Gullfoss
The Golden Falls — a two-step, right-angle plunge of the Hvita river that is the crown of the Golden Circle.
Two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall in Hvita river canyon
What to expect at Gullfoss
Gullfoss drops the glacial Hvita river in two stages — 11 m then 21 m — into a narrow crevice that runs at a right angle to the flow, so from most viewpoints the whole river seems to disappear into the earth. In sunshine the spray throws golden light across the canyon, which is where the name comes from. The falls were saved from a 1920s hydroelectric scheme by Sigridur Tomasdottir, a local farmer's daughter whose bronze bust stands above the upper viewing area.
Gullfoss pairs naturally with Geysir 10 km down Route 35 and with Thingvellir 60 km further west — the three form the Golden Circle. Two viewing platforms serve the falls: the upper one from the main car park is wheelchair-friendly, the lower one from a second car park below is closer to the spray. In winter the lower path closes for ice; the upper stays open all year. Budget an hour for photos plus 30 minutes for lunch at Gullfoss Kaffi ($18 lamb stew).
Questions about Gullfoss
Completely free. Both car parks are also free — one of the few Golden Circle sites without a parking fee.
It is free at all times, day and night, all year.
1-2 hours including both viewpoints and a stop at the cafe.
The upper platform never closes. The lower path closes when icy, typically late November to early March.
No booking needed. Golden Circle bus tours cost $85-110 from Reykjavik if you don’t want to drive.
The car park is at the end of Route 35, 116 km east of Reykjavik. Reykjavik Excursions and Gray Line coaches stop here on Golden Circle day tours.
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