Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Gullfoss Falls, Iceland

Gullfoss Falls in Iceland. Author Donatingpictures. WikimediaCommons

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Gullfoss Falls, Iceland

Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most iconic attractions to see when you visit Iceland. Known as the Golden Falls or the Golden Waterfall, Gullfoss tops the list of the most spectacular waterfalls throughout Iceland. It is considered one of the three main landmarks of the most popular tourist trail Golden Circle.

Gullfoss Waterfall is situated approximately 70 miles (113km) from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland and it takes 1h 40mins by car to reach the falls. Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Together with Þingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms part of the Golden Circle, a popular day excursion for tourists in Iceland.

 From Reykjavik, follow the ring road east for 33mi (54km), before turning off for route 35. Continue on Route 35 for the remainder of the journey, until you reach a large car park next to a visitor center

1. A Statue Of A Girl Has Been Erected As An Honor For Her Fight To Protect The Waterfall

Gullfoss is a tiered waterfall, with a total height of 105 feet (32m). Born from the Hvita River, the crevice is hidden from sight at close range, making it appear as though the river simply vanishes into the earth.

A story is told of a famous girl named Sigríður Tómasdóttir who walked barefoot from Reykjavic to Gullfoss to protest the use of the falls to generate hydroelectric energy.

She is said to have kept the falls safe from inference, and as such, a statue has been erected in her honor near the falls.

2. It Is Also Known As The ‘Golden Falls

The Gullfoss waterfall is also known as the ‘Golden Falls’ since on a sunny day, the water takes a golden-brown color. This is because its source is the Langjökull glacier which carries lots of sediments that the glacial ice has carved off the Earth over the years.

3. Plans To Transform It To A Private Hydroelectricity Project Failed

The Gullfoss waterfall once came close to falling foul of a private hydroelectricity project, though insufficient funds, fortunately, resulted in the waterfall being sold to the state of Iceland.

Despite Iceland flirting with the idea of utilizing the river for hydroelectricity, the waterfall was eventually conserved.

4. It Is Part Of The ‘Golden Circle Sight Seeing Route’

Nearly every Icelandic organized tour incorporates a visit to the falls as it is part of the ‘Golden Circle sightseeing route. This route includes the Langjökull glacier, Geysir geothermal area, and the Þingvellir National Park.

The source of the river and falls is the Langjökull Glacier which is an interesting place to visit. You can ascend the glacier, skim across it on a snowmobile and investigate the ice tunnels at its base.

5. The Nearby Haukadalur Valley Is Full Of Hot Springs And Geysers

The nearby Haukadalur Valley is full of hot springs and geysers. The most famous geyser is the Strokkur which erupts every 5-10 minutes into a spout of boiling water 20m high. Geysir geyser is the biggest with a spout of 70m of water however it is currently inactive.

6. Its Water Can Flow At An Approximate 80 To 140 Cubic Meters Per Second

Its water can flow at an approximate 80 cubic meters (2,825 cubic feet) per second during winter to about 140 cubic meters (4,944 cubic feet) per second during summer. The highest flood measured was 2,000 cubic meters (70,629 cubic feet) per second.

The hard rock on top is lava rock which comes from the volcanoes in Iceland because it is situated on the edge of the Eurasian plate and the North American plate. Iceland is the only place in the world where you can see the plates on the Earth’s surface.

The lower rock is made of moraine which is a type of multi-layered sediment rock that has been collected by the glacier and then deposited as the glacier moved along.

7. The Area Is Blessed With Lush Vegetation And Beautiful Landscape

As one first approach the falls, the crevice is obscured from view, so that it appears that a mighty river simply vanishes into the Earth. The land surrounding Gullfoss is about 200 meters above sea level.

The area is blessed with lush vegetation beginning from lichens on rocks to small blueberry shrubs, and ending in wooly willows as its finale. Rainbows often crown the majestic sight of the Gullfoss falls. There are different viewing points available to enjoy this waterfall, both above and below.

As you follow the flow of water downwards from the Gullfoss waterfall you will find a narrow canyon that is 70 meters (230 feet) deep and 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long. This canyon was created at the end of the Ice Age by catastrophic flood waves and is lengthened by 25 centimeters (10 inches) a year by constant erosion.

8. It Was Designated As A Water Reserve In 1979 To Permanently Protect The Waterfall

Gullfoss and its environs were designated as a nature reserve in 1979 to permanently protect the waterfall and allow the public to enjoy this unique area. Together with Þingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms the Golden Circle, a popular day tour for tourists in Iceland.

9. The Ice That is Found Here Never Freezes

Another specialty is that ice can be found, at times, within the waterfall, but it never freezes. Visitors might get drenched if they get too close to the falls in summer since the force gets to nearly 358 cu ft (10.1 cu mt).

10. The Gullifoss Should Be Considered As Two Separate Features

Because of the waterfall’s two stages, Gullfoss should be thought of as having two separate features. The first, shorter cascade is 11 meters tall (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 meters (69 feet).

 The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 meters (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon. Geologists believe that this canyon was formed by glacial outbursts at the beginning of the last age.