A must-see natural site in the Golden Circle, the Gullfoss waterfall, surrounded by unspoilt nature, intrigued us during our winter stay in Iceland! Quite original to observe with its 2-stage structure, you’ll be surprised by the beauty of this protected area, especially when the waterfall is covered in snow.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and admire this natural wonder in Iceland!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit Gullfoss Waterfall in winter?
Is Gullfoss waterfall worth a visit? Our opinion:
Yes, the Gullfoss waterfall is definitely worth a visit in winter. This is one of Iceland’s most magical landscapes at this time of year in our eyes! The waterfall takes place in 2 stages: the upper part cascades down the rocks for over 11m, then plunges into the canyon for over 20m. We were also blown away by the volume of water that flows down in winter, representing between 80m3 and 110m3 per second! Impressive, isn’t it?
This is one of the most beautiful places to see in the Golden Circle in winter!
Our favorite moments
We’ll describe our winter experience at Gullfoss Waterfall in detail later in this article, but we wanted to share our favorite moments with you:
- the magnificent view of the Gullfossgljufur Canyon alignment
- the fall from several angles on the lower level
- panoramic view of the Hvita river
In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland in winter!
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How to get to Gullfoss Waterfall in winter: access and map
Where is Gullfoss?
- Northeast Golden Circle zone
- Along Route 35
- From Reykjavik = 2h drive
- From Thingvellir = 1h drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Access road
In winter, you have 2 options for getting to Gullfoss Waterfall:
- Guided excursion from Reykjavik: this is our preferred option if you don’t want to drive in winter, but want to enjoy the scenery at your leisure. Day and multi-day excursions are available to the Golden Circle, including the Gullfoss waterfall. Guided tour drivers are used to winter roads and weather conditions.
- By car: Reykjavik is a 2-hour drive from Gullfoss on route 35, which is very popular with tourists and is regularly cleared of snow in winter. If you always drive carefully during the day, you can easily rent a car on site and get there on your own, giving you more freedom of movement.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
Parking
You’ll find 2 free parking lots near the Gullfoss waterfall, one in the upper part and the other in the lower part. A visitor center is located in the upper parking lot. Inside you’ll find restaurants, a souvenir store and toilets.
Behind is the path leading to the upper observation platforms above the waterfall. Between the upper and lower vantage points, you can use the wire-mesh staircase to keep out the snow. We found the stairs easy enough to climb. You can also take your car between the 2 parking lots.
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- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
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- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
The park is open from November to March, throughout the winter season. The days are shorter, especially from December to February, so we recommend you take this into account when planning your visit.
This natural site is accessible all year round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except for special weather conditions), but we advise you to visit when it’s light out.
Access to parking lots and attractions is free.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow between 45min and 1h to visit the main viewpoints. Of course, you can stay longer to observe the serenity that emanates from these peaceful white landscapes. Even if they are regularly cleared of snow to make it easier to get around during your visit, bear in mind that the ground on the main paths and footbridges can be slippery due to ice or snow. Temperatures can also be very low. Note that the path that takes you closer to the waterfall on the lower level is closed in winter. For your own safety, we recommend that you respect the areas closed to the public and the warning signs. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and good shoes to feel comfortable.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
Advice on how to visit
The direction of visit is not imposed. You can start at the platform to see the upper viewpoint and then head for Gullfossgljufur Canyon, our favourite viewpoint! You’ll find it quite magical to see this deep gash in the earth. Then take the stairs back down to the lower viewpoint. Don’t forget that you can also drive between the 2 parking lots. If your time is limited, we recommend the top 2 viewpoints as a priority.
Visiting with children
It’s a beautiful place to discover with the whole family! If you’re visiting Gullfoss Waterfall with your children, dress them warmly like you, with several layers. Don’t forget to fit them with shoes that won’t slip on snow or ice, and there are crampons for children. Take a break at the visitor center, with its toilets and restaurant to warm up, and adapt your visit to the time you have available. Finally, opting for a child-friendly guided tour can be a safer and more child-friendly option.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
In the upper parking lot, you’ll find a catering area, a souvenir store and toilets in the visitor center. The lower parking lot has no special facilities. Staircases provide access to the different levels, but you can also drive between the 2 parking lots.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Gullfoss, a legendary 2-level waterfall
The Gullfoss waterfall in winter was a wonderful discovery for us during our visit to the Golden Circle. It’s also unique in Europe! We also visited it in summer. The winter landscape is obviously quite different, as you can imagine! Wrapped in its white mantle, the waterfall doesn’t freeze over completely. That’s what makes it such a great winter attraction, too! Did you know that Gullfoss means “golden waterfall”? This very poetic name is tinged with legend, as there are several theories as to its origin.
The golden hues of the waterfall in the evening are just one example. Another is the story of a farmer who owned a lot of gold and threw it into the waterfall so that no one would steal it after his death. So, what do you think?
We particularly like this waterfall for the originality of its natural structure, for which it is also famous. Indeed, you’ll find that Gullfoss unfolds in 2 stages: the upper part cascades down the rocks for over 11m before the 2nd part plunges 21m into the famous Gullfossgljufur Canyon.
This educational walk taught us that the average amount of water flowing from this cascade is 80m3 to 110m3 per second in winter (and 140m3 per second in summer). Impressive, isn’t it?
The Sigridur Trail, upper viewpoint
This walk is known for its striking panoramic views, which bear witness to the power of nature. The most popular observation point is the upper platform, part of the Sigridur Trail. We chose to start with this one near the upper parking lot.
The trail was named in memory of Sigridur Tomasdottir, the Icelandic environmental activist who fought long and hard to protect the waterfalls from energy production. So it’s to this committed woman that we owe the opportunity to observe this natural wonder today! In fact, no hydropower plant was built to harness the power of Gullfoss. The area was designated a nature reserve in 1970. These explanations can be found on a sign translated into several languages on site.
Follow the path along the upper platform and you’ll see the cascading stream above and the top of the canyon.
The water you see in the waterfall comes from the Hvita River. It is fed by Iceland’s 2nd largest glacier, the Langjökull. It’s interesting to see how the snow sticks to every possible surface! And this, even though the water continues to flow around it, we found fascinating.
If you’re a thrill-seeker, you can go snowmobiling on the Langjökull glacier in winter from Gullfoss!
Gullfossgljufur Canyon, our favourite panorama
Let’s move on to our favorite viewpoint: Gullfossgljufur Canyon. During the visit, we noticed that many people don’t go to the end on the upper cliff and head for the staircase.
Continue walking for a few minutes to discover the beauty of the canyon. Its narrow base gives us the impression of contemplating a deep gash in the earth’s crust. It’s not for nothing that the region is considered home to geological splendors!
Look closely: the walls of the Gullfossgljufur Canyon are almost 70m high! According to geologists, the gorge may have been created by overflow during the last Ice Age. In winter, this vantage point is really the best place, in our opinion, to perceive the power of the 2nd level of the falls. The lower path is closed during the season.
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The sparkling Hvita River
Continue your visit to the end of the road. You’ll catch a glimpse of the Hvita River before it flows into the falls. When the sun shines, notice how it sparkles. We’ve found it adds magic to the ride! On the opposite, less sunny side, if you open your eyes, you’ll be able to make out ice that has formed on the wall. It’s the perfect contrast to the flowing water.
The Hvita River, also known as the “White River”, holds many of the region’s mysteries. Stories dating back several centuries are told about the watercourse that feeds the cascade, as are love stories between the inhabitants of the 2 banks. This one dates back to the 17th century! You’ll be able to read the various anecdotes about the river on signs along the promenade, translated into several languages.
Descent to lower level
Ready for the next part of this unforgettable natural spectacle? To reach the lower observation platform, take the stairs. The steps are easy enough to descend in several stages. We took advantage of the descent to admire the waterfall from different angles! Be careful, as the platform can be a little slippery in winter.
You’ll pass by the footpath that leads closer to the waterfall. However, please note that it is closed in winter as it would be very dangerous to use. Closer to the parking lot, we found a different angle from which to view the waterfall, as you can see in the image below.
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Gullfoss Waterfall in winter with these nearby attractions:
- Haukadalur geothermal zone: home to the dormant Geysir and Strokkur geysers (10-minute drive)
- Thingvellir National Park, cradle of the Icelandic nation (50min drive)
- Secret Lagoon hot springs (35min drive)
- Kerid crater (50min drive)
Please note that organized tours usually include at least Thingvellir National Park, Haukadalur and Geysir, then Gullfoss Waterfall – Find out more about day tours
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Gullfoss from Reykjavik in winter?
From Reykjavik, the only way to get to Gullfoss Waterfall in winter is by road. In less than 2 hours by car, you can reach the waterfall from the capital:
- or by taking main road 1 (which circles the island) and then road 35, which climbs up through Selfoss and Reykholt
- or take route 36 to Thingvellir, then 37 through Laugarvatn, and finally 35.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
Read our tips for renting a car in Iceland here. You’ll need to be careful and experienced in winter snow driving.
If you don’t want to drive, the best solution is to opt for a guided tour from Reykjavik. The drivers are experienced locals who are used to driving in very cold conditions. see options
Here’s our selection of day and multi-day tours including the waterfall:
- See day tour options – see availability on your dates
- See 3-day tour options – see availability on your dates
- See 2-day tour options – see availability on your dates
Does the Gullfoss waterfall freeze over in winter?
The waterfall never completely freezes over in winter. You’ll see that more or less ice forms at different temperatures. That’s why it’s one of Iceland’ s most beautiful waterfalls to see in winter!
Do I need special winter equipment?
If you’re traveling to Iceland in winter, remember to take waterproof clothing that will keep you warm, such as boots, a warm jacket, several layers of clothing, gloves, a hat… Be aware that the weather can change rapidly in Iceland, so plan to be able to add or remove layers of clothing easily. On organized tours, equipment such as snow crampons or complementary windproof or waterproof suits can be provided. Please check with the tour operators when booking your trip.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
