Gullfoss waterfall is an integral part of the Golden Circle.This majestic tiered waterfall is located in the Haukadalur valley, Iceland. Originating from the Langjökull glacier, it adorns the river canyon in Hvitá and is situated at 656 ft (200 m) above sea level.The nature in Iceland is stunning. Gullfoss stands for ‘Golden Waterfall’ in certain native Icelandic languages as a golden-toned hue spreads over the mist in the upper regions. When the sun shines bright, the waterfall looks golden. It looks majestic and photogenic in the Icelandic landscape. The picturesque Gullfoss falls is located at 73.3 mi (118 km) from Reykjavík, Iceland, and a car can be hired to reach a free car parking area near the waterfall. Geysir and Þingvellir National Park located in Thingvellir are other tourist-worthy locations near the Gullfoss falls. This glacial waterfall is very much renowned, and people from the entire world visit the canyons of the Hvítá river to witness the beauty named Gullfoss.Facts About The Gullfoss WaterfallThe Golden Circle is a tourist route situated in the southern part of Iceland. It covers around 186.4 mi (300 km) into the uplands of Iceland in total. A significant chunk of tourist attractions in Iceland is concentrated here, including the Gullfoss.Gullfoss waterfall carries a lot of sediments with it, and it gives the fall a unique and pretty color. The canyon through which the Gullfoss waterfall plunges down is 230 ft (70.1 m) deep and 1.6 mi (2.5 km) lengthy. Such energy can only result from glacial outbursts in the last age. Incidentally, the canyon keeps extending by 9.8 in (25 cm) each year.An enormous glacial flood (jökulhlaup) resulted in constant erosion and created huge chasms. It is believed that geothermal activities or volcanic eruptions since the Ice Age designed the structures along the Langjökull glacier.Gullfoss, in Iceland, is open for tourists round the year, all the time. However, tourists are not allowed on the lower paths during winter due to the slippery conditions. But the magnificent view from the viewpoints in the upper paths is worth everything. These pathways are wheelchair-friendly.Another specialty is that ice can be found, at times, within the waterfall, but it never freezes. Visitors might get drenched if they get too close to the falls in summer since the force gets to nearly 358 cu ft (10.1 cu mt).The Hveragerði geothermal town and Faxi falls, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park constitute the famous Golden Circle.Things To Do At Gullfoss FallsThere are certain adventure sports one can experience apart from soaking in the beauty of the Gullfoss waterfall. If you want a serene and calm gateway, you can also sit there and relax, watching the falls hitting on the boulders.The trail is quite comfortable at 1.1 mi (1.8 km). You will fall short of words once you witness the glacial ice melting and plunging right into the crevice of a vast canyon.The breathtaking views that the canyon and the falls offer are a favorite among many photographers. There are some cafes and gift shops where you can relax while sipping on hot coffee in the cold weather of Iceland. Fresh cakes, sandwiches, other titbits, and vegan options like salads are very common and tasty. You can also buy souvenirs like jewelry, books, and clothes from the gift shops for your loved ones.Laugarvatn and Flúðir are small villages located near the falls. These very small and typical villages of Iceland are sure to charm you.If you stroll away to Reykjavík, you can also find the glacier called Langjökull. River rafting trips are a chosen form of recreation in the nearby river. A small fee is charged for the restrooms in the car park.Surprising Facts About Gullfoss FallsOne of the most beloved waterfalls in Iceland is the Gullfoss falls. Sigríður Tómasdottir, one of Iceland’s iconic figures, played a significant role in saving Gullfoss from foreign investors. She is a respected figure in the history of the iconic falls, so much so that a statue with a plaque at the fall site commemorates her arduous struggle to preserve the waterfall.Halldór Halldórsson and Tómas Tómasson once owned the land in which the waterfall is situated.Sveinn Bjornsson, the lawyer who fought the case for Sigríður, went on to become the first President of Iceland after its independence.Gullfoss waterfall is a gigantic waterfall with a height of around 105 ft (32 m). The waterfall is divided into two water cascades- the upper waterfall is 36 ft (11 m), and the height of the lower waterfall is 69 ft (21 m). Gullfoss is 800 ft (243.8 m) at its widest portion from sea level.The average summer flow rate of this glacial water source is 4,900 cu ft (138.8 cu m) per second. The highest flood rate ever recorded was 71,000 cu ft (2010.5 cu m) per second, crowning it the largest volumes fall in Europe.This waterfall has been a protected natural reserve since 1979.Many investors worldwide desired to profit from the Icelandic nature reserve. A businessman named Howell wanted to turn the powerful energy of the waterfall into hydroelectric power. The then co-owner of Gullfoss, farmer Tómas Tómasson refused after his daughter persuaded him to pull out of the deal.Geographical Facts About Gullfoss FallsGullfoss traverses uphill through the mighty Langjökull glacier to enter ice tunnels, from where the raw power of this famous waterfall can be experienced.Gullfoss is a tiered waterfall residing in the canyon of the Hvítá river. This river is also known as the White River.A massive quantity of meltwater created the breathtaking waterfalls that followed a fissure in the lava rock and found its way to forming the Golden Circle.Gullfoss is around 6.2 mi (10 km) from Geysir if one travels through Road 35. Thingvellir is approximately 112.7 mi (70 km) from Gullfoss via Roads 35, 365, and 37. The longest route runs through Skálholt and is 50 mi (80.5 km) along Roads 35, 358, 35, 37. One can also take the 365 from Laugarvatn to reach the falls.The Hvítá roars through Gullfoss but then slows down at a point where three rivers, namely Tungufljót, Brúará, and Stóra Laxá, meet. They add to the volume of the river and give it a new name- Ölfusá. This river flows through the town of Selfoss and gradually enters the Atlantic Ocean.If a tourist wants to drive to the fall, cars can be rented. Drive a hired car from the large free car park situated near the waterfall. Geysir is also known as The Great Geysir at times.
Gullfoss waterfall is an integral part of the Golden Circle.
