Gullfoss

Gullfoss, the 'Golden Falls,' is one of Iceland's most famous and powerful waterfalls, located in the Hvítá river in the southwest of the country. The water descends in two distinct tiers, first 11 meters and then 21 meters, plunging into a deep, narrow canyon that stretches for about 2.5 kilometers. On sunny days, the mist generated by the falls often creates lively rainbows, giving the waterfall its descriptive name. In the early 20th century, there were controversial plans to harness Gullfoss for hydroelectric power, a project that was ultimately halted by the persistent efforts of Sigríður Tómasdóttir. She is now celebrated as Iceland's first environmentalist, with a memorial plaque located near the viewpoint. Gullfoss is a cornerstone of the 'Golden Circle' tourist route and has been officially protected as a nature reserve since 1979. The massive volume of water originates primarily from the Langjökull glacier, making the falls particularly thunderous during the summer melt. The canyon's geological layers tell a story of ancient volcanic activity and relentless river erosion.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.

Hafnarfjörður

A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.

Keflavík

Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Garðabær

Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.

Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)

Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.

Grindavík

Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.

Hvolsvöllur

A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

Gullfoss

One of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, plunging in two stages into a deep canyon.

Geysir

The Haukadalur geothermal area, home to the 'Great Geysir' and the active Strokkur.

Nature

Búrfell

Búrfell is a distinctive table mountain in southern Iceland, near the Þjórsá River.

More places

Stöng

Stöng was a Viking Age farm buried under ash in 1104 by an eruption of the volcano Hekla.

Búrfell Hydropower Plant

The Búrfell Hydropower Plant was the largest facility in the country when it opened.

Skálholt Monastery

This was once the religious and intellectual center of Iceland.

Skálholt

For over 700 years, this location was the religious and cultural center of Southern Iceland.