Gullfoss

Gullfoss, known as the "Golden Falls," is a centerpiece of the famous Golden Circle route in South Iceland. The Hvítá river's glacial water plunges here over two massive tiers, dropping a total of 32 meters. The first step is 11 meters high, while the second drops 21 meters into a 70-meter-deep canyon. On sunny days, the mist rising from the falls often creates vivid rainbows spanning the gorge. Visitors can view the falls from several observation decks at different levels. During the summer, a path leads directly to the edge of the upper falls. The site's history is famously tied to Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who fought successfully in the early 20th century against plans for a hydroelectric dam, ensuring the falls remained untouched. The area is now a protected nature reserve. Access is straightforward via Route 35 from Reykjavík. A visitor center on-site features a cafe, restrooms, and a gift shop. While summer provides the highest water volume, winter gives a unique spectacle with ice formations and partially frozen cascades. Waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots are essential year-round due to the constant spray from the roaring water.

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

Gullfoss is a powerful two-tiered waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river.

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.