Gullfoss

Gullfoss, in the Haukadalur valley in southern Iceland, plunges in two steps of 11 and 21 m, about 32 m in all, into the narrow gorge of the Hvítá river. It lies on Route 35 (Kjalvegur), which continues into the highlands, and is part of the Golden Circle. In summer the river carries a great deal of water and rainbows often form in the spray when the sun is out; in winter parts of the falls freeze into large icicles.

From the main car park and visitor centre a paved path leads to an upper viewpoint, and steps go down to the level of the falls. There is also a lesser-known viewpoint on the east bank. Keep to the path and expect plenty of spray at the lower edge. In the early 20th century the falls belonged to the family of the Brattholt farm and were to be leased to foreign interests; Sigríður Tómasdóttir (1871-1957) fought the deal and is seen as a central figure in the campaign to protect them. Gullfoss has been a protected nature reserve since 1979, and a memorial commemorates her.