Icelandic Waterfall Adventure: Beauty and Power

The Icy Splash of Gullfoss

Iceland is a land of extremes. Its most dramatic extremes are not the popular towns, or the too-familiar vistas of blue lagoons. The extreme is Iceland’s most untamed landscapes, including its majestic (and largely unpronounceable) waterfalls: Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the world-famous Gullfoss. Gullfoss, with is iconic gushing water, is a waterfall of heavy strength, massive in height and flow. Waterfalls are common in Iceland, but Gullfoss is unique, with its dramatic scale, volume, and natural grandeur. The waterfall plunges down a two-tier drop, with the first 11 meters and the second 21 meters, 32 meters total drop. However, the high volume and spray, plus the fall's location, near the glacier of Langjokull, ensure that the waterfall remains frozen for long periods in the winter months. What sets Gullfoss apart, aside from its sheer power, is the way it collides with the river itself, creating a powerful mist that forms a double rainbow.

Iceland’s Lasting Allure

Iceland has seen a tourist boom over the last two decades. From 2010-2019, tourist numbers in Iceland increased by 240%, of that, the U.S. accounted for 13% of tourists visiting Iceland each year. This influx is driven in part by social media and the broader popularity of Icelandic travel. Some of this trend also has to do with the growing appreciation for what is often called the "Nordic Cool", with an ethos that combines an appreciation for nature, a love of the outdoors, and a distinctive approach to food, culture, and travel. A trip to Iceland is a unique experience, but Gullfoss is to Iceland what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris and the Grand Canyon is to Arizona. The key to appreciating a trip to Iceland is to approach it like the Icelanders do: be prepared for camaraderie and conversation, and most importantly, a love of the land, and prepare to experience it all.

The Dazzling Power of Waterfalls

Waterfalls are privileged to be natural phenomena of stunning beauty, curiosity, and wonder. One of the most iconic natural landscapes in Iceland, situated along the Sundrinn River, is Gullfoss. While many waterfalls are indeed beautiful, Gullfoss is perhaps one of the most powerful because its mist, the volume, and the length of the time it remains frozen. In the summer, the waterfall gushes and glows under the 24-hour summer sun, while in the winter, it becomes a stunning frozen tableau, becoming a powerful oasis for photography. Gullfoss is a waterfall like no other — in the summer, the waterfall comes alive with a rushing sound, a cloud of mist, and a double rainbow. In the winter, it is a starkly beautiful sight, where icicles can form and cling to the cliff.

Single File Adventures

Iceland is a widely popular destination for adventure, so crowds can be a serious issue. Despite this, anyone who goes sees waterfalls — Gullfoss being among the most popular. While Gullfoss has a parking lot and bathrooms without outlets, visitors can walk on a single-file path to the cliff overlooking the the waterfall. And while the main viewing area is a small walk from the parking lot, as a note to the traveler, if you’re looking for solitude and less people, don’t stop at the main viewing area. Instead, consider walking along the cliff, further into the area for a truly unique experience. Every single tourist in Iceland is surrounded by a constant mist near the waterfall. The majority of this mist comes from the waterfall’s sheer volume. The water pressure is so powerful that water droplets spray into the atmosphere, creating a thick mist that is so fine it rises and becomes clouds. Yet it’s not only the mist that makes the place unique but that it creates a rainbow that forms right at the waterfall.

An Icelandic Eon

Imagine Iceland’s volcanic origins. At the same time as humans were inventing the wheel, the volcano Hengill was rising from the depths of the earth. At the same time, there is an eerie calmness in its presence. From Hengill’s volcanic activity, the heavily silted river of Hvítá formed. Soon, where it met the country’s rugged terrain, a waterfall formed. Icelanders initially called it Gullfoss, or Golden Falls due to its golden and dark brown hue.

An Icelandic Expedition for All Seasons

For those who want to experience Iceland firsthand, any season has an adventure for the traveler. To experience a road trip that features a number of Iceland's famous waterfalls, consider stopping off at the waterfalls in Iceland. But consider that in the winter months, waterfalls in Iceland have the possibility of freezing over. That’s especially true in Iceland’s northern regions. The coldest winter months — November to March — is 5% of the time the same waterfalls will be cold and snow even if the seasons are also rainy and windy. Should you want to experience Iceland’s Gullfoss for yourself, it's important to be prepared. The weather is unpredictable. Stay warm, with a hearty meal and a plan to explore the stunning landscape. Some tips:

• Pack for the elements: Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, bringing rain, sleet, wind, sun, snow and even the occasional dusting of volcanic ash. Dress in layers and bring waterproof clothes and shoes.
• Arrive early: The waterfall is popular and with no limited parking, traffic can be an issue.
• Plan your paths: There are marked paths which will take you closer to the waterfall. Some are paved and some are marked off, but altogether, there are multiple paths and vantage points to take in the waterfall.
• Prepare for groups: Whether you are in a group or traveling solo, know that Gullfoss is a popular destination.