The Gullfoss or Golden Waterfall is one of the main attractions of Iceland and especially of the so-called Golden Circle.

In the south, just over a hundred kilometres from Reykjavík, lies one of Iceland's most famous and visited waterfalls, a must on the Golden Circle route. At this spectacular double waterfall, the glacial river Hvitá plunges 32 metres down a basaltic fault line before sliding down a narrow gorge. The rushing waterfall creates a wall of spray and a beautiful play of water, foam and light that gives it its golden appearance. On sunny days in spring and summer, the refraction of light on the water droplets produces a magical rainbow, but in winter it is no less beautiful and shimmers transformed into ice. During the 1920s there was a plan to create a dam and a hydroelectric power station and the waterfall was on the verge of disappearing. Sigrídur, the landowner's daughter, threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if the project went ahead and, with the help of her lawyer Sveinn Björnsson, who would become Iceland's first president, the project was abandoned. Since 1975, the site has been a nature reserve. The waterfall can be seen from two essential points. One at the top, where a sculpture of the heroine stands, allows you to see the impressive ensemble integrated into the landscape. The other is right next to the waterfall, which you reach after descending a well-prepared path. Here you can soak up the roar and the water that the waterfall raises in its fall, in an incomparable spectacle. The place has a visitor centre with a cafeteria, restaurant and toilets.