Why should you visit the waterfall Gullfoss?
1. The waterfall Gullfoss is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Iceland.
2. The distance from Reykjavík is 120 kilometers (75 miles)
3. Gullfoss is only about 10 minutes drive from Strokkur erupting Hot Spring at Geysir
4. The two cascades make the waterfall unique worldwide when it comes to beauty
5. One of the first waterfalls in the world to create a dispute building a power plant
6. Waterfall Gullfoss is part of Hvítá, the longest river in Iceland
7. You can visit waterfall Gullfoss any time and every season of the year
8. The area around the waterfall has a good parking lot
9. By the waterfall Gullfoss is a good restaurant, public toilets (restrooms) and a café
10. Admission is free
How do you drive to Gullfoss?
Gullfoss is located close to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, only about 120 kilometers away or 75 miles. The road leading to Gullfoss is a two-lane asphalt road that is easy to drive in all seasons throughout the year. Gullfoss is accessible all year round and is one of the natural wonders of Iceland that you should not miss. It is a perfect self-drive tour for a short stop in Iceland.
The way to Gullfoss
To get to Gullfoss, you must drive on road nr. 1, the main road around Iceland, from Reykjavík to Mosfellsbær town. Once you pass through the town, you should turn east to the Morse Mofellsheiði on road nr. 36. After driving through Þingvellir National Park, you should continue on road nr. 365 until you reach Laugarvatn small hamlet. From there, continue on road nr. 37 until you reach the junction of road nr. 35 which takes you to Gullfoss, as shown on the map above. The nonstop drive takes less than two hours.
The way back from Gullfoss
It is best to start your drive at 7 AM in Reykjavík and reach Gullfoss around 9 AM, at least an hour before the main traffic hits. This way, you can enjoy the magnificent natural wonder peacefully. On your way back, the fastest route is to take the same way back. Alternatively, if you want to see more, you can drive to road nr. 1 on the south shore through the town of Selfoss.
An exceptional natural wonder
One of Iceland's most famous landmarks is Gullfoss, translated into English as The Golden Waterfall. It's a national wonder featured on numerous lists of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe and even the world. Many Icelanders believe that Gullfoss is the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland and possibly the world. Regardless, it is a stunning waterfall with many geological and geographical features, making it an excellent place to visit. I have visited Gullfoss hundreds of times in all seasons and am always impressed by its beauty. Each time I visit, even if it's just a few days apart, I discover something new and different, and I always enjoy my time there.
The waterfall, origin, and geology
The river that feeds the waterfall Gullfoss
Hvítá is one of Iceland's largest rivers and is responsible for feeding the famous Gullfoss waterfall. The river has many sources, including smaller rivers, creeks, lakes, direct runoff streams, spring-fed rivers, and glacial rivers that originate from beneath two large glaciers in the Highland area. One of the primary sources of the river is the Hvítárvatn Lake, a glacier lagoon located on the east side of Langjökull glacier. The river runs for 40 km (25 miles) through the Highland before it plunges into a two-step gorge, forming the base of the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall.
The two parts of the Gullfoss waterfall
The above step facing south is 11 m high, 36 feet, and the other level facing west is 22 m high, 72 feet. The gorge below the cascade that the river has carved out throughout thousands of years, called Hvítárgljúfur, is about 40 to 50 meters, 160 feet deep, and around 4 kilometers. 2.5 miles long. All ingredients contribute to the spectacular natural wonder that is the waterfall Gullfoss.
The volume, force, and flow of the water in waterfall Gullfoss
Gullfoss waterfall is a stunning natural wonder in Iceland. It is a magnificent sight, with the mighty Hvítá river falling into the gorge, creating a powerful flow of water. However, the volume of water flowing through the waterfall varies greatly depending on the time of year. On average, the flow is around 110 cubic meters per second. During spring, the flow can increase up to twenty times, reaching around 1800 to 2000 cubic meters per second. Sometimes, the water level rises so much that the lower waterfall disappears, as the water fills the gorge. Therefore, Gullfoss waterfall is not a static sight, but an ever-changing phenomenon. The waterfall has many faces, as it differs from season to season, making it a fascinating attraction for visitors.
Service and parking lots by the tourist attraction
It was as early as the late 19th century that the waterfall Gullfoss became a tourist attraction. It was possibly one of the first natural wonders visitors experienced when they came to Iceland. Explorers who came to Iceland usually advertised the waterfall as one of Iceland's most exciting places to visit. Therefore, Gullfoss became one of the major attractions early on. However, it wasn't until the last two decades that the number of visitors drastically increased. As a result, Icelanders and people responsible for the region around the waterfall developed the area for providing both services and safety.
Service today by the waterfall
Currently, the area around the waterfall Gullfoss is in good condition to receive thousands of visitors every day. There are good food and restroom services along with the typical tourist shops. The paths to the observation platforms are great in all weather conditions, and like the waterfall, lead you to the observation platforms both at an upper and lower level.
Like many places in Iceland, the waterfall Gullfoss has its folklore
A little ahead from Gullfoss lies beautiful and dangerous rapids that is not wise to cross, although some have. One of them was a young man overseeing his father's livestock on the river's west bank. On the opposite side, a young woman had the same duty toward her family. Finally, they started communicating by shouting to each other over the water's noise. As fate would have it, they fell in love, and the young man shouted a proposal across the river. The young woman accepted on one condition: that he crosses the river to seal their engagement. He fulfilled her wish and they lived happily ever after.
History: The farmer's daughter that saved the waterfall
In the early 20th century, interest in producing electricity and building hydroelectric power plants increased as there were many rivers and waterfalls present in Iceland. A farmer who held the Hvítá water rights made a Gullfoss contract with an English firm to build a hydroelectric power station. However, the farmer's daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, did not appreciate the plan and became so incensed that she threatened to throw herself into the falls if her father didn't withdraw the contract. She fought this imminent disaster alone until a young lawyer—who later became Iceland's first president—joined her in this mission. Together, they managed to save the waterfalls. In 1978, the farmer's daughter was commemorated by a monument by her much beloved Gullfoss.
Photographing Gullfoss
Most visitors find it sufficient to take a picture on either the upper or the lower level of Gullfoss. The upper level is by the service center and the best place to park a vehicle, and it is the most common viewing point. Many visitors also take photos of the path that stretches from the lower level to the small cliff that is west of the upper waterfall. This part is usually closed during winter and should not be used when the closed signs are up. On the other hand, the variables that define the waterfall Gullfoss are many and of great interest to professional photographers. The pioneer photographer Sigfús Eymundsson (1837 – 1911) was the first to take Gullfoss photos. He had a photographic studio in Reykjavík and was the first person to work as a photographer in Iceland. Eymundsson was instrumental in defining many of the current natural wonders in Iceland as he was also the first to take photos of places like the waterfall Gullfoss, Geysir, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Interestingly, many landscape painters at the time painted their paintings after photos from Mr. Eymundsson. It is also noticeable when we look at his pictures of Gullfoss, for instance, that he discovered all the best angles and views that we appreciate today. You could even say that he defined how Gullfoss is still seen today. Mr. Eymundsson was also an entrepreneur and started and owned a bookstore in Reykjavík. You can still visit his bookstore, that he started in 1874, at Skólavörðustígur in Reykjavík.
The volume and the seasons
The volume of water that varies between seasons has already been mentioned; the winter season is also impressive when the waterfall is frozen. Even during summer, the long hours of sunlight define infinite possibilities to photograph this spectacular natural wonder, not to mention the nights the northern lights come out. The waterfall Gullfoss is undeniably an incredible natural wonder and an experience to be felt in any condition.
To visit the waterfall Gullfoss from Reykjavík city
To organize your tour in a rental car, I recommend that you read my article about the Golden Circle drive.
