Gullfoss — A Deep Dive
Gullfoss — 'the Golden Falls' — is a two-step right-angled cascade on the Hvítá river, 32 metres total drop. Most-visited fall in Iceland; centrepiece of the Golden Circle. On the map.
Two steps at right angles
Upper step: 11 m, drops sideways. Lower step: 21 m, drops into a perpendicular crevasse cut by glacial outburst floods. The two falls are oriented 90° apart.
Sigríður story
Sigríður Tómasdóttir, daughter of a local farmer, fought (1907-1920) against British plans to dam the falls for a hydroelectric scheme. She walked barefoot to Reykjavík and threatened to throw herself in the falls. Her statue stands at the upper viewpoint.
Golden Circle
Standard day trip from Reykjavík: Þingvellir + Geysir + Gullfoss. 300 km loop, ~7 hours including stops. Operates year-round (winter buses on studded tyres).
Two viewpoints
Upper viewpoint: car park, café, Sigríður statue. Lower viewpoint: 20-min walk down stairs, gets you to the edge of the upper step. Pick lower for drama.
Winter visiting
Winter (November-February) gives ice formations along both viewpoints. Lower viewpoint may be closed for safety in icy conditions; upper always accessible.
Nearby
Geysir geothermal area is 10 km west. Þingvellir National Park is 50 km west. Brúarfoss waterfall (45 minutes walk in) is a quieter alternative just south.
Keep exploring
All of these are pinned on our interactive map.