Gullfoss waterfall, south Iceland

GPS POINTS N64° 19′ 38.220″ W20° 7′ 8.135″

Gullfoss waterfall, south Iceland

Location: South-West Iceland
Directions from Reykjavík to Gullfoss on Google maps.
Duration: Cirka 1,5 hours straight from Reykjavík to Gullfoss

Gullfoss, meaning ‘Golden Falls, is arguably the most iconic and beloved waterfall in Iceland. It can be found in south-west Iceland, in the Hvítá canyon. This waterfall is located within the Golden Circle route, thus being a popular landmark for those visiting Iceland for the first time. This waterfall has a curious particularity: it is displayed in two distinct stages. Firstly, the water journeys through the glacier Langjökul and then it cascades down Gullfoss, 32 meters down.
During the summer, more than 140 cubic metres surge down the waterfall. During the winter, this number drops to 109 cubic metres.
It is thus a rather powerful waterfall and visitors might have to face the possibility of getting drenched due to its astounding force. Bring a spare set of clothes with you!

Gullfoss is accessible in both summer and wintertime. It is part of the most popular route in Iceland; The Golden Circle route. Heading from Reykjavik, it takes around 1,5 hours to drive to Gullfoss. You can also witness this marvelous waterfall by going on one of the many tours that take you to the Golden Circle and include Gullfoss waterfall.

As Gullfoss waterfall is located on the Golden Circle route, Geysir Geothermal Area and Thingvellir national park are the most apparent nearby attractions. Тhіngvеllіr Νаtіоnаl Раrk, lосаtеd an hour drive from Gullfoss, іs Ісеlаnd’s оldеst nаtіоnаl раrk. Іt іs а рrоtесtеd аrеа оf hіstоrісаl sіgnіfісаnсе thаt hаs а stunnіng 52-squаrе mіlе lаkе аnd grеаt hіkіng trаіls thrоughоut lаvа fіеlds. If you are heading to Gullfoss, you most definitely will want to visit Thingvellir as well. The same goes for the Geysir geothermal area. This great site will surely amaze you with its natural elements that seem out of science fiction rather than something found on this planet. Eruptions at Geysir can hurl boiling water up to 70 meters in the air and occur around 3-5 times throughout the day. However, the nearby geyser Strokkur erupts more frequently than Geysir, erupting to heights of up to 30 meters every few minutes.

Tours that will take you to see Gullfoss