How to Visit Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland

Gullfoss shows up on every Iceland itinerary, and there’s a reason why. I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype, but it quickly became one of the stops I still think about.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit, from practical tips to nearby sights worth adding to your day.

About Gullfoss Waterfall Iceland

Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls”, is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.

The water starts high up in Langjökull glacier, travels down the Hvítá River, and then crashes into a canyon in two big drops. The first is about 11 meters, then another is 21, so more than 30 meters of water (140 cubic meters per second) comes crashing down right in front of you.

I was amazed by how the canyon seemed to stretch endlessly. It runs for over two kilometers, and the walls are steep and narrow.

In summer, the river is wild and full of energy, but in winter, everything slows down, and the ice transforms it into something completely different. I like that no matter when you visit, Gullfoss always shows a new side of itself.

Gullfoss Waterfall History

Gullfoss isn’t just a pretty waterfall; it also has a story that Icelanders still love to tell.

In the early 20th century, foreign investors wanted to harness the Hvítá River for hydroelectric power, which would have changed Gullfoss forever.

A local farmer’s daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, wasn’t having it. She walked barefoot all the way to Reykjavík, threatened to throw herself into the falls if the project went ahead, and kept fighting until the plan was dropped.

Thanks to her determination, Gullfoss was saved, and today she’s remembered as Iceland’s first environmental activist. When I visited, knowing that story made the place feel even more powerful. It’s a symbol of how fiercely people here protect their land.

What to Know Before You Go

Here are a few things I learned when I visited Gullfoss:

• No entrance fee: You don’t need a ticket to see the falls.
• Gullfoss parking lots: There are two lots. I used the upper one because it has the visitor center, restrooms, and a café. The lower lot is closer to the falls and usually quieter, but there’s nothing else.
• Visitor center café: I stopped in for a bowl of lamb soup, and it was exactly what I needed after standing in the mist. You can also grab sandwiches, coffee, and snacks.
• Open all year: The waterfall itself never closes, so you can show up any time. In winter, some of the paths may be closed if they’re too icy.
• Crowds: In summer, the paths get packed, especially around midday. I went early, and it felt a lot calmer. If you can time your visit for morning or evening, you’ll get softer light and fewer people around.

How to Get to Gullfoss Waterfall

If you’re driving from Reykjavík, it takes about two hours. I followed the popular Golden Circle route: past Thingvellir national park, Laugarvatn, and Geysir before reaching Gullfoss.

In summer, the drive feels easy, but in winter I’d suggest checking the road.is first because snow and ice can change things quickly.

If you don’t feel like driving, you can join a Golden Circle tour from Reykjavík. Most of them include Þingvellir, the Geysir hot spring area, and Gullfoss in one day.

We rented a car for our trip, but tours are a solid option if you’d rather sit back and let someone else handle the roads.

Either way, whether you’re doing a Golden Circle self-drive or booking a tour, Gullfoss easily fits into your South Iceland itinerary.

Read more: Don’t miss my guides on car rental in Iceland and driving tips.

Gullfoss Viewpoints and Walkways

One of the things I liked about Gullfoss is how easy it is to see. You don’t need to hike far. The paths are short, and each platform shows the falls from a new angle.

I started at the upper lot, where you get a wide view of the canyon and both drops. From there, the trail heads closer to the water. That’s when you really feel the spray on your face.

Each platform shows the falls from a slightly different angle. At one, you look straight down into the first drop. At another, you get that classic photo of the canyon with the river twisting into the gorge.

The paths are paved, so it’s an easy walk, but they can get wet and slippery. In summer, I managed fine with regular shoes. But in winter, you’ll definitely want something sturdier.

If you like taking pictures, you’ll love it here! The Gullfoss viewpoints are some of the best photo spots on the Golden Circle, especially when the sun hits the mist and creates rainbows.

Best Time to Visit Gullfoss

You can visit Gullfoss any time of year, but the experience feels different depending on the season.

I went in the summer and loved the long daylight hours. The water was roaring with full power, the moss around the canyon was bright green, and I had enough time to drive the whole Golden Circle without rushing.

The only downside? Crowds. By late morning the parking lot was already packed, so I’d suggest going early or later in the evening if you want more space.

Spring and autumn are quieter. I like how the light changes quickly in those seasons. The falls can look soft and glowing one minute and moody the next. The weather is less predictable, though, so bring a good jacket.

In the winter, the paths can be icy, and sometimes the lower walkway is closed. But you can see parts of the waterfall frozen solid, with mist turning into tiny crystals. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights nearby.

Where to Stay Near Gullfoss Waterfall

If you’d like to stay close to the falls, Hotel Gullfoss is just a few minutes away and gives you simple, comfortable rooms with an on-site restaurant and the chance to visit the waterfall early or late when it’s quieter.

Another good option is Litli Geysir Hotel, about ten minutes down the road, where you can step outside and watch Strokkur erupt before heading to Gullfoss.

For something a little more modern, Blue Hotel Fagrilundur in Reykholt offers clean rooms and a hot tub, which feels amazing after a day of sightseeing.

If you don’t mind driving a bit further, The Hill Hotel in Flúðir has a stylish setup with hot tubs and puts you close to the Secret Lagoon for an evening soak.

If you’d rather base yourself in Reykjavík, I’ve enjoyed staying at Alda Hotel and Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel, a cozy boutique spot with stylish rooms and a friendly vibe.

Things to Do Near Gullfoss

The great thing about Gullfoss is that it’s right in the middle of the Golden Circle, so you can easily combine it with other popular tourist attractions.

Just ten minutes away is the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes. Þingvellir National Park is another stop I really enjoyed. It’s where you can see the rift between two tectonic plates.

If you have extra time, add Kerið crater to your drive. It’s a colorful volcanic crater lake that looks especially good in the late afternoon light. Visiting these spots in one loop makes the Golden Circle one of the best day trips from Reykjavík.

What to Pack for Gullfoss

Here are a few things I’d recommend packing for your visit to Gullfoss:

• Waterproof jacket: The spray is constant; you’ll get wet if the wind picks up.
• Good shoes: Sneakers are fine in summer. In winter, bring sturdy boots or even microspikes for icy paths.
• Layers: The weather changes quickly in South Iceland. It can be sunny one minute and chilly the next.
• Camera protection: The mist will cover your lens fast. I kept wiping mine, and a simple cover would have helped.
• Snacks or water: There’s a café at the visitor center, but it’s nice to have something handy if you plan to walk around longer.

If you’re planning a longer trip, you might like my guide to mountains in Iceland or my roundup of the best beaches in Iceland.

And honestly, nothing beats soaking in hot water after a long day of sightseeing, so I’d also recommend looking at my list of geothermal pools and hot springs.