Gullfoss Waterfall (Golden Falls) Tours and Activities
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Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is a massive waterfall on the river Hvita in western Iceland. The falls are considered one of Iceland's most treasured natural wonders, with a name inspired by the phenomenon when glacial sediment in the water turns the falls golden in the sunlight.
The Basics
When to Get There
On sunny days, the mist from the falls creates rainbows that make for spectacular photos. Visit in winter to see the falls sparkle with ice.
Discovering an Icelandic Legend
The Basics
Gullfoss' water plunges 105 feet (32 meters) in two steps over a deep, dramatic crevasse in the river valley. As you approach, it's possible to hear the falls before you see the wild, tumbling water, and upon arrival, you can stand at an overlook at the top or walk down the path to the edge of the falls. The site is most often visited on full-day tours from Reykjavik and is almost always included on various Golden Circle route tours. On any popular Golden Circle tour from the city, you're likely to also stop at highlights such as the Kerid volcanic crater, the famous Geysir geothermal area, the Strokkur geyser, and Thingvellir National Park. Some tours also include a stop at the Blue Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon, or other hot springs in southwest Iceland.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Gullfoss waterfall is 75 miles (120 km) east of the capital city of Reykjavik. It's possible to drive independently; the Golden Circle route does not require a 4x4 vehicle. This easy, popular day trip is often experienced as an introduction to Iceland's natural wonders.
- Be sure to wear sturdy shoes if you'd like to climb the steps running parallel to Gullfoss.
- Bring a waterproof jacket, as the curtain of mist thrown up by the falls is significant.
- You'll find a gift shop and cafe near the wooden boardwalk leading to the Gullfoss waterfall.
- Take a Golden Circle express tour to see all the main sights in a short period of time.
The Gullfoss waterfall is 75 miles (120 km) east of the capital city of Reykjavik. It's possible to drive independently; the Golden Circle route does not require a 4x4 vehicle. This easy, popular day trip is often experienced as an introduction to Iceland's natural wonders.
When to Get There
On sunny days, the mist from the falls creates rainbows that make for spectacular photos. Visit in winter to see the falls sparkle with ice.
Discovering an Icelandic Legend
In the first half of the 20th century, the then-owners of the waterfall and surrounding land leased the site to foreign investors who were keen to build a hydroelectric plant. Legend has it that local Sigridur Tomasdottir loved Gullfoss so much that she walked to Reykjavik barefoot in protest of the plant, thus making her point heard and stopping the construction. She is credited with saving the falls, and you can find a memorial stone placed in her honor at Gullfoss waterfall. She and her sisters built the first set of steps to give visitors access to the falls.
Address: Blaskogabyggd, South Region, Iceland
Admission: Free
191 Tours and Activities to Experience Gullfoss Waterfall (Golden Falls)
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Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik
2712
Witness the three wonders of the famous Iceland Golden Circle on this day trip from Reykjavik. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle with an expert guide and learn the history and geology of each site. See the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling pools and Strokkur waterspout at Geysir and the incredible tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park. On route, drink in Iceland’s stark beauty and learn how islanders are using its natural steam and geothermal waters to produce sustainable energy.
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$60.87
From
$60.87
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Golden Circle, Kerid Volcanic Crater, and Blue Lagoon Day Trip from Reykjavik
742
Get the most from a day in Iceland on an 11-hour tour from Reykjavik that covers the Golden Circle, Kerid crater, and Blue Lagoon. View the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates at UNESCO-listed Thingvellir, see the geysers and pools at Geysir, and admire the Gulfoss Waterfall. In addition, visit the lake-filled Kerid volcanic crater, and finish by bathing in the warm Blue Lagoon (own expense). Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
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$129.00
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$129.00
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Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Golden Circle Waterfall Tour and Volcano Lake Crater Small-Group on Minibus!
140
Visit top Iceland Golden Circle sites in just one day on this guided tour from Reykjavik. Travel with a small group to must-see attractions such as Thingvellir National Park, famous Geysir, Gullfoss Falls, and Kerid volcanic crater lake, all while enjoying the free onboard Wi-Fi and commentary from your guide. Tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Reykjavik hotel.
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From
$98.72
From
$98.72
Regular temperature checks for staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik
13
Discover the highlights of the Golden Circle on this comprehensive private day tour. Take the stress out of driving on winding mountain roads by having round-trip transport in a 4WD provided. You’ll travel between dispersed sites with ease, and see many top sites in a day including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Kerid crater, Faxi waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area.
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From
$340.00
Price varies by group size
From
$340.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Small-Group Golden Circle Tour and Secret Lagoon Visit from Reykjavik
1176
Enhance your experience of Iceland’s extraordinary Golden Circle on a full-day tour of the country’s natural highlights from Reykjavik. With a professional guide, feast your eyes on spectacular sights like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir hot spring. Gain fascinating insight into the geothermic nature of the area at Strokkur, an erupting geyser, and gaze at the majestic Secret Lagoon hot spring bath before submerging yourself in the healing waters of the natural bath.
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From
$128.65
From
$128.65
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon Including Admission & Kerid Volcanic Crater
80
The Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon are the two most popular sights to visit in Iceland. Book this small group day tour and enjoy visiting both the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon in a relaxing fun filled day. Admission to all sights, also the Blue Lagoon, is included in the tour price so as soon as you have booked you can relax and start looking forward to your adventure.
Your first stop is at the Thingvellir National Park, the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. This is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, which allows you the unique feeling of having one foot in each world. Next destination is the famous Geysir Hot Spring. Watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes up to 30 meters high. Here you can buy a lunch during the stop. Gullfoss the Golden Waterfall is next and will amaze you with its beauty and raw power. Adding even more, you will visit the Kerid Volcanic Crater before heading off the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing end to a great day.
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$209.00
From
$209.00
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Golden Circle Day Trip with Kerid Volcanic Crater from Reykjavik
727
Take in the treasures of the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park on this full-day tour of the Golden Circle from Reykjavik. Stand in awe before the thundering Gulfoss Waterfall; see Geysir, the geyser after which all others were named; and marvel over the startling colors of the Kerið crater lake. Pass an endless panorama of photo-worthy scenery and learn how the natural landscape has been sculpted through the moving of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
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$52.92
From
$52.92
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Day Trip from Reykjavik
177
Soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon on this full-day trip from Reykjavik. After pickup in Reykjavik, travel to this geothermal pool situated in the Golden Circle area. Enjoy ample time to bathe in the steamy waters as you admire the surrounding countryside. You will also get to pay a visit to remarkable sites in Golden Circle, including Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser, and Thingvellir National Park. Round-trip transport and entrance fee are included, along with drop-off at Reykjavik cruise port or central Reykjavik hotels. Food and drinks at own expense.
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$78.92
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$78.92
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik
166
Tick off three of Iceland’s most popular attractions in only one day on this full-day Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik. In addition to visiting the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Geyser, you’ll experience an exhilarating snowmobile ride on the Langjökull glacier. During the tour, you will also see the Gullfoss Waterfall.
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From
$236.00
From
$236.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Golden Circle Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik
180
Discover the magnetic landscapes of the ‘land of fire and ice’ on this excursion along Iceland’s most popular tourist route—the Golden Circle. Leave Reykjavik behind for a thrilling afternoon of sightseeing, stopping to snap photos of the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and marvel at the Strokkur geyser. Then, learn about Iceland’s fiery volcanic history as you explore the geological wonders of the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
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$53.59
From
$53.59
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Small-Group Golden Circle and Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Trip from Reykjavik
188
If you only have time for one day tour while in Reykjavik, make it a journey around the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route. This full-day small-group tour checks off all the famous highlights such as Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geyser, and Gullfoss Waterfall, as well as visiting the spectacular Kerid Crater Lake.
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$84.00
From
$84.00
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik Including Gullfoss and Geysir
332
See the natural wonders of Icelandic scenery in a short space of time. This express afternoon tour visits waterfalls, geysers and must-see Icelandic sights in just half a day. Walk with a guide around UNESCO-listed Thingvellir, pose for photos by Gullfoss waterfall, visit the Geysir hot spring area. Reykjavik hotel pickup and drop-off is also included.
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$66.96
From
$66.96
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Golden Circle Express Tour Including Optional Blue Lagoon Admission from Reykjavik
143
Even if you have only limited time in Iceland, the Golden Circle, famed for its waterfalls, geysers, and striking landscapes, is an integral part of your itinerary. Ensure you don’t miss three of Iceland’s top attractions on this express tour of the Golden Circle from Reykjavik. Over the course of a day, witness the eruptions of the Geysir Geyser, marvel at the Gullfoss Waterfall, and drink in the ethereal landscapes of Thingvellir National Park.
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From
$48.70
From
$48.70
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Golden Circle Afternoon and Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik
86
See Iceland’s Golden Circle and search for the Northern Lights on an afternoon and evening tour from Reykjavik. Board a rugged 4x4 Super Jeep tough enough to navigate the country’s challenging terrain and explore the Golden Circle. See the ancient geological formations and parliament site at Thingvellir National Park; watch the Strokkur waterspout at Geysir; and admire the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. As darkness falls, seek out the Northern Lights, escaping light pollution to experience the incredible light show.
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From
$241.11
From
$241.11
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Golden Circle Full Day Tour from Reykjavik by Minibus
499
Tick through all of Iceland’s Golden Circle sights and more on a full-day tour from Reykjavik. Settle into a comfortable Mercedes Benz minibus and tour the country’s most celebrated natural treasures. Admire the Gullfoss waterfall and see the powerful Strokkur geyser at the Geysir geothermal area. Explore Thingvellir National Park to view the site of Iceland’s first parliament and the North American and Eurasian geological rift; and enjoy an extra stop to witness the beautiful Faxi waterfall. Complimentary snacks and beverages, and free on-board WiFi, are included.
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$77.00
From
$77.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Private Tour: Golden Circle Tour by Luxury SUV from Reykjavik
15
Tour Iceland’s Golden Circle at your own pace, and enjoy the freedom to go further afield, on a private day trip from Reykjavik by luxury SUV. Trace the Golden Circle trail around the famous sites at Thingvellir, the Geysir geothermal field, and Gullfoss waterfall. Plus, stop at sites often missed by visitors, such as Laugavatn and Faxi waterfall. Your flexible itinerary includes a break for lunch (own expense), plus hotel pickup and drop-off.
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From
$500.00
Price varies by group size
From
$500.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Full Day Tour from Reykjavik by Minibus
165
Iceland’s Golden Circle route links some of the country’s most impressive natural attractions, but the big tourist groups can make it feel crowded. On this small-group tour, reach top Golden Circle landmarks including Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park in a group no larger than 15 people. Travel in comfort by air-conditioned vehicle as your guide showcases Iceland’s spectacular beauty, and finish with a warm soak at the Secret Lagoon.
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From
$97.00
From
$97.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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The Golden Circle Direct 6-Hour Tour from Reykjavik
171
Iceland is home to soaring volcanoes and cascading waterfalls, but the most impressive natural attractions are spread far and wide. This Golden Circle bus tour heads directly through the Geysir geothermal area to sites of interest including the Gulfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park. Reach the landmarks in comfort with time to explore on foot, and enjoy panoramic views over the Icelandic countryside with round-trip travel from Reykjavik hotels included.
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From
$52.00
From
$52.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Small-Group Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Tour Including Admission
46
Explore two of Iceland’s most popular attractions during this full-day tour to the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. Visit Thingvellir, where the North American and European tectonic plates meet, the 20-meter high geyser at Strokkur, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, and the crater lake at Kerid. Finish your day with a relaxing dip in the warm waters of the famous Blue Lagoon before heading back to Reykjavik.
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From
$110.00
From
$110.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Golden Circle and Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Tour from Reykjavik
71
Explore Iceland's highlights on this 8.5-hour Golden Circle and Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths tour from Reykjavik. Admire views over Lake Thingvallavatn and the Hengill mountains, travel into UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, and visit the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths. Relax in outdoor thermal pools and soak up the heat in natural steam rooms at your leisure. Afterward, take in top attractions on the Golden Circle route including Gullfoss Waterfall and the steaming Strokkur geyser.
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$117.23
From
$117.23
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Golden Circle Day Trip from Reykjavik with Glacier Snowmobile Experience
40
Combine a tour of Iceland's Golden Circle with an off-road ride in a super truck and a snowmobile experience. On this full-day tour, including pickup and drop-off from your Reykjavik accommodations, you get a true sense of the country's natural wonders through visits to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Strokkur geyser, among other highlights.
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From
$265.39
From
$265.39
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik
25
Visit all the landmarks and highlights of southwest Iceland during this private day tour of the Golden Circle. With your dedicated guide and private transportation, this tour ensures a flexible itinerary and personalized attention. Stop in the Thingvellir National Park, see the Geysir and Stokkur geysers, the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, and the Kerid crater, among other sites.
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From
$486.94
Price varies by group size
From
$486.94
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Ice Cave & Snowmobile Tour from Gullfoss
47
The adventure begins long before you reach the ice cave on this tour of the Langjokull Glacierglacier, a great choice for thrill seekers. Traveling by off-road vehicle allows you to conquer the otherwise impassable roads of the glacial highlands, while a snowmobile ride reveals other-worldly terrain at the mouth of the ice cave.
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From
$287.18
From
$287.18
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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3-Day Tour: Golden Circle, Blue Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon, and Waterfalls
29
Leave the driving and travel planning to the experts on this 3-day tour around Iceland's south coast and Golden Circle. Enjoy an unrushed experience that allows plenty of time to soak in the sights and atmosphere of a wild landscape filled with glaciers, lava fields, hot springs, volcanoes, waterfalls, and geysers before finishing with an ice cave exploring adventure at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
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From
$649.00
Price varies by group size
From
$649.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More