Gullfoss — Iceland's Golden Waterfall
Two-tiered cascade plunging 32m into Hvítá canyon on the Golden Circle
Gullfoss is a spectacular two-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland and one of the most visited natural attractions in the country. The water plunges first 11 meters over a broad step, then crashes another 21 meters into a rugged crevice that reaches 70 meters deep. The name means 'Golden Waterfall,' inspired by the golden hue the cascade takes on when sunlight strikes the glacial water and mist. Gullfoss sits along the famous Golden Circle tourist route, making it easily accessible from Reykjavik.
History & Conservation — Sigríður's Fight to Save Gullfoss
In the early 1900s, foreign investors sought to harness Gullfoss for hydroelectric power. Sigríður Tómasdóttir, daughter of the landowner, fiercely opposed the plans. She walked barefoot to Reykjavik multiple times to protest, hired one of Iceland's first lawyers to fight the case, and reportedly threatened to throw herself into the falls rather than see them destroyed.
Sigríður is widely regarded as Iceland's first environmentalist. Although the legal battle was won on a technicality, her passionate campaign captured the nation's imagination and set a precedent for conservation in Iceland. A memorial plaque at the falls honors her dedication. Gullfoss was eventually protected as a nature reserve.
Viewing Platforms
- Upper platform: panoramic overview of both tiers of the cascade
- Lower platform: gets you close to the canyon edge — bring waterproofs, the path is wet from spray
- Golden hour light creates the namesake golden glow; rainbows common in afternoon spray
Getting There
Gullfoss is located 120 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik, approximately a 1.5-hour drive via Route 35. The waterfall sits on the Golden Circle route, which also includes Þingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area. Most visitors combine all three stops into a single day.
Safety Information
Stay on marked paths at all times. The rocks near the canyon edge are perpetually wet and extremely slippery. In winter, crampons or ice grips are essential. There are no railings at the canyon edge on the lower path — children must be closely supervised.