ll find the Gullfoss Visitor Center that is filled with information about this area and Iceland’s wilderness. Located inside the Visitor Centre is a fitting stop — Gullfoss Café, to have coffee or something to nibble on whilst trying to defrost from your icy surroundings in winter. The center is complete with restrooms, a gift shop, and information about other area attractions so you can use it to plan your day.

Where is Gullfoss & How to get there?

Gullfoss is on the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route in southwest Iceland. It is roughly 116 kilometers (72 miles) from Reykjavík taking between 1,5 - 2 hours to get there by car. It is about 160 km (99 miles) or a 2 hour drive from Vík if you're coming from that direction along the Ring Road and Route 30. The drive itself is beautiful as you drive past mountains, fields and other landmarks along the route.

• Location Coordinates for Gullfoss are 64.3271° N, 20.1199° W

The lookout-point, parking, visitor center and trail to the falls are all on the waterfalls west side. 

Gullfoss Main Car Park

The main car park at Gullfoss is conveniently located close to the waterfall. Just like the zero cost of entrance, parking is also completely free. The parking area is spacious, accommodating both individual visitors and tour buses. From the parking lot, it’s a short walk to the visitor center and the waterfall paths, making it easy to explore.

Sights in the Area

In addition to the gorgeous views of Gullfoss Waterfall, there is a lot in this area to experience that I recommend a couple days if possible. Close by is the Geysir Geothermal Area with the erupting Strokkur geyser which goes off every 5-10 minutes. Another iconic sight is Thingvellir, a UNESCO world heritage site, with lots of beautiful walking paths around historical significant sights and natural beauty. Then for a low-key hot spring experience (compared to the Blue Lagoon anyway), it's hard to beat the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir.

Can You See the Northern Lights at Gullfoss?

Yes you can see the Northern Light as Gullfoss Waterfall. The location is so isolated from city light pollution that it makes for optimal viewing of the aurora borealis in the long winter nights. The Northern Lights are most commonly seen between September and April, when the nights are long and sky is clear.