What to Expect at Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland

Originating from the glacier Langjökull, the water that forms the Hvítá river leads to Gullfoss waterfall in the Haukadalur Valley, where is cascades 32 metres down the waterfall’s two stages. The sight is a dramatic display of nature’s raw power and for many has become a top-place sight on an Iceland holiday bucket list. Gullfoss waterfall actually has two stages, the first shorter cascade standing around 11 metres tall while the second drop stands at 21 metres. The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 meters and descend into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon. Geologists believe that this canyon was formed by glacial outbursts at the beginning of the last age.

Summertime is one of the best times to visit Gullfoss waterfall since approximately 140 cubic meters of water cascades down the waterfall every second, showcasing the magnificent power of Iceland’s nature. In winter, this number drops to around 109 cubic metres a day. If you stand close enough, you may find getting soaked by the waterfalls powerful spray, so it’s worth taking a waterproof coat with you when you visit! If you time it right, you might also be lucky enough to spot a rainbow when the sun hits the water!

How do you get to Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland?

It’s about a 2 hour drive from Reykjavik to Gullfoss waterfall, and if you have rented a car for your trip, it’s a drive worth doing. During the summer, the roads are clear of ice and snow making the journey straight forward. From Reykjavik, you’ll head around 54 kilometres east on the Ring Road then turn left onto route 35. Stay on route 35 for 68 kilometres until you reach the waterfall.

You can also get to Gullfoss waterfall by joining one of our escorted tours. We have a huge range of Gullfoss waterfall tours which form part of our popular Golden Circle excursion. Our team will collect you from your chosen pick up point and take your directly to the three spots of the Golden Circle sightseeing route, one of which is of course Gullfoss waterfall.

The Golden Circle Route

As mentioned, Gullfoss Waterfall is part of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route. The other two stops on this tour include the Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir National Park. The geothermal hotspot of Geysir has given its name to all such waterspouts (geysers) around the world. The Geysir Geothermal Field boasts a range of geysers which bubble and spray out of the earth and into the air every few minutes. Meanwhile, Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most significant geological sites. It is where the first Iceland parliament was founded in the year 930 AD. The site is home to breathtaking geology including views of where the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates meet as well as where those plates have been drifting apart.

If you’d like to learn more about Gullfoss Waterfall and see it for yourself on one of our Golden Circle tours, head over to the Iceland Holidays website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by emailing us at info@icelandholidays.com.