Gullfoss

Q: How tall is Gullfoss?

32 meters in two stages: an 11-meter upper tier and a 21-meter lower tier dropping into a 70-meter deep canyon.

Q: Is Gullfoss free to visit?

The waterfall itself is free. Parking costs approximately 750 ISK. There's a visitor center with a café.

Q: Can you visit Gullfoss in winter?

Yes, Gullfoss is open year-round. In winter the surrounding ice creates stunning scenery, but paths can be very slippery. Crampons are recommended.

About Gullfoss

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. On a clear day, the vast Langjökull glacier is visible in the distance, adding a dramatic backdrop to an already breathtaking scene. Gullfoss sits along the famous Golden Circle tourist route, making it easily accessible from Reykjavik and one of the first major natural wonders that visitors encounter in Iceland.

💧 Waterfall Facts

Two-tiered cascade totalling 32 meters
Upper tier: 11 meters
Lower tier: 21 meters
Canyon depth: 70 meters
Fed by the Hvítá river from Langjökull glacier
Part of the Golden Circle route

🌟 Why Visit

One of Iceland's most iconic natural sites
Free to visit year-round
Two viewing platforms (upper and lower)
Spectacular in every season
Combine with Geysir and Þingvellir

📍 Location

Southwest Iceland, Haukadalur valley
120 km from Reykjavik (~1.5 hours)
On Route 35 (Golden Circle)
GPS: 64.3271°N, 20.1199°W

History & Conservation

Sigríður's Fight to Save Gullfoss

In the early 1900s, foreign investors recognized the enormous hydroelectric potential of Gullfoss and sought to harness the falls for power generation. Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of the landowner Tómas Tómasson, 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 ultimately won on a technicality rather than environmental grounds, her passionate campaign captured the nation's imagination and set a precedent for conservation in Iceland. Today, a memorial plaque at the falls honors her dedication. Gullfoss was eventually protected as a nature reserve, ensuring that future generations could experience its raw, untamed beauty.

Visiting Tips

💰 Cost & Facilities

Waterfall viewing: Free
Parking: ~750 ISK
Visitor center with café and gift shop
Restrooms available
Open year-round, 24 hours

👁 Viewing Platforms

Upper platform: panoramic overview of both tiers
Lower platform: gets you close to the canyon edge
Lower path is wet from spray - bring waterproofs
Both platforms are accessible from the parking area

⏰ Best Times

Summer: packed with tourists, go early morning
Winter: stunning ice scenery, fewer crowds
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 squarely on the Golden Circle route, Iceland's most popular day-trip circuit that also includes Þingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area. Most visitors combine all three stops into a single day. The road is paved and well-maintained year-round, though winter conditions can occasionally require caution. Nearly every tour operator in Reykjavik offers Golden Circle day tours that include Gullfoss, making it accessible even without a rental car.

Safety Information

⚠️ Safety at Gullfoss

Stay on marked paths at all times. The rocks near the canyon edge are perpetually wet and extremely slippery. In winter, the walking paths and viewing platforms can become coated in ice, making crampons or ice grips essential. The spray from the falls can freeze on surfaces, creating invisible hazards. There are no railings at the canyon edge on the lower path, and the drop is fatal. Children must be closely supervised. Wind gusts near the falls can be sudden and strong, particularly in winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Gullfoss?

Gullfoss stands 32 meters tall in two stages: an 11-meter upper tier and a 21-meter lower tier. The water drops into a canyon that reaches 70 meters deep, creating an incredibly dramatic spectacle as the Hvítá river disappears into the narrow crevice below.

Is Gullfoss free to visit?

Yes, viewing the waterfall is completely free. The only cost is parking, which runs approximately 750 ISK. The visitor center offers a café with hot drinks and Icelandic food, plus a gift shop. Restroom facilities are available near the parking area.

Can you visit Gullfoss in winter?

Absolutely. Gullfoss is open year-round and is arguably even more spectacular in winter, when the surrounding rocks and canyon walls are coated in thick ice and the frozen spray creates an otherworldly landscape. However, paths can be very slippery, so crampons or ice grips are strongly recommended. Some sections of the lower path may be closed due to dangerous ice conditions.