Gullfoss, or the “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders and a highlight of the famous Golden Circle route. Located in the Hvítá River canyon in southwest Iceland, this two-tiered waterfall dramatically plunges into a rugged gorge, creating a spectacle of mist, rainbows, and raw power. The falls drop in two stages—first 11 meters, then 21 meters—into a crevice so deep that from some angles it almost looks like the water disappears into the earth.
What makes Gullfoss special is not just its beauty but also its story. In the early 20th century, investors wanted to harness its energy for a hydroelectric plant. A local woman named Sigríður Tómasdóttir fought fiercely to protect it, walking miles to Reykjavik barefoot to protest. Her efforts are often credited with helping to preserve Gullfoss, and today she’s remembered as Iceland’s first environmentalist.
In every season, Gullfoss offers a different face: shimmering golden in summer sunlight, icy and dramatic in winter, and often framed by vivid rainbows on windy days. Whether you stand at the upper viewpoint to see its full scale or closer to feel the spray on your face, Gullfoss is an unforgettable symbol of Iceland’s untamed beauty.

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