Gullfoss
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Gullfoss
About
Gullfoss is a waterfall on the Kleifaá river in West Iceland.
Iceland's most visited waterfall. Two massive drops cascade into a rugged canyon, with the river seeming to disappear into the earth. Part of the Golden Circle, and honestly, deserves its fame.
The ground shakes. The mist soaks you. On sunny days, golden rainbows arc over the falls — that's how it got the name. Stand on the viewing platform and feel humbled by the raw power of glacial water.
Saved from becoming a hydropower dam by Sigríður Tómasdóttir, a farmer's daughter who threatened to throw herself into the falls. She won. Her dedication made her an icon of Iceland's conservation movement. There's a memorial to her at the site.
Two viewing platforms — upper and lower. Lower gets you closer but wetter. Come in morning or evening to avoid Golden Circle tour buses. The cafe at the visitor center has good lamb soup. Winter views are spectacular when the falls partially freeze.
Drive: Good·
Visit now·
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsOpen
ClosuresChecking…
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Entry: Free
Parking: Free
No booking
Entry feeFree
ParkingFree
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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Golden hour AM—
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Blue hour—Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.
TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
VW Caravelle
Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.
TransmissionAutomaticFuelDieselSeats9Drive2WD
Key Camper Wild Duo
Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.
TransmissionManualFuelPetrol
Sleeps2Drive4WDTours near Gullfoss
Small groups
Duration
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Reviews
Nearby
Waterfalls
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
Hot Springs
Natural hot spring. Surrounded by Icelandic landscape. Worth seeking out.
Natural hot pot. Coordinates only - verify before visiting.
Geothermal spot. Water temp varies but usually comfortable. Worth seeking out.
Hot pot in nature. Real Iceland experience. Best with few people.
Campsites
Westfjords campsite. Remote location rewards those who make the journey. Dramatic…
Campers at Bjarkalundur can enjoy beautiful outdoor surroundings, with plenty of…
The camp site is located at Laugar in Sælingsdalur and is 16 km north of Búðardalur. The…
The camp site Miðjanes is only 5 km from Reykhólar.
Supermarkets
Krambúð supermarket — supplies
Supermarket — supplies
Supermarket — supplies
Bónus supermarket — supplies
Gas stations
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
ÓB · 308.7 kr/L petrol
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
Tours
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Frequently
asked
questions
Is Gullfoss free to visit?
How far is Gullfoss from Reykjavík?
Can you swim at Gullfoss?
Why is it called Golden Falls?
Is Gullfoss crowded?
Data & sources
Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.
PexelsHero & gallery photography · Matteo Sassola / Pexels
VegagerðinLive road status & cameras · Icelandic Road Administration
Open-MeteoWeather forecast · CC BY 4.0
NOAA SWPCAurora (planetary Kp) forecast · public domain
OpenStreetMapInteractive-map data · ODbL
Esri, Maxar & Earthstar GeographicsSatellite imagery for the 3D terrain render · GIS User Community
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