Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters

Take your next trip with Atlas Obscura!

Our small-group adventures are inspired by our Atlas of the world's most fascinating places, the stories behind them, and the people who bring them to life.

Visit Adventures
Trips Highlight
Central Asia yurt night stars
Uzbekistan • 15 days, 14 nights
Central Asia Road Trip: Backroads & Bazaars
from
A view of Brașov’s Old Town.
Romania • 12 days, 11 nights
Legends of Romania: Castles, Ruins & Culinary Delights
from
View all trips
Top Destinations
Latest Places
Most Popular Places Random Place Lists Itineraries
Add a Place
Download the App
Top Destinations
View All Destinations »

Countries

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • China
  • France
  • Germany
  • India
  • Italy
  • Japan

Cities

  • Amsterdam
  • Barcelona
  • Beijing
  • Berlin
  • Boston
  • Budapest
  • Chicago
  • London
  • Los Angeles
  • Mexico City
  • Montreal
  • Moscow
  • New Orleans
  • New York City
  • Paris
  • Philadelphia
  • Rome
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle
  • Stockholm
  • Tokyo
  • Toronto
  • Vienna
  • Washington, D.C.
Latest Places
View All Places »
Dauer Museum of Classic Cars
Peasish (Hrachovina).
‘Hrachovina’
The Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial
The glass mural of old Zacatlán
Vitromurales de Zacatlán
Latest Places to Eat & Drink
View All Places to Eat »
Cacio e pepe lasagna combines two classics.
C'è pasta... E pasta!
Spaghetto taratatà is named for the sound of rattling sabers.
Giano Restaurant
The gnocchi here get blanketed in a sugo with braised oxtail.
Cesare al Pellegrino
Romans insist you should feel the cracked peppercorns and cheese grains on your tongue.
Flavio al Velavevodetto
Tripe is fried to a crisp.
L’Osteria della Trippa
Recent Stories
All Stories Video Podcast
Most Recent Stories
View All Stories »
Rats didn’t take over the city by being foolhardy.
Do New York City Rats Deserve Their Bad Rap?
about 10 hours ago
The Secret Gardens Saving the World’s Rarest Plants
about 13 hours ago
Solo travel can be challenging and sometimes lonely, but it also often leads to the greatest adventures.
Dear Atlas: How Do I Unplug on a Solo Trip?
1 day ago
Museum of Friends
The Art in This Museum Was Donated for Free
1 day ago

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Iceland Gullfoss (Golden Falls)

Gullfoss (Golden Falls)

If a glacial river suddenly diving into a sheer chasm via a dramatic, multi-stage waterfall isn't peak Iceland, it's certainly close.

Iceland

Added By
Ross Hyzer
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
Gullfoss   Getty Images / Arterra
Gullfoss   Getty Images / Arterra
Rainbow   Margrét Jóna
Gullfoss   Johan Wieland
Looking over falls into canyon   Ruth Hartnup
Looking down canyon   Johan Wieland
Staircase   Bri
View from canyon heights   kismihok
  Julius Spada / Atlas Obscura User
Gulfoss   Dixontrips / Atlas Obscura User
  Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
  Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
Close-up of the falls   Mathew Browne / PhotoHound
Gullfoss in winter   PhotoHound / Luka Esenko
  thegenxjourney / Atlas Obscura User
  thegenxjourney / Atlas Obscura User
  thegenxjourney / Atlas Obscura User
  thegenxjourney / Atlas Obscura User
  thegenxjourney / Atlas Obscura User
Gullfoss July 2017   Kara Davis / Atlas Obscura User
  jeffrobertsonwmt / Atlas Obscura User
  Gogostevie / Atlas Obscura User
  Gogostevie / Atlas Obscura User
  jeffrobertsonwmt / Atlas Obscura User
  lukavandermeij / Atlas Obscura User
  lukavandermeij / Atlas Obscura User
  lukavandermeij / Atlas Obscura User
Gullfoss in winter   DanHoroTravelMemories / Atlas Obscura User
Gullfoss   Jaszmina Szendrey / Atlas Obscura User
Gullfoss   Jaszmina Szendrey / Atlas Obscura User
Visitor’s center   retrofuturistic / Atlas Obscura User
  retrofuturistic / Atlas Obscura User
Gullfoss, by Alan Tigwell   Bearded Zombie / Atlas Obscura User
Gullfoss, by Alan Tigwell   Bearded Zombie / Atlas Obscura User
  annacostarowan / Atlas Obscura User
The falls are starting to freeze -7 C   Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
The falls are starting to freeze -7 C   Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
  retrofuturistic / Atlas Obscura User
Awesome in the winter too!   pajamoose / Atlas Obscura User
Gullfoss   Jaszmina Szendrey / Atlas Obscura User
  mocchiatto / Atlas Obscura User
Golden   Dixontrips / Atlas Obscura User
  jeffrobertsonwmt / Atlas Obscura User
  jeffrobertsonwmt / Atlas Obscura User
  haley strong / Atlas Obscura User
  Julius Spada / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

The Hvítá river is formed by the meltwater from the Lángjökull glacier pouring out of Hvítávatn lake to begin its journey to the sea. About 40 kilometers (25 miles) downstream the wide, rushing river suddenly turns and tumbles into a deep, narrow crevice set at an oblique angle to the original course, forming a truly spectacular waterfall in the process.

Gullfoss translates as "Golden Falls," and was so named because the high sediment content of glacial water makes it glow gold in the sunlight as it roars over the cataract. Gullfoss consists of three separate drops: a relatively gentle three-step staircase that begins the descent; and a two-stage waterfall with plunges of 11 meters (36 feet) and 21 meters (69 feet). The river then continues to flow south through a deep and narrow canyon with walls up to 70 meters (230 feet) high.

In the 20th century, Gullfoss was considered for hydroelectric development; although the property was leased by different interested parties, an actual project failed to materialize. There is a frequently-told story that attributes the unspoiled state of the site to Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of the leasor who worked tirelessly to block development and even threatened to jump to her death in the falls if a dam was built. This story does not seem to be true, but its popularity is such that a plaque overlooking the cascade honors her memory.

Today, Gullfoss is under the protection of the state, which maintains the falls in their natural state. This has proven to be a fairly successful arrangement, as Gullfoss is arguably Iceland's most popular waterfall, and undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

Related Tags

Waterfalls Rivers Natural Wonders Nature Water

Know Before You Go

There is no charge for visiting Gullfoss and, as it is considered a public space, it is open 24/7 all year round. It is roughly 120km from Reykjavik to Gullfoss and the journey can be done in any vehicle. Checking road conditions before departing is advised however. There is a café on site.

The simplest way for tourists to visit Gullfoss is as part of one of the many Golden Circle tours offered by operators in Iceland. The waterfall is one of the most popular stops on such tours and is a stunning sight, regardless of the season.

Atlas Obscura Adventures

Iceland in Summer: Journey through the South Coast & the Westman Islands

Explore Iceland's Myths, Wonders, & Landscapes.

Book Now

Community Contributors

Added By

RHyzer

Edited By

Dr Alan P Newman, aribrown, DanHoroTravelMemories, Jaszmina Szendrey...

  • Dr Alan P Newman
  • aribrown
  • DanHoroTravelMemories
  • Jaszmina Szendrey
  • thegenxjourney
  • pajamoose
  • annacostarowan
  • Bearded Zombie
  • retrofuturistic
  • haley strong
  • cararomanodesigns
  • Dixontrips
  • Kara Davis
  • mocchiatto
  • Michelle Cassidy
  • Luka Esenko
  • mathewbrowne
  • jeffrobertsonwmt
  • Johan SWE
  • Julius Spada
  • Gogostevie
  • laurielaurie
  • lukavandermeij

Published

December 28, 2016

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • http://www.gullfoss.org/
  • http://www.wegoplaces.me/gullfoss-waterfall-iceland/
  • http://www.south.is/en/moya/toy/index/place/gullfoss-waterfall
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullfoss
  • https://theworldtravelguy.com/gullfoss-waterfall-golden-falls-in-west-iceland/
  • https://horotravelmemories.com/things-to-see-in-iceland-short-iceland-itinerary/
Gullfoss (Golden Falls)
Biskupstungnabraut (Route 35)
Iceland
64.327024, -20.119951
Visit Website

Nearby Places

Geysir Glíma Restaurant

Iceland

miles away

Haukadalur Geothermal Field

Iceland

miles away

The Stone Carvings of Páll Guðmundsson

Iceland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Iceland

Iceland

Europe

Places 149
Stories 41

Nearby Places

Geysir Glíma Restaurant

Iceland

miles away

Haukadalur Geothermal Field

Iceland

miles away

The Stone Carvings of Páll Guðmundsson

Iceland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Iceland

Iceland

Europe

Places 149
Stories 41

Related Places

  • Lonely tree reflected in turquoise blue water.

    Lijiang, China

    Blue Moon Valley

    A bright turquoise river cascades beautifully down stepped terraces in southern China.

  • Sculptured rocks.

    Hebron, New Hampshire

    Sculptured Rocks

    This narrow canyon has been carved by the river over thousands of years into spectacular and curious forms.

  • A watery path

    Oman

    Snake Canyon

    Nature's water park in the Wadi Bani Awf valley is full of pools flanked with cliffs and natural water slides.

  • Sahalie Falls

    McKenzie Bridge, Oregon

    Sahalie Falls

    Rushing water plunges over a 100-foot drop created by an ancient lava flow at this majestic waterfall.

  • Cascading pools down to the river.

    Swan Valley, Idaho

    Fall Creek Falls

    A creek tumbles over a series of step-like rocks to create this scenic water feature.

  • Cascade Falls.

    Duck Creek Village, Utah

    Cascade Falls

    An improbable waterfall springs from an orange-white cliff face, tumbling into the headwaters of the Virgin River above Zion National Park.

  • Valaste Waterfall

    Valaste, Estonia

    Valaste Waterfall

    This stunning limestone waterfall is the highest in Estonia.

  • Njupeskärs Vattenfall

    Älvdalen S, Sweden

    Njupeskärs Vattenfall

    Believed to be the country's tallest waterfall, the Njupeskär is actually much smaller.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.