Gullfoss Waterfall Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Gullfoss Waterfall and discover why it stands among the most iconic attractions in Iceland. 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 is simple to include in any itinerary. The waterfall sits in Southwest Iceland and is easy to reach by car or through Gullfoss tours. The route is well-paved through open countryside with clear signage. Many travelers visit Gullfoss as part of Golden Circle tours with stops at Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Geothermal Area.

Gullfoss is close enough to the capital to work well for day trips from Reykjavik, giving travelers the chance to see one of Iceland’s most impressive natural sites and return to the city without a long drive. Its convenient location also makes it a good option for visitors with limited time to explore Iceland.

As part of Iceland’s broader network of waterfalls, Gullfoss stands out for its size and structure. It is among the most frequently visited sites on waterfall tours, and its two-tiered drop, glacial source, and canyon setting are key features that set it apart from other waterfalls in the country.

This guide covers the essential details to visit the waterfall. You'll find a clear breakdown of the Gullfoss parking, entrance fee, and directions from Reykjavik. Read on to plan your itinerary and find out what activities to try and which places to stay in the Golden Circle.

Essential Traveler Information for Gullfoss Waterfall

• Entrance & parking fee: Entrance to the waterfall and parking are free

• Accessibility: The waterfall and viewing paths are open 24 hours a day throughout the year.

• Gullfoss Visitor Center hours: The cafe, restrooms, and shop usually operate from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM in summer, with shorter hours in winter.

• 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.

• Distance from Reykjavik: Gullfoss is about 72 miles (116 kilometers) from Reykjavik, and the drive typically takes around 2 hours along Route 35.

Geology and the Power of Gullfoss Waterfall

The Gullfoss Waterfall is fed by the powerful Hvita River, which originates from the Langjokull Glacier. The water flows through Iceland’s rugged landscape before dramatically 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 majestic Gullfossgjufur Canyon. This deep ravine, geologists believe, was formed by violent glacial floods at the end of the last ice age.

During summer in Iceland, around 4,943 cubic feet (140 cubic meters) of water rushes over the falls per second. In contrast, during winter in Iceland, this flow reduces to about 3,849 cubic feet (109 cubic meters), still maintaining an impressive force.

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. 

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 Gullfossgjufur 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. 

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:

• Golden Circle Minibus Tour From Reykjavik: This small-group tour covers the main Golden Circle highlights with convenient pickup from Reykjavik.

• 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.

• 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:

1. Leave Reykjavik heading east on Route 1 (the Ring Road).

2. After about 30 miles (47 kilometers), turn left onto Route 35.

3. Follow Route 35 past the Geysir Geothermal Area until you reach the Gullfoss Parking Area.

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.

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.

Visitors, including the East Side Viewpoint, should allow about two and a half hours in total, as this experience requires 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, Howell, 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 Reykjavík on foot to challenge the contract. Her determination became widely known, especially after she threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if construction began.

After years of resistance, Howell abandoned his plans in 1929, and Gullfoss returned fully to Icelandic ownership. Sigríður is now remembered as Iceland’s first environmentalist and one of the most famous figures in Iceland’s history. The lawyer who assisted her, Sveinn Björnsson, later became Iceland’s first president.

A tribute to Sigridur’s legacy can be explored in The Hero’s Journey, a virtual-reality exhibition that can be access by scanning QR codes at five locations around Gullfoss. Once scanned, the VR elements let you follow an interactive narrative inspired by Sigridur’s fight to protect the waterfall.

Top 8 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.

8. Discover the New Laugaras Lagoon

Try the new Laugaras Lagoon, Iceland’s latest geothermal retreat. It opened in October 2025, and this geothermal spa is surrounded by natural beauty and designed for relaxation. A standard admission to Laugaras Lagoon gives you access to its warm, mineral-rich waters, perfect for unwinding when you're done exploring.

7. Relax in the Secret Lagoon Hot Spring

Unwind by soaking in one of Iceland’s top geothermal hot springs. Located about 30 minutes away, the Secret Lagoon in Fludir offers relaxing in naturally heated waters surrounded by steam vents and lava rocks. Admission to the Secret Lagoon provides a soothing experience after a day of sightseeing.

6. Try Geothermal Bread Baking at Fontana Spa

You can try a geothermal bread-baking experience at Fontana Spa. Staff demonstrate how rye dough is buried in the ground and slow-baked for about 24 hours using geothermal heat alone. After watching the bread being lifted from the ground, you can enjoy slices served with butter, sometimes with local trout.

Fontana Spa also has geothermal baths, which normally make it easy to pair the bread-baking experience with a relaxing soak. The baths are currently closed, though, and are expected to reopen in April 2026.

5. Have Lunch at Fridheimar Tomato Farm

Fridheimar Tomato Farm is one of the most unique dining stops on the Golden Circle, known for its fresh tomato dishes served right beside the plants. 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.

4. 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.

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. 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

The Silfra Fissure is one of the only places in the world where you can snorkel between two continental plates in crystal-clear glacial water. 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

Just a short drive from Gullfoss, Langjokull Glacier offers snowmobile tours that let you speed across the second-largest glacier in the country. 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!

FAQs About Gullfoss Waterfall

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Gullfoss Waterfall.

What does Gullfoss mean?

Gullfoss means "Golden Falls" in Icelandic. The waterfall earned its name from the golden hue that often appears in its glacial waters on sunny days.

How high is Gullfoss waterfall?

Gullfoss has two drops, one measuring 36 feet (11 meters) and the other 69 feet (21 meters), for a total height of 105 feet (32 meters).

How was Gullfoss formed?

Gullfoss was formed during the last ice age when glacial runoff carved out a deep canyon in the Hvita River. The waterfall is created by a series of cascades and drops that plunge into the canyon below.

Does Gullfoss Waterfall have an entrance fee?

No, but there is a parking fee at the Gullfoss Visitor Center, which is used to maintain the area and facilities. Visitors can pay the fee at a self-service machine in the parking lot. If you are visiting on a guided tour, then the parking fee is included.

Can you visit Gullfoss year-round?

Yes, Gullfoss is open to visitors year-round. The best time to visit is summer (June to August), when the weather is milder and the days are longer. However, in winter (December to February), the waterfall can be partially frozen and covered in snow, creating a beautiful winter wonderland scene.

What are the opening hours of Gullfoss Waterfall?

Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland is open 24 hours a day throughout the year. The waterfall area has no gates or set closing times. Your only considerations are weather and road conditions, which can affect access, especially in winter. 

Can you walk around Gullfoss?

Yes, you can walk around Gullfoss along the designated paths that lead to viewpoints. The upper platform is accessible year-round and offers panoramic views of the waterfall and canyon. The lower viewpoint provides a dramatic, close-up perspective, but this path is often closed in winter because of heavy ice.

What are some other attractions near Gullfoss?

Gullfoss is located along the Golden Circle, a sightseeing route that includes the Geysir Geothermal Area, Thingvellir National Park, and the waterfall itself. Other attractions along the way are the Kerid Crater, the Secret Lagoon, and Fridheimar Farm.

How far is Gullfoss from Reykjavik?

Gullfoss is located approximately 72 miles (116 kilometers) from Reykjavik. The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours without stops.

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.