Home Search Destinations Attractions
Gullfoss
Waterfall

Gullfoss

Iceland
4.8
(25,000 reviews)
389
Tours Available
Free
Adult Entry
2-3 hours
Recommended Duration
June-August
Best Time

Overview

Gullfoss, or the 'Golden Falls,' is a majestic two-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá River in Iceland. It's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, known for its powerful cascades and stunning natural beauty. The falls are part of the Golden Circle, a route that includes other notable sites like Geysir and Þingvellir National Park.

natural

Natural Wonder Outdoor Adventure Photography Spot

Location

Address

Gulfoss Nature Reserve

Neighborhood: Golden Circle

Coordinates

64.216667, -20.283333

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday Open 24 hours
tuesday Open 24 hours
wednesday Open 24 hours
thursday Open 24 hours
friday Open 24 hours
saturday Open 24 hours
sunday Open 24 hours

Admission

Adults
Free
Children
Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

June-August

Best Time of Day

Late morning to early afternoon

best lighting for photography, fewer crowds

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1-2 hours
Recommended
2-3 hours
Full Experience
half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild with occasional rain, rapidly changing conditions

  • • waterfalls at full force from snowmelt
  • • wildflowers

summer

mild to warm, occasional rain

  • • extended daylight hours, midnight sun
  • • lush greenery

autumn

cool and pleasant, rapidly changing conditions

  • • fall foliage
  • • harvest displays

winter

cold, possible snow, short daylight hours

  • • northern lights
  • • snow-covered landscape

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • No advance booking required, entry is free
  • Photography is allowed and highly recommended
  • Dress in warm, waterproof layers, especially in winter
  • Cash needed for parking and some vendors, although card payments are becoming more common

What to Bring

essential

valid ID waterproof jacket sturdy hiking shoes water bottle

recommended

camera with extra batteries waterproof cover for electronics portable charger binoculars for wildlife viewing

seasonal

raincoat (spring and fall) warm jacket and gloves (winter) sun hat and sunscreen (summer)

not allowed

drones without permission professional tripods without permit outside food in restricted areas

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate - involves walking on uneven, slippery surfaces

  • • uneven paths, slippery surfaces, especially in winter
  • • no shade in some areas
  • • rapidly changing weather

Medical facilities: first aid station at main visitor center

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit cards, mobile payments

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Typical Costs

entry Free
parking $5-10 per day
food $15-20
souvenirs $10-30

Dress Code

weather-appropriate, waterproof clothing, comfortable, layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or boots, flip-flops or unsupportive footwear, inappropriate clothing for weather conditions

Booking Tips

  • • Not required, but check for any seasonal events or road conditions
  • • Official tourism websites for updates and information
  • • Not applicable, no advance booking required
  • • Not applicable, minimal waiting times

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Iceland Nature Attractions

Size: 50 MB

Features: Interactive GPS map of the area, Audio guide in multiple languages, Real-time weather and road condition updates, Information on nearby attractions and services

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Keflavík International Airport

Distance: 150 km

Travel Time: 2-2.5 hours

taxi
$250-300 2 hours
public_transport
$80-100 2.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 100 km

rental_car
$50-100 per day 1.5-2 hours
tour_bus
$80-150 2-3 hours each way

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: A iconic natural wonder and a source of national pride

Historical Significance: Part of Iceland's Golden Circle, a route with historical and geological significance

Insider Tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
  • The nearby Geysir Geothermal Area is a must-see and is just a short drive away
  • Local guides can provide fascinating insights into the geology and history of the area
  • The surrounding nature reserve offers excellent hiking opportunities with stunning views

Local Recommendations

  • • Try the traditional Icelandic hot dogs at the nearby food truck
  • • Visit the Geysir Geothermal Area, just a short drive away
  • • Explore the nearby town of Reykholt for local history and culture
  • • Consider a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the area's geology and history

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Sæll (man) / Sæl (woman) / Halló
thank_you Takk
where_is Hvar er?
how_much Hversu mikið kostaði?
beautiful Fallegt
ticket Inngangseinkenni

Guide Languages: Icelandic, English, German, French, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Upper viewpoints of Gullfoss

Best Time: Midday for full sun on the falls, or golden hour for warmer light

Tips: Shoot from various angles to capture the full force of the waterfalls

Result: Dramatic shots of the powerful cascades with vibrant colors

#Gullfoss #Waterfall #Iceland #NaturePhotography

Lower viewpoints and walking paths

Best Time: Early morning for misty, ethereal shots

Tips: Use the surrounding rocks and vegetation as foreground elements

Result: Stunning landscape shots with the waterfalls in the background

#GullfossFalls #LandscapePhotography #TravelIceland

Photography Rules

allowed areas all viewpoints and walking paths, surrounding nature reserve
prohibited areas restricted zones for safety reasons, areas with signs prohibiting entry
flash photography allowed
commercial photography permitted with special approval
drone policy allowed with permit, check local regulations
tripod policy allowed with caution, be mindful of other visitors
selfie sticks allowed with caution, be mindful of safety

Nearby Attractions

Geysir Geothermal Area

Distance: 5 km

Walking: Not walkable, short drive

Type: Geothermal Area

Þingvellir National Park

Distance: 40 km

Walking: Not walkable, short drive

Type: National Park

Reviews

4.8

Based on 25,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Visit early in the morning for the best experience and fewest crowds"
  • "Bring a waterproof jacket, as you will get wet from the waterfall spray"
  • "Explore the surrounding nature reserve for stunning views and hiking opportunities"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (24)

Ice Cave and Snowmobile Tour from Gullfoss

Ice Cave and Snowmobile Tour from Gullfoss

4.1
(110)
4h
$305
per person
Golden Circle and Kerid Minibus Tour with Blue Lagoon Transfers

Golden Circle and Kerid Minibus Tour with Blue Lagoon Transfers

4.7
(136)
11h
$129
per person
Golden Circle Iceland: Full-Day Guided Tour from Reykjavik

Golden Circle Iceland: Full-Day Guided Tour from Reykjavik

4.7
(17)
8h
$95
per person
Small Group: Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik Cruise Terminals

Small Group: Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik Cruise Terminals

4.5
(46)
6h
$136
per person
Classic Golden Circle & Kerið from Reykjavík in minibus

Classic Golden Circle & Kerið from Reykjavík in minibus

5.0
(107)
7h
$138
per person
Golden Circle and Northern Lights Superjeep Tour from Reykjavik

Golden Circle and Northern Lights Superjeep Tour from Reykjavik

4.9
(218)
10h
$234
per person
Golden Circle and Sky Lagoon Geothermal Spa Tour from Reykjavik

Golden Circle and Sky Lagoon Geothermal Spa Tour from Reykjavik

4.1
(84)
9h
$224
per person
6 Day Iceland With Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Glacier Lagoon.....

6 Day Iceland With Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Glacier Lagoon.....

4.5
(4)
6d
$2,272
per person
8 Day Magical Iceland with Reykjavik | Blue Lagoon | Lava Tunnel | Whale...

8 Day Magical Iceland with Reykjavik | Blue Lagoon | Lava Tunnel | Whale...

5.0
(2)
8d
$3,428
per person
Golden Circle Adventure: Snorkeling at Silfra, Geysir & Gullfoss

Golden Circle Adventure: Snorkeling at Silfra, Geysir & Gullfoss

9h
$330
per person
5-Day Tour Reykjavik Northern Light Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Coast

5-Day Tour Reykjavik Northern Light Blue Lagoon Golden Circle South Coast

5d
$2,436
per person
Super Jeep Golden Circle & Snowmobile on Glacier from Reykjavik

Super Jeep Golden Circle & Snowmobile on Glacier from Reykjavik

4.7
(24)
9h
$374
per person
5-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour

5-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour

5.0
(5)
5d
$1,083
per person
Golden Circle Classic in Small group - Also for cruises

Golden Circle Classic in Small group - Also for cruises

4.8
(30)
7h
$127
per person
3 Day Tour Jokulsarlon - Golden Circle - South Coast - Glacier Hike - Boat Tour

3 Day Tour Jokulsarlon - Golden Circle - South Coast - Glacier Hike - Boat Tour

4.9
(40)
3d
$969
per person
Private Golden Circle, Sky Lagoon and Friðheimar Greenhouse Lunch

Private Golden Circle, Sky Lagoon and Friðheimar Greenhouse Lunch

5.0
(381)
9h
$3,215
per person
Private Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik

Private Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik

5.0
(24)
6h
$1,650
per person
Iceland's Golden Circle and Fridheimar Tomato Farm Lunch

Iceland's Golden Circle and Fridheimar Tomato Farm Lunch

8h
$1,267
per person
3-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour

3-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour

5.0
(1)
3d
$828
per person
3 Day Small Group Golden Circle, South Coast and Glacier Lagoon

3 Day Small Group Golden Circle, South Coast and Glacier Lagoon

5.0
(2)
3d
$914
per person
10 Day Iceland with Reykjavik Golden Circle Akureyri Blue Lagoon South Snaefells

10 Day Iceland with Reykjavik Golden Circle Akureyri Blue Lagoon South Snaefells

5.0
(1)
10d
$4,472
per person
Golden Circle & South Coast Tour

Golden Circle & South Coast Tour

5.0
(7)
9h
$1,413
per person
6 Day Classic Iceland: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Snæfellsnes

6 Day Classic Iceland: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Snæfellsnes

6d
$1,488
per person
Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour

Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour

4.9
(34)
6h
$172
per person
Search Tours

Quick Info

Available Tours

389

Rating

4.8 / 5.0

Reviews

25,000

Adult Entry

Free

Search Attractions