Gullfoss

Why I recommend it

I have visited Gullfoss three times now, and it has felt different every single time. The first was in October 2019, then again in November 2023 and October 2024. Different weather, different light, different amounts of water and ice but the same feeling when you first see the waterfall disappear into the canyon below. That is probably the best argument I can give for visiting. Gullfoss is incredibly famous and absolutely not a hidden gem, but even after seeing it before, I would happily stop again. The waterfall drops in two stages into the narrow Hvítá river canyon, which is what creates that unusual feeling that part of the waterfall almost disappears into the earth.

What to do

Do not stop at only one viewpoint. Walk down towards the lower viewing area if conditions allow, where you get much closer to the waterfall and really feel the amount of water rushing past you. Then head back up and follow the upper path for the wider view over Gullfoss and the canyon. Seeing it from both levels makes a surprisingly big difference. And if the weather is terrible? Still go. Gullfoss in wind, mist, rain or surrounded by ice has a completely different atmosphere from Gullfoss under a blue sky.

Good to know

Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle and therefore one of the busiest places in Iceland. Expect tour buses, crowds and a busy parking area, especially during the middle of the day. But do not let that be the reason you skip it. The viewpoints are spread out enough that you can still properly experience the waterfall, and visiting early or later in the day can make a big difference. In colder months, parts of the lower path can also close because of snow and ice. Conditions around the waterfall can be much colder, wetter and windier than they were when you left Reykjavík, so bring proper layers.