Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall
4.5
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Considered by many to be the country's most beautiful waterfall.
Duration: < 1 hour
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- sabrinak136New Orleans, Louisiana1,499 contributionsThe land of fire, ice, and waterfalls!Gullfoss is one incredible waterfall to visit.  However, the weather in Iceland is unpredictable and as the saying goes just wait five minutes and the weather will change.  This waterfall was absolutely spectacular to see; however, the wind was unbelievable!  It was mid July and believe me you needed warm clothes that are waterproof.  There were some steps to navigate however, once you reach the top the view is absolutely breathtaking and one that you will remember long after your visit to Iceland has ended. I guarantee you will remember Gullfoss and the wind. A splendid example of the beauty of our natural world.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 18, 2024
- Simondos1707Kenilworth, United Kingdom215 contributionsThe most powerful of waterfallsThis is a tremendous piece of nature where you truly see its raw power . Fantastic views above the falls and also along the falls from the lower viewing platform where you get a completely different perspective - so make sure you enjoy both ! The windchill made it -10 degrees so wrap up ; also the pathways were extremely icey so crampons highly recommended. The fact there are lots of tourists following you around doesn’t detract from this fantastic location.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 1, 2024
- anotheraeolistNew York City, New York233 contributionsFull of rainbows and mistGullfoss is one of the top attractions of Iceland's Golden Circle tour. As such, it is extremely crowded most of the time so if you prefer less tourists around, I would recommend coming early morning or evening. When I visited in the afternoon, there were throngs of people around. The massive two-tiered waterfall cascades into a canyon, and there are two distinct lookout points to admire the falls. The lower lookout point requires a very short hike, but does get a little wet from the mist. For this reason, I would definitely recommend wearing a waterproof jacket. The trails do involve some stairs but it is a fairly easy walk suitable for all levels of physical fitness. On sunny days, there will be rainbows abound. There is a restaurant and gift shop by the parking lot, as well as restrooms. Do not pass up on the gift shop-- it is one of the larger ones I've visited during my trip and filled with a variety of different souvenirs at all price points.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 7, 2024
- MichaelaWest Yorkshire, United Kingdom422 contributionsA must seeStunning waterfall. We had a hired car for our trip to Iceland and drove around to all the tourist spots on our own without a tour. We drove to this waterfall from Reykjavik. The weather was changing along the way and when we arrived it was a full white out. There's a visitor centre/gift shop with a cafe and bathroom so we stayed inside until the snow cleared a little. There's plenty of parking then clearly marked pathways to get to the view point. Because of all the snow some of the views were blocked off, we couldn't take the steps down to the falls and could only walk along the top side. Even covered in snow it was an easy, short trail. The falls were stunning, even with the snow and fog.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 10, 2024
- HROxonOxford, United Kingdom941 contributionsDistant views over snow covered peaksOur second visit (last time in August 2023). Parking is free with large visitors centre. Good to see the waterfall in a different season. Lower pathway closed due to ice and snow. Particularly enjoyed the panoramic views from the car park over the distant snow covered mountains and glaciers.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 14, 2024
- patellaOwensboro129 contributionsI can see why it is a main stop on Golden CircleOne of the main stops on the Golden Circle. A definite must stop. We traveled in mid-March and I was always surprised how many tourist were there besides us. The fall is a relatively short walk with stairs down to the bottom of the falls but you can also walk out to the top. I thought it was a huge amount of water but we were traveling with family who had visited before said the roar of the falls was “deafening”.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 16, 2024
- Rich MOrlando, Florida314 contributionsAmazing waterfallsAwesome hike up to see the falls through little town from the cruise port. First part of trail is mulched. But once u get above the tree line nothing to mulch so just dirt or muddy path through the brush. Views were spectacular on all sides with waterfalls flowing everywhere. The main falls is worth the hike. Can also hike along the road if that suites u better.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 23, 2024
- VPLytham St Anne's, United Kingdom133 contributionsBlown away by the scale and beautyWe did a half day drive of the golden circle, and this was the pinnacle of the day. I hadn't appreciated how big they would be, took our breath away. Absolutely beautiful, different levels to view them which was nice to get the different angles. Absolute must see!Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 24, 2024
- Lizzie49ColinSkibbereen, Ireland81 contributionsImpressive waterfalls.A must stop that doesn't cost. Amazing scenery. Plenty of parking spaces, nice steps and view points to enjoy the waterfall. Nice shop inside and café, good toilets if you need to. Easy walk.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 28, 2024
- LadyShezzaLiverpool, United Kingdom161 contributionsBeautiful WaterfallWent as part of a guided tour with Hidden Iceland and parked up right next to the lower levels, giving us the chance to get out and walk up higher. Its extremely impressive. It was incredibly windy when we were there so we didn't stay for long and didn't go too near the edge and in some places, it was just a low rope.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 9, 2024
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Pirateslifeforme00
Columbus, OH126 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
HUGE wide waterfall with a few different onlook areas. My tip is ignore the signs and park at the lower lot that ??might?? be reserved for buses only but there were several cars that parked down there including us. Our GPS told us to go that way and we were pulling in before we realized the signs. Either way it was the move bc the view was great. There’s an overlook spot right off the parking lot and a longer trail to an outcropping of rocks. You avoid the stairs that way. The place was PACKED with people but everyone was enjoying themselves and eager to allow space for everyone to get their pictures in. They have a visitor center with a restaurant although to watch the falls while you eat, you need reservations. There was a cafe, gift shop and bathrooms. We picked up a few small souvenirs. I’m way out of shape and made it back up the incline to the parking area without trouble but those with mobility issues may want to stick to the upper areas.
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor and Luke
Lincolnshire, UK7 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
This was the second stop on our golden circle tour.
The parking was easy to find and very close to the attraction, although we did see issues with cars parking in the dedicated bus bays due to the surface of the car parking being frozen over (making it difficult for some to see the line markings).
When we got to the waterfall after taking in the educational boards along the short route. Wow, what a beautiful sight and sound. It may have been frozen in parts, but the power and crashing of the water was therapeutic.
Sometimes you just have to take a moment to soak the environment in, and this is definitely an attraction you cannot miss.
Parking was free, the attraction was also free.
There is a shop/cafe separating the car park and the start of the route towards the waterfall. Toilet facilities are free and well maintained. The cafe serves a good variation of food and drink, at a reasonable price.
The parking was easy to find and very close to the attraction, although we did see issues with cars parking in the dedicated bus bays due to the surface of the car parking being frozen over (making it difficult for some to see the line markings).
When we got to the waterfall after taking in the educational boards along the short route. Wow, what a beautiful sight and sound. It may have been frozen in parts, but the power and crashing of the water was therapeutic.
Sometimes you just have to take a moment to soak the environment in, and this is definitely an attraction you cannot miss.
Parking was free, the attraction was also free.
There is a shop/cafe separating the car park and the start of the route towards the waterfall. Toilet facilities are free and well maintained. The cafe serves a good variation of food and drink, at a reasonable price.
Written January 14, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
321 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Another stop on our Golden Circle tour took us to Bláskógabyggð, where I visited Gullfoss waterfall. For me, it was one of the most stunning waterfalls I saw in Iceland, and a true highlight of the tour. Unfortunately, some areas further down were closed, so we couldn’t get too close to the falls but in hindsight that might have been for the best, as the day we visited was colddd!
But even with the chilly weather, Gullfoss was an incredible sight, and I would highly recommend adding it to your itinerary if you’re exploring Iceland.
But even with the chilly weather, Gullfoss was an incredible sight, and I would highly recommend adding it to your itinerary if you’re exploring Iceland.
Written December 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MphsQueen
Belfast, UK304 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
My review is contingent upon the fact that we were there while it was raining with a freezing cold wind (in July!). It was not a pleasant experience.
In good weather I could see it being a much more attractive experience, but we were cold and wet and underwhelmed as a result. We spent less than 3 minutes at the lookout before the weather forced us to turn back to the visitor centre, which was cozy but WAY overpriced (the book we bought was less than half the cost back in town at a bookstore).
In good weather I could see it being a much more attractive experience, but we were cold and wet and underwhelmed as a result. We spent less than 3 minutes at the lookout before the weather forced us to turn back to the visitor centre, which was cozy but WAY overpriced (the book we bought was less than half the cost back in town at a bookstore).
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spitzy135
Buffalo, NY947 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland. It is stunningly beautiful and can be seen from different viewpoints. Since it is on the Golden Circle route, you can enjoy this waterfall, and take in all the other sights along this route for a wonderful day trip from Reykjavik.
It is a two tiered waterfall having an upper and lower portion, with the lower section seemingly falling down a chasm and disappearing. It is very unique. It’s also pretty large, so it takes a little time to walk the paths. There are two main paths, an upper and a lower one. There are designated parking lots for each. It probably takes about 15 minutes to walk to the falls on either path.
The upper path is near the Visitor’s Center and restrooms. It is smooth and handicap accessible. You can see a gorgeous overall view from here. This viewpoint is open year round.
The lower path is still easy, but more rugged and not accessible. This path takes you right past the chasm, and gets you up much closer to the falls than the upper viewpoint. You can climb up a set of flat boulders to get really close, but the view right before this is also pretty awesome. This path is not open in the winter for safety reasons.
You can also walk from the upper to the lower path through a set of stairs, which also takes you to another viewpoint of the falls. These stairs are also open year round, but be careful, they can be slippery in the winter. Even in the summer, be aware you will get wet the closer you get to the falls, so a rain jacket comes in handy.
Even though we have visited Niagara Falls, which is much larger, every waterfall has its own special beauty. Gullfoss is spectacular and a must see in Iceland.
It is a two tiered waterfall having an upper and lower portion, with the lower section seemingly falling down a chasm and disappearing. It is very unique. It’s also pretty large, so it takes a little time to walk the paths. There are two main paths, an upper and a lower one. There are designated parking lots for each. It probably takes about 15 minutes to walk to the falls on either path.
The upper path is near the Visitor’s Center and restrooms. It is smooth and handicap accessible. You can see a gorgeous overall view from here. This viewpoint is open year round.
The lower path is still easy, but more rugged and not accessible. This path takes you right past the chasm, and gets you up much closer to the falls than the upper viewpoint. You can climb up a set of flat boulders to get really close, but the view right before this is also pretty awesome. This path is not open in the winter for safety reasons.
You can also walk from the upper to the lower path through a set of stairs, which also takes you to another viewpoint of the falls. These stairs are also open year round, but be careful, they can be slippery in the winter. Even in the summer, be aware you will get wet the closer you get to the falls, so a rain jacket comes in handy.
Even though we have visited Niagara Falls, which is much larger, every waterfall has its own special beauty. Gullfoss is spectacular and a must see in Iceland.
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giorgio T
Crema, Italy804 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Coming from the road, you'd never suspect that a hundred yards inland is a waterfall. Only the noise foretells her: she has carved a canyon into the rock, and only by getting close enough can you appreciate all her impetus. You can admire it from below and from above. One of my favorites in Iceland, especially for this surprise effect!
Automatically translated
Written November 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GRZ
Chicago, IL12,782 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We saw Gullfoss as our first major waterfall during our Iceland 2022 initial trip. As you continue through the country you will see that there are many many more amazing waterfalls... and it's def not one of my favorite ones but it is so powerful and raw.... not to stop at it again during 2024 second trip was not an option thus :)
The parking lot here is huge and free, great souvenir stores on the spot, clean bathrooms - touristy for a reason... which leads me now to the sad aspect that I was hoping never to see in Iceland - there is a warning sign nowadays on the pathway to the waterfall warning people about PICKPOCKETERS :( luckily we didn't witness it nor experienced it ever our in general in Iceland! Though, it did plant a seed of doubt that I didn't have in our first 2022 trip, and for a moment in this 2024 trip it made me reconsider some things I have been doing with the car/items in the car and the like, something I really cherished prior to this moment and discovering that sign!
The parking lot here is huge and free, great souvenir stores on the spot, clean bathrooms - touristy for a reason... which leads me now to the sad aspect that I was hoping never to see in Iceland - there is a warning sign nowadays on the pathway to the waterfall warning people about PICKPOCKETERS :( luckily we didn't witness it nor experienced it ever our in general in Iceland! Though, it did plant a seed of doubt that I didn't have in our first 2022 trip, and for a moment in this 2024 trip it made me reconsider some things I have been doing with the car/items in the car and the like, something I really cherished prior to this moment and discovering that sign!
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faithfultraveler
Halifax, Canada3,446 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Gullfoss is a waterfall located in the canyon of the HvĂtá river in southwest Iceland.
Gullfoss is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. Together with Ăžingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms part of the Golden Circle, a popular day excursion (see reviews to follow).
We rented a car and enjoyed an eight hour beautiful day driving the loop and included the KeriĂ° volcanic crater lake located in the GrĂmsnes area (reviewed separately)
See pics.
Gullfoss is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. Together with Ăžingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms part of the Golden Circle, a popular day excursion (see reviews to follow).
We rented a car and enjoyed an eight hour beautiful day driving the loop and included the KeriĂ° volcanic crater lake located in the GrĂmsnes area (reviewed separately)
See pics.
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa H
Hampshire, UK122 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
This was our third stop on the golden circle tour, a natural beauty.
If the sun is up you will see rainbows shining over the waterfall - very beautiful.
I would recommend hiring a car and driving there yourself - you don’t get long enough on the yours to walk around and take your time to truly take in the beauty of this place.
There is another path that take you down further near the bottom of the waterfall but only opens in the summer months.
This is must see on your trip to Iceland !
If the sun is up you will see rainbows shining over the waterfall - very beautiful.
I would recommend hiring a car and driving there yourself - you don’t get long enough on the yours to walk around and take your time to truly take in the beauty of this place.
There is another path that take you down further near the bottom of the waterfall but only opens in the summer months.
This is must see on your trip to Iceland !
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irene T
Singapore, Singapore302 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Gullfoss is spectacular. You can hear Gullfoss long before you see it, and its power is breathtaking to behold. It's an easy walk from the carpark. The water spray and mist is so strong that i've to keep wiping my phone camera lens.
Written July 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are two parking areas- upper and lower. The upper has restrooms and a store while the lower lot allows access all the way out to the falls. It is wet and misty with about a 1/4 mi walk but well worth it
Written September 25, 2024
Are there any F-Roads to get here? Trying to find out if i need a 4x4 or not for my trip next may.
Written July 8, 2022
For Gullfloss you’re fine driving there in a regular car as the roads are all paved.
Written July 11, 2022
Help if you would please Coming to Iceland what would you recommend for a seven day trip?
Written December 26, 2019
My recommendation would be to hire a car and drive the circle road, right around the island. Secret Lagoon is better than Blue Lagoon. There are amazing sights to see off the normal tourist routes, explore Iceland on your own its so much more rewarding.
Written December 30, 2019
i'd say yes. The site has multiple access; the one from above has an accessilbe path that allows you to see the waterfall from above;
Load googlemaps site and look for Gulfoss; you'll be alble to use street view for better knoledge!
Enjoy your trip!
Written October 2, 2019
Hallo, die Jahreszeit ist von September bis Februar. Die Tageszeit haben wir über eine App „Aurora“ ermittelt. Die Polarlichter waren dabei im Oktober zwischen 22:00 und 0:30 zu sehen und das an mehreren Abenden.
Viel Freude in Island!
Written April 18, 2019
qualche ora, comprese foto e percorso panoramico
Written February 14, 2019
Ciao, ci si arriva a fine marzo? Dalla mappa ora le strade sembrano chiuse verso Ăžingvellir National Park... Grazie
Written February 1, 2018
Io ci sono stato a dicembre ed era aperta.
Penso sia aperta anche a fine marzo
Written February 2, 2018
salve :) avrei bisogno di sapere quanto tempo dedicare a queata cascata e in quanto tenpo riesco a fare il giro di essa avvicinandomi il piĂą possibile avendo un tempo limitatissimo avrei bisogno di piĂą info possibili a rigiardo :) grazie
Written October 20, 2017
ciao. non ho capito bene la tua domanda cioè se è relativa solo alla cascata stessa, ma credo di si.
allora diciamo che arrivi e parcheggi. il parcheggio è grande am molto affollato (tipo centro commerciale), dipenderà anche dal periodo ma essendo parte del circolo d'oro è molto molto visitata.
il giro "intorno" non puoi farlo, perchè non c'è un punto dove attraversare, per cui devo tenerti solo su una delle due sponde.
questa è una delle cascate più "attrezzate" perchè nei punti più panoramici sono state cosrtiuite delle piattaforme per avere una vista in sicurezza.
puoi fare due percorsi, uno che ti permette di vedere la cascata dall'alto e l'altro, scendendo una scalinata in legno (moderna) ti permette invece di avvicinarti di piu al corso d'acqua.
la durata della visita dipende solo da te: puoi decidere di guardare dall'alto e fare foto, e in dieci minuti vai via,oppure di soffermarti nei diversi punti panoramici, fare entrambi i percorsi, prendere il tuo tempo, ma non credo che ci puoi mettere piu di un'ora.
se hai poco tempo puoi stare anche solo un quarto d'ora gardandotela dal percorso in alto in un paio di punti.
Written October 20, 2017
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