Gullfoss Waterfall, also known as the “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Find out how to reach its convenient location and explore its panoramic viewpoints, giving you an unforgettable look at one of the Golden Circle’s most impressive highlights at any time of year.
Gullfoss sits in Southwest Iceland, about 72 miles (116 kilometers) from the capital, and is easy to reach on dedicated Gullfoss tours or by car along a well-paved route with clear signage. Its location makes it a natural stop on self-drive tours, day trips from Reykjavik, and Golden Circle tours that stop at Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Geothermal Area.
Among Iceland’s waterfalls, Gullfoss stands out for its two-tiered drop, glacial source, and canyon setting, and it ranks among the most visited stops on waterfall tours.
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For expert insights, we spoke with Dr. Greta Wells, a geoscientist who specializes in glacial outburst floods, the powerful forces that carved Gullfoss Canyon. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, including a year as a Fulbright-NSF Arctic Research Fellow at the University of Iceland.
Read on for a clear breakdown of Gullfoss parking, entrance fees, and directions from Reykjavik, plus the best things to do nearby. You’ll also find tips on hotels along the Golden Circle.
Essential Traveler Information for Gullfoss Waterfall
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Location: Southwest Iceland, Golden Circle Route (Route 35)
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Distance from Reykjavik: Gullfoss is about 72 miles (116 kilometers) from Reykjavik, and the drive typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours along Route 35.
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Admission and Parking Fee: Free
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Time Needed: 45 to 90 minutes
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Opening Hours: The waterfall and viewing paths are open 24 hours a day throughout the year.
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Accessibility: The upper viewpoint is reachable by a ramp/boardwalk and is broadly wheelchair-friendly, while the lower platform is stairs only.
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Gullfoss Visitor Center hours: The cafe, restrooms, and a gift shop usually operate from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM in summer, with shorter hours in winter.
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Viewpoints: The upper viewpoint offers a wide panoramic view and is open in all seasons, while the lower viewpoint provides a closer perspective but is often closed in winter.
Geology and the Power of Gullfoss Waterfall
The Gullfoss Waterfall, known as the “Golden Falls,” is fed by the powerful Hvita River, which originates from the Langjokull Glacier. Its name comes from the fine glacial sediment in the river, which can make the water appear golden when the sunlight catches it. The water flows through Iceland’s rugged landscape before plunging over the two-tiered cascade.
Gullfoss is made up of two distinct stages: the first drop is 36 feet (11 meters), followed by a second, larger plunge of 69 feet (21 meters). Together, these stages create an incredible display of nature’s power.
Flanked by towering canyon walls that reach up to 230 feet (70 meters) high, Gullfoss plunges into the Gullfossgljufur Canyon, a ravine about 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) long. Geologists believe it was formed by violent glacial floods at the end of the last ice age.
On average, around 3,850 cubic feet (109 cubic meters) of water rushes over the falls per second. During summer in Iceland, glacial meltwater pushes the flow to roughly 4,600 cubic feet (130 cubic meters) per second.
How Was Gullfoss Waterfall Formed
Research by Dr. Greta Wells, a geoscientist who specializes in glacial outburst floods (known in Icelandic as jökulhlaups), shows that these floods carved the canyon below Gullfoss. Three features visible at Gullfoss reveal that history.
Visitors can see three features formed by glacial outburst floods at Gullfoss: the canyon, the waterfall, and the terraces. The key to their formation is the high power of the floods and the columnar basalt structure of the rock.
As you stand at Gullfoss, you can spot all three features: the steep, box-shaped canyon, the waterfall itself, and the grass-covered terraces surrounding the falls.
The canyon walls are largely columnar basalt. Dr. Wells explains that the hexagonal columns create weaknesses that let high-powered floodwater topple and remove whole columns at once, rapidly excavating the canyon. This gives the canyon its distinctive box shape, a sign of flood formation rather than the U-shaped valleys glaciers carve, or the V-shaped canyons rivers erode.
Gullfoss marks the point where flood erosion stopped after retreating upstream. In geology, this type of waterfall is known as a knickpoint.
The three grass-covered terraces around Gullfoss, including the one beneath the lower parking lot, likely mark former canyon floors left behind as later floods cut the canyon deeper. The narrow canyon just downstream was carved afterward by the Hvita River.
These floods drained around 9,000 to 10,000 years ago from a glacial lake in the Kjolur Highlands, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) upstream. Their exact size is difficult to determine, but early estimates suggest the floods carried at least tens to hundreds of times more water than the modern Hvita River.
Gullfoss Lookout Points and Viewing Platforms
The powerful flow of Gullfoss Waterfall can be viewed from several angles, each offering a different perspective of the two-tiered cascade and the canyon below. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photos, while sunny afternoons increase your chances of seeing a rainbow in the spray.
You can explore the layout of the waterfall in advance using this 3D map of Gullfoss.
Tip: The west side offers easy access, well-maintained viewpoints, and visitor facilities, making it ideal for first-time visitors. The quieter east side has no infrastructure but rewards hikers with a wilder setting and excellent views of the upper cascade.
Upper Viewpoint at Gullfoss (Panoramic View)
Located near the Visitor Center, the upper viewpoint is the most accessible and popular platform. It provides the classic, wide-angle view of Gullfoss, where both tiers drop into the Gullfossgljufur Canyon. On sunny days, a rainbow often appears in the mist. The path is paved, easy to walk, and generally open year-round.
Lower Viewpoint at Gullfoss (Close-Up Experience)
A staircase leads from the upper area down toward the lower rock-level platform, where you can experience the full force of the falls. This is where the ground vibrates, the spray rises, and waterproof clothing becomes helpful on the lower trail.
If you plan to photograph from the lower platform, protect your camera equipment, as the mist is strongest here. The path to the lower viewpoint is often closed in winter or during severe weather when the walkway becomes too slippery and icy, so always follow safety signs.
East Side Viewpoint at Gullfoss (Quiet and Scenic)
The east side of Gullfoss offers a quieter alternative to the main platforms. From this angle, you can look into the first gorge and see basalt columns that are not visible from the west side. Reaching this viewpoint requires a short drive from the main Gullfoss area.
To get there, you should drive on Road 35, turn onto Road 30 near Skjol Camping, and cross the bridge to Bruarhlod Canyon. A few hundred meters later, turn left onto Road 349 and follow it to the “Hrunamannaafrettur” sign. From there, continue to the Gullfoss sign, park, and enjoy a 20 to 30-minute walk to the waterfall.
How To Get to Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland is located in Southwest Iceland along the well-known Golden Circle Route. The waterfall sits within the canyon of the Hvita River, close to the Geysir Geothermal Area.
There is no public transportation to Gullfoss, so visitors must arrive in rental cars or on guided tours. While most travelers reach Gullfoss by driving along the Golden Circle, joining tours is the easiest option for visitors who prefer not to drive, especially in winter.
Below are some recommended tours that include a visit to Gullfoss:
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Golden Circle Minibus Tour From Reykjavik: This small-group tour covers the main Golden Circle highlights with convenient pickup from Reykjavik.
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Best Value Golden Circle Bus Tour From Reykjavik: This affordable coach tour visits Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir and is ideal for travelers looking for a simple and comfortable option.
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Golden Circle Tour With Bruarfoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater: This full-day itinerary adds two scenic stops, Bruarfoss and Kerid Crater, to the classic Golden Circle route.
Meanwhile, the drive from Reykjavik to Gullfoss Waterfall typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, following well-paved roads that remain maintained throughout the year. Gullfoss is about 72 miles (116 kilometers) away, which makes it one of the most accessible natural attractions near the capital.
The route is straightforward when self-driving to Gullfoss Waterfall from Reykjavik:
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Leave Reykjavik heading east on Route 1 (the Ring Road).
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After about 30 miles (47 kilometers), turn left onto Route 35.
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Follow Route 35 past the Geysir Geothermal Area until you reach the Gullfoss Parking Area.
Tip: You do not need a 4WD vehicle when driving to Gullfoss Waterfall, since it’s fully paved. But 4WD is safer in severe winter weather.
Gullfoss Parking and Fees
Gullfoss Waterfall has two main parking areas for self-driving visitors, both easily accessed from Route 35. Parking is simple, spacious, and well-signed, which makes it convenient for anyone visiting the waterfall on a Golden Circle itinerary.
The upper and lower parking at Gullfoss is free of charge. There are no mandatory fees at either the upper or lower parking lots, which makes Gullfoss one of the few major Golden Circle sights that does not require paid parking.
Located beside the Visitor Center, the upper parking lot at Gullfoss Waterfall is the main parking area and the busiest. From here, a short paved path leads to the upper viewpoint, offering a panoramic view of the waterfall and the surrounding canyon.
Positioned closer to the canyon, the smaller lower parking lot in Gullfoss is often less crowded. It provides access to the path leading down to the dramatic lower viewing area near Gullfoss Falls, though this path is frequently closed in winter due to ice.
Tip: A connecting walking path links both parking areas, so you can easily reach the Visitor Center and all main viewpoints of Gullfoss from either lot.
Gullfoss Visitor Center
The Gullfoss Visitor Center, situated at the upper parking lot, serves as the hub for amenities during your visit. It has a cafe, store, and restrooms that generally operate from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, though hours may vary seasonally. The visitor center is just a 3-minute walk on the boardwalk to the main viewing platforms.
Gullfoss Cafe
The Gullfoss Cafe offers a warm and welcoming place to recharge after visiting the falls. The menu features hearty soups, fresh sandwiches, salads, cakes, and other light refreshments, with takeaway options for travelers continuing along the Golden Circle. The hot food kitchen closes one hour before the Visitor Center’s closing time.
Gullfoss Souvenir Shop
The Gullfoss Visitor Center has a large souvenir shop that offers classic Icelandic souvenirs, local treats, clothing, textiles, and basic outdoor essentials. It is a convenient stop for anyone visiting Gullfoss Waterfall or exploring the Golden Circle, with books and maps that help travelers plan the rest of their route.
A year-round Christmas corner features ornaments and books inspired by Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads, the playful folklore figures who visit children in the days leading up to Christmas. You will also find postcards of Gullfoss and nearby sights, which you can mail directly from the center.
Best Time To Visit Gullfoss
Gullfoss is open 24 hours a day, year-round, so you can visit in any season. For the quietest experience and the best lighting, arrive before 9:30 AM or later in the afternoon, although the Gullfoss Visitor Center may not be open yet if you visit early.
Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit Gullfoss. Both viewing platforms are open, the trails are clear, and meltwater from Langjokull Glacier brings the waterfall to its highest flow. On sunny days, the mist often creates rainbows, making it a great time for photography.
For fewer crowds, visit during the shoulder season (May and September to October). In winter (November to February), Gullfoss transforms into a dramatic icy landscape with a chance to see the northern lights. Some trails and facilities may have limited access due to snow and ice.
Tour buses are busiest between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, so visiting outside those hours usually means fewer crowds and softer light. If you’re visiting during the midnight sun, the long daylight hours also give you more flexibility to explore without the peak-time rush.
How Much Time To Spend at Gullfoss Waterfall
Most visitors spend 30 to 90 minutes at Gullfoss, depending on how many viewpoints they want to see. A quick stop at the upper platforms takes about 30 minutes, while adding the lower path brings the visit to roughly an hour.
If you want to explore all the main viewpoints and take your time at the cafe or browse the souvenir shop, plan for closer to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
To add the East Side Viewpoint, allow about two and a half hours in total, as it needs a short drive and a 20 to 30-minute walk each way.
Visiting Gullfoss in Winter
A winter visit to Gullfoss is possible, as the waterfall is open 24 hours, even in the colder months. The winter scene is spectacular, with parts of the waterfall freezing into sculpted ice and the surrounding landscape blanketed in snow. This transformation is one reason Gullfoss is among the top waterfalls to see in Iceland in winter.
Daylight lasts only a few hours in midwinter, so plan your visit within the available light for safety and better visibility. A guided Golden Circle tour is the safest option for anyone unfamiliar with winter roads. But if you plan to drive, check conditions before heading out, as the weather can change quickly and affect road access.
The lower viewpoint path is often closed because of heavy ice, but the upper platform remains open throughout the season. Footpaths can be extremely slippery, so sturdy waterproof boots are important, and microspikes (crampons) are recommended for better traction.
History of Gullfoss Waterfall
In the early 1900s, Gullfoss became the focus of a dispute when an English investor attempted to harness the waterfall’s power for a hydroelectric plant. The land belonged to farmer Tómas Tómasson, who refused to sell but unknowingly signed a lease that allowed the project to move forward.
Tómas’s daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, led the effort to protect the falls. She grew up at nearby Brattholt Farm and helped create the first path to the waterfall, giving her a deep connection to the area.
Using her own savings to hire a lawyer, Sigríður repeatedly traveled to Reykjavik on foot to challenge the contract. Her determination became widely known, especially after she threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if construction began.
Her court challenge ultimately failed, but the foreign investors gradually lost interest. The rental payments stopped, and the agreement became void in 1928. The hydroelectric plant was never built. Gullfoss stayed in private hands until 1940, when it was sold to the Icelandic state, and the waterfall and its surroundings became a protected conservation site in 1979.
Sigríður is now remembered as Iceland’s first environmentalist and one of the most famous figures in Iceland’s history. A stone memorial dedicated to Sigríður Tómasdóttir is located on the cliffs near Gullfoss Waterfall. The lawyer who assisted her, Sveinn Björnsson, later became Iceland’s first president.
A tribute to Sigríður’s legacy can be explored in The Hero’s Journey, a virtual-reality exhibition that can be accessed by scanning QR codes at five locations around Gullfoss. Once scanned, the VR elements let you follow an interactive narrative inspired by Sigríður’s fight to protect the waterfall.
Top 10 Things To Do Near Gullfoss on the Golden Circle
Gullfoss is one of the signature stops on the Golden Circle, perfectly positioned between Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Geothermal Area. Its central location makes it easy to pair a visit to Gullfoss with a wide range of activities on the Golden Circle.
10. Visit Bruarfoss Waterfall
Often called Iceland’s bluest waterfall, Bruarfoss is known for its vivid blue glacial water flowing through a narrow lava channel. Located about 25 minutes from Gullfoss, it’s much quieter than the Golden Circle’s main attractions and rewards visitors with a short, scenic walk to the falls.
You can easily visit Bruarfoss on a self-drive tour of the Golden Circle or as part of a small-group Golden Circle minibus tour from Reykjavik.
9. Discover the New Laugaras Lagoon
Opened in 2025, Laugaras Lagoon is one of Iceland’s newest geothermal spas. Located about 35 minutes from Gullfoss Waterfall, its warm, mineral-rich pools offer the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. A standard admission to Laugaras Lagoon gives you access to its warm, mineral-rich waters, perfect for unwinding when you’re done exploring.
8. Relax in the Secret Lagoon Hot Spring
Located in Fludir, about 30 minutes from Gullfoss, the Secret Lagoon is one of Iceland’s top geothermal hot springs. The geothermal water stays warm year-round, while bubbling hot springs and steam vents create a classic Icelandic bathing experience. Admission to the Secret Lagoon provides a soothing experience after a day of sightseeing.
7. Try Geothermal Bread Baking at Fontana Spa
You can try a geothermal bread-baking experience at Fontana Spa, where staff show how rye dough is buried and slow-baked for about 24 hours using geothermal heat alone. Afterward, you can enjoy slices served with butter, sometimes with local trout. Fontana Spa is only 35 minutes away from Gullfoss, and it also has geothermal baths for a relaxing soak.
6. Have Lunch at Fridheimar Tomato Farm
About 30 minutes drive from Gullfoss Waterfall, Fridheimar Tomato Farm is one of the most unique dining stops on the Golden Circle, serving homemade tomato soup, fresh pasta, and other dishes inside a working greenhouse. This Golden Circle tour with lunch at Fridheimar lets you enjoy a farm-to-table experience after visiting Gullfoss Waterfall and other nearby attractions.
If you’re exploring independently with a rental car, we recommend reserving a table at Fridheimar with good notice.
5. Take a Horseback Riding Tour
Icelandic horses are known for their friendly demeanor and tolt gait. Several nearby farms offer horseback riding tours, allowing you to explore the area’s rugged beauty. For example, this Golden Circle tour with horseback riding lets you visit Gullfoss Waterfall, explore nearby attractions, and ride on Iceland’s iconic horse.
4. Explore Geysir Geothermal Area
Just a 10-minute drive from Gullfoss, the Geysir Geothermal Area is home to Strokkur, Iceland’s most active geyser, which erupts every 6 to 10 minutes. You can also walk among steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and colorful geothermal pools while learning about the volcanic forces that shaped the area.
Because of its close proximity, Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall are often visited together on a self-drive itinerary or a guided Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik.
3. See the Northern Lights in Winter
From October to early April, the Golden Circle becomes one of the best areas to watch the northern lights in Iceland. Some northern lights tours, like this Golden Circle and northern lights tour, pair daytime sightseeing at Gullfoss with an evening aurora excursion.
2. Snorkel in Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park
Located in Thingvellir National Park, about 50 minutes away from Gullfoss, Silfra Fissure lets you snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacial water. It’s one of Iceland’s most unique outdoor experiences and pairs well with a Golden Circle itinerary.
You can experience this by heading to Thingvellir and joining a Silfra snorkeling tour or through a Golden Circle tour that includes snorkeling in Silfra.
1. Snowmobile Across Langjokull Glacier
Langjokull Glacier offers snowmobile tours that let you speed across the second-largest glacier in the country. Many Langjokull snowmobile tours depart from the Gullfoss parking area, making it easy to combine in a single trip. A specially modified vehicle takes you to the glacier base camp before your snowmobile adventure begins.
A popular option is to join a snowmobile tour on Langjokull from Gullfoss, which includes transport from the waterfall’s parking area to the glacier base camp.
Places To Stay Near Gullfoss Waterfall
If you want to stay near the Gullfoss waterfall, several excellent Golden Circle accommodations offer convenient access to the waterfall and the attractions in the area.
The closest option is the 3-star Hotel Gullfoss, which offers comfortable rooms just a short drive from the waterfall. For a luxurious experience, you can opt for Hotel Geysir, a 4-star accommodation located around a 10-minute drive from Gullfoss.
One of the more unique accommodations in Iceland is the Torfhus Retreat, a 4-star hotel that’s just a 16-minute drive from the Gullfoss waterfall. It’s inspired by traditional Icelandic turf houses and the country’s early Viking history.
For those looking for a more homey stay, the Efstidalur Farm Hotel is part of a working farm, complete with cozy rooms, a great restaurant, and some of the best ice cream in Iceland!
Make Gullfoss a Key Stop on Your Golden Circle Itinerary
Gullfoss is one of the most impressive sights on the Golden Circle and a place that rewards both quick stops and longer visits. This waterfall is easy to reach, offers great viewpoints in every season, and fits naturally into any Golden Circle itinerary.
If you want help planning your trip, you can explore the ultimate guide to the Golden Circle and learn how to drive the Golden Circle with confidence. This sightseeing loop is simply the perfect starting point for your Icelandic adventure, with Gullfoss as the spectacular golden centerpiece that anchors the route.
