{"id":388,"date":"2022-04-05T13:14:25","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T13:14:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/icelandaurora.com\/tours\/?p=388"},"modified":"2023-11-19T16:11:03","modified_gmt":"2023-11-19T16:11:03","slug":"gullfoss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.icelandaurora.com\/archive-phototours\/gullfoss\/","title":{"rendered":"Gullfoss Waterfall – Central Iceland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Golden Waterfall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Icelandic word \u201cGullfoss\u201d translates as the \u201cGolden Falls\u201d and is one of the highlights on the Golden Circle Tour. It is only golden sometimes in soft Arctic sunlight; the rest of the time it is frothy white. Gullfoss can be icy for 6 months of the year. This dramatic location is about a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, but only a 10-minute drive from Geysir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gullfoss waterfall is the largest waterfall complex in Europe. The huge waterfall is fed by the Hv\u00edt\u00e1 river, which runs from the central Icelandic glaciers. The water plunges down a three-stage cascade until it cuts through a mighty canyon. The Hv\u00edt\u00e1 river then runs to the coast and through the town of Selfoss.  Just standing close to Gullfoss, it is easy to be in awe of nature\u2019s forces. Gallons of glacier melt water cascading into a canyon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Frozen<\/a>
Click to buy a print!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sigr\u00ed\u00f0ur \u2018s Fight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Due to the relentless fight of one Icelandic woman, Gullfoss remains one of Iceland\u2019s unspoiled attractions. Sigr\u00ed\u00f0ur T\u00f3masd\u00f3ttir<\/a> is rumoured to have stopped Gullfoss from becoming a hydroelectric station by threatening to throw herself into the falls. A stone stands at Gullfoss as a memorial to the woman who saved Gullfoss Waterfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography Tips:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best light in winter is around 1 p.m. from the lower car park. In summer, the best time is 6 a.m. from the lower part of the footpath. In good conditions, a double rainbow can be photographed.\u00a0 It is rewarding to experiment with shutter speed here; try a range from 1\/4 to 1\/125. Both long and short focal lengths can achieve pleasing results.\u00a0 From the fence at the lower car park, a 50-mm lens frames the waterfall beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Gullfoss<\/a>
Gullfoss Canyon \u2013 Gullfoss waterfall is camouflaged among all the snow and icicles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Access to the falls is limited to a path that runs down the side. This path is normally closed in the winter because it becomes super slippery.\u00a0 There are ways to gain access to better angles on the edge of the canyon, but these have been closed for safety reasons.\u00a0 There are also higher view points if you follow the stairs up to the higher plateau.\u00a0The falls are very dangerous and have claimed a few lives over the years. Usually, it is an adventurous photographer trying to get a better vantage point and slipping into the falls\u2014never to be seen again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upper Plateau<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, I have many more photos from the lower levels.\u00a0 I like to capture intimate details or fill my frame with the waterfall.\u00a0 On the upper plateau, I often see photographers with telephoto lenses.\u00a0 The views are really good and worth the extra hike.\u00a0 The upper plateau also has a restaurant and gift shop.\u00a0 It is possible to do a snowmobile tour from Gullfoss Waterfall.\u00a0Be aware that the tour offering ice caves will take you to a man-made tunnel in the glacier.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Gullfoss
Morning Rainbow at Gullfoss waterfall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Golden Circle Tours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All Golden Circle tours include Gullfoss Waterfall as well as Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. The tours listed below depart from Reykjavik and are 7\u201310 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Private Golden Circle Tours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are recommended for photography because you can spend more time at the best locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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