Gullfoss Golden Waterfall in the Golden Circle in Iceland
Gullfoss Golden Waterfall in the Golden Circle in Iceland
Iceland Gullfoss Golden Waterfall
The Gullfoss waterfall is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions and one of the most important stops on the Golden Circle route. What you often remember here is not just the view, but the entire experience: the roar of the water, the wet spray, the gusty wind, and the two powerful ledges over which the river plunges into the canyon’s depths. If you’re planning to explore southwestern Iceland, Gullfoss is a place that almost always makes it onto the Iceland sightseeing map.
The name Gullfoss is usually translated as “Golden Waterfall” (literally: “golden falls”). Where does the “gold” come from?
with the right light and spray, the water can appear golden, especially when the sun is low,
Gullfoss fits perfectly into a one-day Golden Circle sightseeing plan. This means you can see it both on a trip from Reykjavík and on a road trip around Iceland.
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Onda 🛑 AIR – Waterfalls of Iceland
Welcome to the original podcast – conversations about travel and interesting places
🔔 In the second episode of the podcast “Onda 🛑 AIR – conversations about travel and interesting places,” I tackle the topic of Iceland’s waterfalls. One of them was the Glymur waterfall. Glymur is the second highest waterfall in Iceland, measuring 198 meters. We also talked about other waterfalls, TV series, Katla Geopark, etc.
Where is Gullfoss located and why does it make such an impression?
Gullfoss, or the “Golden Waterfall,” is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. Located in the southwest of the country, it is situated on the Hvítá River, in the spectacular Hvítárgljúfur canyon. It is distinguished by its two-step construction – the water falls from two ledges 11 and 21 meters high, before plunging forcefully into a narrow, deep rock crevice.
What makes Gullfoss unique is not only its visual power, but also the whole surroundings: the thundering roar of the falling water, the mist rising above the cliffs, and the frequent rainbow phenomenon. It engages all the senses – and stays in memory for a long time.
History of Gullfoss – from nature to symbol of Iceland
Geological formation of the waterfall
Gullfoss did not form overnight. It is the result of long-lasting geological processes that took place over thousands of years. The Hvítá river, flowing from the Langjökull glacier, systematically eroded the rocky bedrock, creating the canyon and gradually deepening the two characteristic cascades of the waterfall.
“Discovery” of Gullfoss by tourists
The inhabitants of the region have known this place for centuries, but the wider world only learned about it in the 20th century. Improved access, development of tourism and infrastructure meant that Gullfoss gained the status of one of Iceland’s main attractions.
Gullfoss as a symbol of nature conservation
The real legend was born at the beginning of the 20th century, when plans emerged to build a hydroelectric power plant at the site of the waterfall. The heroine of this story was Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of a local landowner. Her determination and activism led to the blocking of the investment. Today her monument stands near the waterfall, and Gullfoss is a symbol of the fact that Icelandic nature was not always an “obvious tourist attraction” – it was also sometimes the subject of disputes over whether the landscape should remain untouched or be subordinated to the economy.
Viewing platforms and walking paths at Gullfoss
At the Gullfoss waterfall there are several viewpoints and platforms that allow you to observe the waterfall from different perspectives. Each of them leads from the parking lots, so it’s best if I guide you directly from these places
Gullfoss Upper parking
Gullfoss falls Car Park Gullfoss bílastæði
- Located right next to the Visitor Center, from which the main walking and viewing paths start.
- Nearby there is a café, souvenir shop and toilets.
- This is a convenient option if you want to start with the view from above and later move to the lower observation points.
- The first platform is “at the crossroads” Gullfoss útsýnispallur ( here you can go down closer to the water and lower platforms via the Sigríður Path ), and the next one going left is the renewed path that leads along the edge above the waterfall. At the very end we can admire the whole canyon and the waterfall itself, which is hugely impressive when looking at the scale of this power.
Gullfoss Lower parking for buses
Gullfoss falls Car Park Bílastæði Gullfossvegur
- It is located a bit earlier on route 35, slightly closer than the upper one.
- After parking, you need to walk a short path to the waterfall and viewing platforms.
- This is a good starting point if you want to go straight down towards the lower views and platforms closer to the canyon.
- There is also a monument to Sigrídur near the parking lot.
- From the main platform you can see the entire waterfall. There are stairs here to the upper platforms, which I wrote about next to, and also a path down to the very bottom, where we can feel the power of the waterfall.
At the end of the Sigríður Path there is a rock shelf surrounded by the waterfall.
This path is often closed in winter because the water from the waterfall, like drizzle, falls on the path, turning it into an ice rink during heavier frosts, making this route dangerous.
Both parking lots are open 24/7 year-round, although in winter you may encounter icy patches and limited access leading closer to the waterfall.
Sleipnir Tours Iceland – Ice Cave & Glacier Tours
At the upper parking lot you can often come across huge buses of local tour companies. One of them are the red monsters produced by Tatra for Sleipnir Tours. The vehicles make a huge impression. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the pleasure of taking this tour yet.
Sleipnir Tours Iceland – Ice Cave & Glacier Tours
Sleipnir Tours is an Icelandic company specializing in tours on the Langjökull glacier. With its help, you can reach natural ice caves and raw arctic landscapes, inaccessible to ordinary vehicles. It is Sleipnir that operates some of the world’s largest monster trucks designed specifically for glacier driving – with an interior resembling an airplane cabin. They start from near Gullfoss, taking participants deep into icy Iceland. Comfort, safety and unique scenery are their trademarks.
Where does the name Sleipnir come from?
Sleipnir is the mythical horse of the Norse god Odin – it had eight legs and could move with incredible speed, crossing all boundaries of worlds. The name fits perfectly with the Sleipnir Tours vehicles – huge machines that easily overcome icy wastelands and reach places inaccessible to others
Basic parameters of the Gullfoss waterfall
- Total drop height: approximately 32 meters
- Two ledges: first – 11 m, second – 21 m
- River: Hvítá (originating from the Langjökull glacier)
- Average water flow:
- Summer: approx. 140 m³/s
- Winter: approx. 80 m³/s
- Maximum floods: up to 2000 m³/s
It is worth remembering that the flow depends on the season, glacier melt and rainfall – so Gullfoss can look completely different at different times of the year.
Historical and geological curiosities about the Gullfoss waterfall
Unique geological formation: the Gullfoss canyon was formed as a result of glacial action and violent glacial floods.
The highest flow was recorded in 1967, when it reached almost 2000 m³/s.
Gullfoss was an inspiration in many films, advertisements and documentaries about Iceland.
The waterfall in winter resembles a landscape from another planet – ice icicles form, and the mist freezes on the vegetation.
Gullfoss as part of the Golden Circle – what else is worth seeing?
The Golden Circle route is Iceland’s most popular one-day tourist loop. It consists of three main points:
Þingvellir National Park
- Site of Iceland’s first parliament
- Tectonic plate boundary zone: Eurasian and North American
Geothermal area Geysir (Haukadalur)
- Geysers, hot springs and the active Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes
Gullfoss – the finale of the route
- The most powerful point, the culmination of the day
Additional attractions on the Golden Circle route
- Kerið – a crater with a turquoise-colored lake
- Secret Lagoon / Laugarvatn Fontana – geothermal baths
- Skálholt – an important historical site
- Faxi – a smaller but charming waterfall in the area
More about the Golden Circle in Iceland
Onda 🛑 AIR – Iceland Golden Circle / Golden Circle – Iceland what is worth seeing – #4 Onda 🛑 AIR
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FAQ – Gullfoss Waterfall most frequently asked questions
Czy Gullfoss part of the Golden Circle?
Yes. It’s one of the three key stops on the classic Golden Circle, alongside Þingvellir and the Geysir geothermal area.
How tall is Gullfoss Waterfall?
About 32 m in total. It has two tiers: roughly 11 m and 21 m.
What is the water flow at Gullfoss?
Commonly cited figures are around 140 m³/s in summer and about 80 m³/s in winter. During floods, the flow can be several times higher.
Where does the name “Gullfoss” come from?
It means “Golden Waterfall.” The name is often linked to the golden hue of the water and mist in sunlight, as well as local legends.
Can you see Gullfoss in winter?
Yes—Gullfoss is a year-round attraction. In winter it looks especially dramatic (ice, snow, frozen formations), but it can be slippery and windy, so extra caution is recommended.
How much time do you need to visit Gullfoss?
Usually 45–90 minutes is enough for the main viewpoints, a short walk, and photos.
Are there viewpoints at Gullfoss?
Yes—there are designated platforms and paths that let you view the waterfall from different angles without entering dangerous areas.
What to see near Gullfoss?
It’s most often paired with Geysir and Þingvellir as part of the Golden Circle. Popular add-ons include Kerið crater and geothermal baths (e.g., the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana).
Where is Gullfoss Waterfall located?
In southwest Iceland, on the Hvítá River, along the Golden Circle route.
How many parking areas are there at Gullfoss?
There are two free parking lots: an upper lot (near the visitor centre) and a lower lot (closer to the waterfall).
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