Gullfoss Waterfall: Guide to Iceland's Cascading Golden Falls

Iceland has thousands of waterfalls, but none are as famous as Gullfoss Waterfall. It is one of the key stops on the Golden Circle tourist route.

Have you ever experienced something so pristine that it almost soothes you, yet so powerful that it takes your breath away? Gullfoss' height reaches a phenomenal 105 feet (32 m)! Standing near this 10-story tall stream is one of those special moments.

Our guide covers all the details on how this cascade was formed, its near destruction, and why it is a must-visit highlight on your Iceland itinerary.

There are probably close to 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland, but this one might quickly become your favorite!

You can hear and feel the power as you approach the falls. Finally, you witness the unforgettable picture. The meltwater from Iceland's second-largest glacier, Langjökull, travels forcefully through the mighty river Hvítá before a two-stage drop into the deep canyon. It creates the magical scene we recognize today as Golden Falls.

Its distinctive name, rich history, and breathtaking power make it the most popular Golden Circle waterfall on the most famous sightseeing route in Iceland.

» Formation: The Golden waterfall was formed by glacial meltwater cutting through basalt rock over thousands of years. It has been shaped into two magnificent currents. The upper cascade, with a height of 36 feet (11 m), plunges into a lower one of 70 feet (21 m), creating a cloud of mist.

» Name Origin: Gullfoss in Icelandic means “Golden Falls.” According to the folk tales, a Viking threw his gold into the water, making it a true treasure of Iceland.

» Flow Rate: The average flow rate is around 5,000 cubic feet per second (140 cubic meters per second), equivalent to filling an Olympic-sized pool in under a minute.

» When to Visit: You can visit the falls all year round. In the summer, the current is stronger, creating the most magnificent view. On sunny days, watch for the rainbows that may appear over the plunge. In the winter, part of the mighty stream freezes over. This creates mesmerizing ice formations. 

» Hike Time: The walk from the parking area to the main viewpoint takes about 10 minutes.

» Fun fact: Waterfall is featured in several films and music videos, including the comedy Land Ho! (2014) and a music video by Live - Heaven (2009).

Near Gullfoss, visitors can explore the Golden Circle Route and enjoy the nearby Geysir geothermal area. Once you are in this region of Iceland, it is worth visiting a few notable attractions that are close by:

• Volcanic Kerið Crater - a 6,500-year-old crater lake that is often called “the eye of the Earth.”
• Geysir Hot Springs - a geothermal area that is home to the most famous and the most active geysers in Iceland.
• Historical Þingvellir National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s first parliament was born.
• Faxi Falls - a 23-foot (7-meter) high and 262-foot (80 m) wide waterfall, often called a smaller version of Gullfoss.

This unique place is connected to a heartwarming story of deep love for nature. In the early 20th century, Icelanders debated whether Gullfoss’s energy should be used for hydroelectric power. This idea stirred controversy due to foreign investors wanting to profit from Iceland's natural beauty. 

Tómas Tómasson was the farmer and landowner of Gullfoss. He famously declared, "I will not sell my friend," when the Englishman Howell tried to buy the waterfall for 50,000 ISK (about $451). This amount was an astonishing 50 times the value of a farmer’s house.

Unfortunately, the site was rented out to both Icelandic and foreign companies intending to build a power station, exploiting a loophole in the rental agreement.

Tómas’s daughter Sigríður Tómassóttir, fought hard for the waterfall's preservation. She walked barefoot to Reykjavík, through rivers and snow, to protest and challenge the renters. Sigríður even declared she would jump into the water if it became a power plant. Sadly, she lost her case, as the rental agreement was approved.

However, luck intervened. The plans to develop the power station never went ahead, and the waterfall remained untouched. In 1928, rental payments stopped, and six years later, the contract was canceled. By 1979, Gullfoss was finally protected by the government as a nature reserve.

Sigríður’s brave story spread throughout Iceland, and she is celebrated as the country's first environmentalist. You can visit her memorial stone in the Gullfoss area.

 Gullfoss Location Coordinates: 64.3271° N, 20.1199° W

Gullfoss is about 73 miles (117 km) from Reykjavík in southwest Iceland, in the heart of the legendary Golden Circle. The thundering falls are only a 10-minute drive from the geothermal area called Haukadalur Valley. These two attractions make the perfect combination for driving this well-known tourist itinerary.

The quickest way to the falls is to drive from Reykjavík to Gullfoss. Follow Iceland's famous Route 1, go east past the geothermal town of Hveragerði, and turn onto Road 35 just before Selfoss, the largest town in South Iceland. Road 35 will take you directly to the parking lot.

Gullfoss can also be reached by a guided tour. In just one day, you can visit the Golden Falls, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. 

When you arrive at the site, you can leave your car at the Gullfoss Falls parking. It is free and open 24/7. The upper parking lot is close to the Gullfoss Visitor Center, where you'll find restrooms, a souvenir shop, and a café. From P1 lot, you can take a short hike down to P2 area for a closer view of the falls.

One hour is usually enough to fully appreciate the waterfall and its surroundings. The short Gullfoss Waterfall hike between the upper and lower viewing platforms takes up to 30 minutes.

❯ Wear a waterproof jacket and pants when approaching the falls (unless you're in the mood for a refreshing shower).

For those who want to spend more time in the area, camping near the Golden Circle waterfall is an excellent option. The nearby Skjól Campground has showers, electricity, and free WiFi. The campsite fee is about 1500 ISK ($10) per adult. 

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, the closest one is Hotel Gullfoss, is only 3 minutes from the landmark.

The short answer is yes! Gullfoss is definitely worth your time, as it is one of the most powerful and picturesque waterfalls in Iceland. Its unique appearance and rich history attract many nature enthusiasts from all over the world. Plus, it’s easily accessible as part of the Golden Circle, so you don’t have to go far out of your way to see it.