

Many Golden Circle tours include additional activities that can be taken from Gullfoss, such as ascending the mighty nearby glacier Langjökull and entering its ice tunnels or snowmobiling along its gleaming surface. With such energy, visitors should not be surprised to find themselves drenched by the waterfall’s mighty spray should they get too close.Īs mentioned, Gullfoss makes up a part of the highly popular Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside the Geysir geothermal area and Þingvellir National Park. In the summer, approximately 140 cubic meters (459 cubic feet) of water surges down the waterfall every second, whilst in winter that number drops to around 109 cubic meters (358 cubic feet). Geologists believe that this canyon was formed by glacial outbursts at the beginning of the last age. The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 meters (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon. The first, shorter cascade is 11 meters tall (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 meters (69 feet). This incredible site is seen by most visitors, as it is on the Golden Circle sightseeing route.īecause of the waterfall’s two stages, Gullfoss should actually be thought of as two separate features. The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss’ two stages in a dramatic display of nature’s raw power. Most of the guided packages around the country include a stop at Gullfoss, such as this popular 6-Day Vacation, as do almost all self-drive journeys, like this 7-Day Winter Road Trip. It’s open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm.Gullfoss (translated to ‘Golden Falls’) is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in Southwest Iceland.įor those who rent a car or take a Golden Circle tour, Gullfoss waterfall can be reached within two hours from Iceland's capital.

The cafe serves coffee, tea, and light meals. Other than the waterfall, visitors can check out Gullfoss Cafe and the Visitor’s Center.

Be sure that you stay well within the marked trail with ropes, because the area can get quite slippery. What to do at Gullfoss Waterfall?įirst of all, be sure to hike out from the parking lot to the beautiful waterfall. Its source, the Hvita River, flows from Langjokull Glacier southward to the Gullfoss site, where it plunges into Gullfoss Canyon. Gullfoss is in West Iceland, about 125 km (77 miles) from Reykjavik.
#GULLFOSS PARKING TV#
The crew of the HBO TV Show Game of Thrones filmed a scene at Gullfoss, but it was scrapped because the books didn’t mention a waterfall beyond The Wall.The water flows at a rate of about 109 m2/s (3849 ft2/s).The name means “Golden Falls,” a nod to its golden lighting on sunny days.It drops down from a height of 32 m (105 feet)!.
#GULLFOSS PARKING FREE#
Just 1.5 hours’ drive from Reykjavik, Gullfoss is gorgeous no matter what season you visit it.Įntrance to Gullfoss Waterfall is free and open 24/7. Most famously, the waterfall drops over two tiers, the first 11 meters and the second 21 meters. As one of the three main sights on the Golden Circle, Gullfoss inspires visitors with its huge size and beautiful cascades. Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most famous attractions in Iceland.
