Gullfoss Waterfall is a major attraction in Iceland due to its stunning beauty and historical site, producing its best attraction with thousands of visitors annually. This exotic waterfall is part of the Golden Circle – a circle of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in the whole world. Every traveler can find something interesting, whether they are nature lovers, history lovers, or photographers. Here in this Gullfoss travel guide, we’ll look at the simple things you need to know about this wonder, such as its background, location, and, more importantly, other attractions and places of interest around the area of Gullfoss. May this guide be the only reference when planning to visit Gullfoss Waterfall?
About the Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss means “Golden Falls” and is a large double-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá River in southwest Iceland. Nothing is exciting like the sound of the thunder and the sparkling surge of water touching the air. Located in Southern Iceland and enclosed by mountains, it is excellent for people interested in Iceland’s waterfalls. This is due to bonus aspects of Gullfoss, which are worth the stop, Üll Valley’s Thingvellir National Park, and the Geysir spa territory.
Key Information About Gullfoss:
- Location: About 115 km (71 miles) to the southeast of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and along the Golden Circle route of the country.
- Entrance Fee: No; the entrance to Gullfoss is free.
- Best Season to Visit: Summer from June to August for easier access to the site and beautiful scenery; winter from December to February for snowy landscape.
- Gullfoss Waterfall Height: The two drops stand 11 meters (36 feet) and 21 meters (69 feet), cumulatively making 32 meters (105 feet).
How to Get to Gullfoss Waterfall?
Gullfoss Waterfall is quite friendly and easily accessible to tourists. It is situated along the most popular circuit, the Golden Circle. Information regarding how to get to Gullfoss Waterfall will enable anyone desiring to visit this natural wonder to do so efficiently without worrying about issues such as getting lost and utter fatigue.
By Car
Gullfoss is easy to reach by car, and there are countless routes from which one can choose. To get to the waterfall, take Route 1 – the Ring Road – or fly into Reykjavik and then take Route 35. The ride takes about 1.5 hours, and you ride about 120 kilometers. You’ll pass other famous Golden Circle attractions, including the Þingvellir National Park and Geysir. The car park at Gullfoss is free of charge.
By Bus
Some bus companies provide services that include Gullfoss as part of the Golden Circle service provisions. These buses operate out of Reykjavik, and most tours also involve other attractions. Of course, it is less flexible than driving, but this is the best option if you don’t like driving through unknown streets.
Gullfoss Tours
It is convenient and easy to take a guided tour of the site, which many people prefer to get to Gullfoss. Day excursions from Reykjavik can be easily arranged with numerous tour operators who will provide transportation and guide services supplemented with background information on the region’s history and geological features.
Private Transfers
For a more individual experience, take a car with a private driver or take a group tour for several participants. This enables you to plan for the sightseeing in the most relevant way while arranging for comfortable transport to Gullfoss.
5 Things to Do Near Gullfoss: Unmissable Activities
Gullfoss itself is not the only sight; there are other wonderful things to see and do nearby, which makes this area a great starting point for discovering the wonders of the SouthWest part of Iceland.
Here are five must things to do in Iceland:
Visit the Geysir Geothermal Area
This area, only 10 km (6 miles) from Gullfoss, encompasses Strokkur, a geyser that spouts water every 5–10 minutes to a height of 30 m (98 ft). The site has features typical of geothermal activity and includes fumaroles and mud pots.
Explore Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir, which now lies in an uninhabited plane, is a World Heritage Site that boasts beautiful scenery, trails, and history. That is what makes Iceland famous – the homeland of the Icelandic parliament Althing, founded in 930 AD, and the place on the earth’s surface where one can actually cross the divide between two continents – Eurasian and American.
Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier
Thrill lovers should not miss a ride on snow mobility through Langjökull, which is the second-largest glacier in Iceland. This activity is close to Gullfoss and offers stunning viewpoints as well as a great experience on the ice.
Kerið Crater
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake that has reddish-colored slopes and a blue-green water body. It’s just a few kilometers off the Golden Circle route, but it’s a vivid addition to the pleasure of the trip.
Horseback Riding on Icelandic Horses
Ride one of Iceland’s small, strong horses during a horseback riding tour with an experienced guide. Horse riding tours around farms near Gullfoss are among the most thrilling tours.
Such activities make it possible for your visit to this Gullfoss Waterfall to form a colorful and enjoyable trip.
History of the Gullfoss Waterfall
During the early twentieth century, the future of Gullfoss came under great controversy when foreign investors sought to exploit Iceland’s landscape for commercial gain. Howell, an English businessman in 1907, intended to harness the water energy of the waterfall to power a hydroelectric station.
At the time of the eruption, it was owned by a farmer named Tómas Tómasson. Tómas turned down Howell’s offer to buy the land, saying what arguably became his most famous quote – “I will not sell my friend!” He would, however, go on to lease Howell the land without knowing of ways that would enable Howell to continue with his plans.
It actually fell to Tómas’ daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, to try and halt Howell’s plans. Born and raised on her father’s sheep farm, Brattholt, where she contributed to preparing the first road of Gullfoss, she wanted the contract terminated and rushed to put together her own petty cash; however, to seek the help of a lawyer.
It proved to be a legal fight that was not easy; the case dragged on for years, and Sigríður had to trek back and forth to Reykjavík, which is more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) away on foot. Conditions were worsened to the extent that Sigríður decided to commit suicide by jumping into the waterfall if there was any construction activity started.
Gullfoss Facts:
- The waterfall was first considered for the generation of hydroelectric power in 1907.
- Sigríður Tómasdóttir was instrumental in stopping the construction of a dam.
- The name of Gullfoss translates into English as «Golden Falls,» which is why the waterfall’s water can sometimes glow in golden colors.
- Salmon waterfalls flow at a mean discharge of 140 cumecs during summer.
Top Accommodation Near the Gullfoss Waterfall
There are numerous great accommodation options near the Gullfoss Waterfall, from comfortable hotels to lovely guesthouses and cabins:
1. Hotel Gullfoss: Just a 3-minute drive, you will find yourself in the hotel. Also, a restaurant at the hotel offers exquisite Iceland meals.
2. Litli Geysir Hotel: This beautiful hotel will be found just 200 meters (656 feet) from another attractive Golden Circle attraction near the waterfall and Geysir Geothermal area. A free parking lot and an excellent restaurant add to the plus of this place.
3. Gljásteinn Skálinn Hostel hosts a beautiful hostel about 5 km from the falls where you can hire huts and cabins. It is especially suitable for group travels.
4. Jaðar – The Old House: This small hotel has a terrace and an exquisite garden where the guests can relax, and it is only 20 minutes away from Gullfoss.
5. Vað Holiday Home: Located only 5-10 minutes from the waterfall, this beautiful cabin features a bathroom, bath or shower, a kitchen, and a dining area.
6. Geysir Cottage: This gorgeous place has rooms for two, private bathrooms, and a beautiful view of a mountain, which is 10 minutes away from the waterfall section.
The Bottom Line
Gullfoss Waterfalls Iceland is a tourist site that will reveal to travelers the country’s real face – its magnificent nature. It has features such as breathtaking waterfalls, several historical records, and ease of access; therefore, it is a must-visit center. This travel guide, Gullfoss, outlines everything you have to know when planning for a visit, including Gullfoss’s history and things to do nearby, such as winter activities like snowmobile and geothermal hot springs. Besides being adrenaline-active, Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the places that every traveler should consider to be in Iceland. Next, try other Iceland waterfalls and enjoy more of Iceland’s stunning landscape.
Gullfoss is located in southwest Iceland, around 115 kilometers (71 miles) from Reykjavik.
The waterfall’s total height is 32 meters (105 feet), separated between two drops.
No, Gullfoss is completely free to visit.
The Golden Circle consists of Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park, and the Geysir geothermal area.
No, Niagara Falls is much larger in terms of volume and scale.
Iceland has around 10,000 waterfalls, including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dettifoss, and Goðafoss.
Gullfoss is well-known for its beauty, history, and significance in Iceland’s conservation efforts.
Although parts of Gullfoss ice in the winter, the waterfall flows all year.