View looking out over the Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland
Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland
If you are headed to the Golden Circle, your tour won’t be complete without a visit to the Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland. It is truly one of the most magnificent waterfalls you’ll ever come across and there is a reason thousands of people visit this area each and every year. As it is today, Gullfoss Waterfall is one of Iceland’s most popular destinations (alongside the popularity of the the Blue Lagoon of course). Gullfoss waterfall, which stands for ‘Golden Falls’ is sourced from Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull, and is part of the Hvítá River.
Looking up Hvítá river at Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland
On my second time through Iceland, we decided to head to the Gullfoss Waterfall after leaving from Stokkur Geysir. It was extremely cold, windy and icy the day we went and this was a much different experience than my first time around the Golden Circle a few years ago. When taking the Golden Circle tour, most people (and tour buses) will start their day by first visiting Thingvellir National Park and ending up at Gullfoss waterfall as their last stop. However, there is no doubt that Gullfoss waterfall gets very crowded with tourists. It may never be so crowded that it will bother you once arriving but if you would like to try to beat the crowds, just do the Golden Circle tour in reverse. This means that instead of heading to Thingvellir first, as many coming from Reykjavik will do, you can instead go straight to Gullfoss Waterfall. It’ll be a bit further to drive starting out but your drive coming home won’t be as far since Thingvellir is your last stop and closer to Reykjavik which is where most people will be staying anyway.
Yes, a Very Cold and Extremely Windy Iceland day! – Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland
When you get to Gullfoss Waterfall off the main road, just follow the signs as the falls is not always visible when you pull up. And once there, be sure to visit both areas, top and bottom. They have an amazing viewing area high above the waterfall that allows you to look down on the waterfall and also get a panoramic view of the Iceland landscape. It’s quite breathtaking to say the least! But what may be even more amazing is getting up close and personal with Gullfoss at the ground level. Unfortunately, not everyone likes to make the trek down the stairs to reach this area however, it is more than worth it (you can actually drive to the lower lot but you’ll still have a small walk).
Looking back across Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland
During the cold season (late fall through mid-spring), when things are icy, you can get up relatively close to the main area of Gullfoss waterfall on the lower level. However, during the warmer months, you can walk all the way out on the rocks to feel as if you’re standing in the middle of the river just before the crest of the waterfall. This is by far the best experience if you visit. You can see the awesome power of nature while standing behind this waterfall as it spills over the 32 meter cliff (around 105 feet) every second! Such a sight to see. The only problem you’ll have is keeping the mist off your camera lens! Luckily though, on just about any sunny day, you’ll probably be witness to an awesome rainbow cast above Gullfoss waterfall!
Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland – Up close and personal!
Now while Iceland’s Gullfoss Waterfall may in fact be Iceland’s most popular, I’m here to tell you there are many other spectacular and awe-inspiring waterfalls scattered about through the country. It would be a shame to miss those as well. So stay tuned for more as I’ll be covering many more of them in the posts to follow! If you want more information on the Gullfoss waterfall area, see Iceland’s official site.
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Wow! Look at that beautiful view! You are so lucky to having to witness one of the prettiest waterfalls on earth, Rory! Great shots!
Thanks Sofia, aside from the constant ice buildup on my camera lens, this was an amazing day at Gullfoss waterfall… Highly recommend visiting!
This is one of my favorite waterfalls. I was there during summer; winter looks just as amazing.
Stephen Garone recently posted…Staying in the Cradle of New Zealand Tourism at Robertson House
Thanks for the share Stephen. Yes, Gullfoss was equally amazing in winter! The only thing that wasn’t so awesome were the ice crystals floating in the air and hitting us in the face when you walk down into the canyon (very windy)! Haha, it was still worth the trip to Gullfoss though even though we had to brave the elements….
Brilliant ! I can not but read your blog on Iceland again and again. Compliments !
Hi Again !
We are travelling to Iceland on our first leg of two weeks Scandinavian trip with our 6 yrs 10 months old son. We awiill arrive on the 7th July and leave on the 11th. Do you think it is advisable to take a self drive trip to Jakulsarlon from reykjavik and back. And then another trip to Akureyri and back ( an overnight ) or is it too much in 5 days. I love driving and have been driving around the world for 30 years. I reckon thats the best way to explore. Thanks in advance your advice.
Hi Ajay, your trip sounds great. For drive time though, it will be a stretch to see both the two places if you’re going to do an ‘out and back’ trip for each one. While Akureyri is a really great town, I’d spend your time exploring other areas of Iceland that are both en route to Jokulsarlon as well around the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Sneafellness Peninsula as it’ll be a lot less driving but give you more time to explore and experience Iceland than just the highway. That being said, if you really want to stick to those places, have you considered doing the entire ring road loop (through Myvatn)?