With over 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland, what makes Gullfoss such a must-visit site? In this article, we tell you just why the falls can be found as a top attraction in most tourist brochures,
where to find it, how to get there and reveal all the other interesting things one can do in the surroundings.
So, if you’ve got an upcoming trip to the island, or are just curious to learn more about this intriguing waterfall, read on. What you get to learn about Gullfoss Waterfall might surprise you.
Gullfoss Waterfall; a Powerful Waterfall that Makes for Powerful Images
Gullfoss Waterfall is incredibly beautiful, and has quite a distinct feature; instead of tumbling over cliffs like most of the fall
s on the island, Gullfoss plummets into a massive crevice.
Add the fact that the power of the falls can range from between 109,000 to a staggering 2,000,000 liters PER SECOND, and it’s easy to understand why it’s such a popular subject matter amongst both professional and amateur photographers here on the island.
Where is Gullfoss in Iceland?
Gullfoss Waterfall lies in the southwestern part of Iceland, in the canyon of the Hvita River. It’s just 113 kilometers from the capital city of Reykjavik, and conveniently located along the popular Golden Circle route.
How High is Gullfoss Waterfall?
This is not such a simple question because Gullfoss Waterfall actually consists of two tiers. So, whilst the entire waterfall totals a height of 32 meters, it consists of one tier that’s 11 meters and another that’s 21 meters.
What Does Gullfoss Mean?
Gullfoss means “golden falls”. And whilst many say that it got its name because of the golden-brown hue the falls have on a sunny day because of the sediment in the water, we prefer to believe that there’s some truth to the Gullfoss legend…
What is the Legend of Gullfoss Waterfall?
The details of the legend will slightly differ depending on who you ask, but everyone can agree on the basics of the story; a man called Grygur was incredibly rich. But his greed and selfishness matched his incredible wealth. He was determined that no one will inherit his wealth after his death.
And, so the legend goes, Grygur hid his treasure behind the falls. With the powerful falls crashing down at thousands and thousands of liters of water per second, no one has ever been able to establish whether there’s any truth to the legend (and we don’t recommend you try to be the first), but we enjoy visiting the falls and imagining Grygur’s secret stash hidden away behind the veil of vast amounts of water.
How was Gullfoss Formed?
Gullfoss is the end result of a domino effect. Studies have proven that the glaciers of Iceland melted at the end of the last ice age. It is unsure of exactly why, though, and there are many theories regarding climate change and volcanic activity or even a combination of both.
But these melting glaciers caused major glacial floods that carved their way through the earth, forming various canyons, caves, and crevices all across the country. One of these crevices is the one at Gullfoss that the Hvita River is now seen tumbling into.
When is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Gullfoss Falls in Iceland?
Both the roads around Gullfoss as well as the waterfall itself are open to the public all year round. And whether you visit during the warmer or colder months of the year, each offers a different type of magical experience.
From the rushing water running into a crevice with a lush green landscape surrounding it to a fall with frozen tentacles dangling into the crevice surrounded by a landscape covered in a thick blanket of snow. But it’s because of cold temperatures and other weather conditions that can make the hike to the falls unpleasant and slippery, that most will recommend that you visit the waterfall during the summertime here in Iceland.
What is the Best Time of the Day to Visit Gullfoss Falls in Iceland?
There is no specific time that makes visiting Gullfoss better than any other time. But we do recommend that you visit the falls either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when visiting during our busy peak season summer months. This is just so you can avoid most of those peak season crowds.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Gullfoss?
Absolutely nothing. Visiting Gullfoss Waterfall won’t cost you a cent.
How Long Does it Take to See Gullfoss Waterfall?
You should set aside roughly 1 – 2 hours for visiting Gullfoss. This should give you enough time to take the walk down, spend some time at the various observation decks, and take all the photos you want.
Do you Get Wet at Gullfoss Waterfall?
Powerful waterfalls such as Gullfoss create a lot of mist and spray. So, depending on how the wind blows, you can get quite wet during your visit to the falls. We recommend that you wear waterproof clothing and bring a raincoat along.
The Gullfoss Hike
Unlike some of the other waterfalls in Iceland, there’s no need to take an actual hike to get to the falls, but it does require a short walk from the parking lot. But it’s a neat and easy trail to the falls.
How to Get to Gullfoss Waterfall
There are essentially three ways to visit Gullfoss:
Take a Guided Tour
You will find plenty of tour operators on the island that offers tours to Gullfoss. These range from day tours to multi-day tours that include a variety of Icelandic attractions. But all of these will take care of everything on your behalf, so you don’t need to think or worry about a thing regarding your excursion.
Catch a Bus
Various buses travel to Gullfoss from towns and cities all across Iceland. Some of the bus routes offer a direct trip to the falls, whilst others will require a bit of “bus hopping”
Drive Yourself
This is another easy way to get to Gullfoss and a great way to explore the island if you do a Golden Circle road trip.
Things to Do and See Near Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland
Whether you’re planning on making your visit to Gullfoss a day trip, or a stop on a Golden Circle road trip, you should consider adding the following to your trip itinerary:
Ride snowmobiles on Langjökull Glacier.
Check out Faxafoss Waterfall.
Take a snapshot of a geyser eruption at Geysir.
Go on a hike in Haukadalur Valley.
Where to Stay Near Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland
With so much to do around Gullfoss, it’s a good idea to sleep over so you can enjoy everything the area has to offer. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from – from budget-friendly options like the Geysir Modern Log Cabin to more luxurious options like Hotel Gullfoss.
Gullfoss Waterfall; a Golden Opportunity for Amazing Photos
Although the sheer size of Gullfoss is already impressive, its unique coloring and the fact that the water plunges into a crevice make it an amazing spot to take photos. Add the legend of the mysterious treasure to the mix, and you have quite the interesting subject. If you go on one of our guided tours in Iceland, we’re sure you’ll learn even more facts about this intriguing waterfall here on the island.