Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland is one of the more popular stops along the Golden Circle route.
Gullfoss translates to Golden Falls in Icelandic. I was able to visit twice, once for work & then again with Mark during our road trip!
Gullfoss Waterfall Facts
- Gullfoss was given its name “Golden” due to the way the sunlight hit the mist above the falls, giving it a golden appearance.
- Hvítá is the river that pours into Gullfoss, which originates at Langjökull glacier lake.
- The canyon surrounding Gullfoss was formed by a massive glacier flood, either due to geothermal activity or some sort of volcanic eruption.
- Gullfoss is known for being one of Iceland’s more powerful waterfalls (but still not the most powerful).
Gullfoss History
The Gullfoss you see today wouldn’t be possible without Sigridur Tomasdottir who worked hard to save the waterfall from being turned into a hydroelectric dam in the early 20th century. When she realized her father planned to sell the land to foreign investors, she walked 72 miles to Reykjavik to protest that the falls be put into conservation. She saved her money and hired a lawyer to represent her, enabling the preservation of Gullfoss Waterfall.
Getting to Gullfoss Waterfall
The easiest way to visit Gullfoss is to travel by car, as there is a free parking lot on site. The drive there is 1.5 hours from Reykjavik. If you prefer not to drive, there are many day tours of the Golden Circle leaving out of Reykjavik that allow you to see Gullfoss, Geysir & Thingvellir National Park in one trip.
Experiencing Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland
I had learned about Gullfoss from watching Zac Efron’s travel show called Down To Earth in their Iceland episode and was excited to experience it first hand.
Truthfully the views of the waterfall and canyon itself, while stunning, was not the part that impressed me the most. It was the way you could feel its power when you get up close to the falls. The sound of the water rushing over the cliff and down into the canyon below was so loud, it was difficult to talk to the person standing right next to you. The mist rising up from the falls also gave it an eerie, yet beautiful tone.
Tips on Visiting Gullfoss
One very important thing to note about visiting Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland: be prepared to get soaked. The waterfall is so powerful, you start experiencing the mist before the falls are even in sight. Waterproof pants, a rain jacket & waterproof hiking boots are a must! I would even recommend a poncho to put over that as well so extra protection. If you need to warm up after visiting the falls, there is a restaurant, cafe & gift shop on site which also includes toilets.
Overall, our visit to Gullfoss exceeded our expectations! The pure might of the falls & beauty of the surrounding green canyon can put any postcard to shame. We highly recommend making the trek to Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland.
Skál, Amanda
