What we love about Gullfoss

Gullfoss ("Golden Falls") is the waterfall our guests come back talking about most, and for good reason — it's huge, it's loud, and the sheer volume of water dropping into the canyon is something photos never quite capture. It's the furthest of our regular Golden Circle recommendations, about an hour's drive, so we usually suggest treating it as the turning point of a loop rather than a quick stop.

There are two viewpoints and we'd do both. The upper platform gives you the wide, postcard view across the whole cascade; the lower path takes you down close to the rim of the falls, where you'll feel the spray and the ground rumble. On a sunny day with the mist up you'll often catch a rainbow arching over the canyon — worth waiting a few minutes for the right angle. The lower path is the dramatic one, but it's also where you'll get wettest, so dress for it.

Practically speaking, Gullfoss sits only about 10 km past Geysir, so we always tell guests to do the two together — geyser first, falls second — for an easy half-day from the cabin. There's a visitor centre at the top with a café if you want a coffee or a bowl of soup before the drive back. We think the falls are at their most atmospheric in the low evening light, and in winter the frozen edges make it a completely different sight.

From Northern Lights Cabin

• Distance: ~66 km (41 miles)
• Drive time: ~1 hour
• Route: Head north on Route 37, then east onto Route 35 (Biskupstungnabraut). Gullfoss is well signposted.
• Parking: Free parking at the visitor centre. Two car parks — upper and lower — both with access to viewing platforms.

Good to Know

• The lower path takes you right to the edge of the upper cascade — expect to get sprayed!
• Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, especially in summer when the mist is heavy.
• In winter, some paths may be closed due to ice, but the upper viewpoint remains accessible.
• Combine with nearby Geysir (just 10 km away) for a perfect Golden Circle half-day trip.