Discovering Gullfoss Falls: Iceland's Golden Waterfall & Northern Lights Adventure

Discovering Gullfoss Falls: Iceland's Golden Waterfall & Northern Lights Adventure

There's nothing quite like standing in awe of natural beauty and its grandeur. If you're pining for a truly breathtaking experience, let me introduce you to Gullfoss Falls in Iceland. Here, you'll find a landscape of untamed beauty combined with the mystery of the dancing Northern Lights twinkling on the horizon.

Gullfoss is a majestic double-tiered waterfall located in Iceland's southwest region and is situated along the Hvítá River. It's one of the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland, thanks to its views and its stunning rainbow that can often be seen when light reflects off of the falling water in the right conditions.

Travellers from around the world seek out this destination to witness its grandeur—and if it isn't already at the top of your bucket list, it should be! Join me as I share everything you need to know about this must-see destination, from how to get there from Reykjavik to tips on catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights as they ripple across an open northern horizon.

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Where Is Gullfoss Waterfall Located in Iceland?

Gullfoss Waterfall is a magnificent sight located in southern Iceland about 105km east of Reykjavik. This stunning natural attraction features a powerful torrent of melting glacier water that cascades down two tiers, culminating in a thundering cascade some 32 meters (105 ft) deep.

The surroundings of the falls are equally impressive, with jagged cliffs and endless green fields surrounding the area. Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle Route, making it one of Iceland’s most popular attractions for tourists. The waterfall is tucked away in a canyon, which adds an even more dramatic display when viewing the falls from its platforms.

To get to Gullfoss Waterfall from Reykjavik, you can either drive or take a day tour. Driving yourself will take you around two hours each way and will require some off-roading at times, so it's recommended to bring a 4x4 vehicle if possible. Taking a tour is not only convenient but also informative as guides are often knowledgeable about the area’s culture and history. If you’re looking for both convenience and great views, it may be best to take a tour to get there!

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What Makes Gullfoss Falls So Special?

Gullfoss Falls is a must-visit attraction in Iceland. Located in the country's 'Golden Circle' of attractions, it is one of the most iconic and spectacular sites in the area. With its powerful cascade of water plummeting over two tiers, Gullfoss is a sight to behold.

But what really makes Gullfoss Falls so special? For starters, its setting is unique: situated between Langjökull (Iceland's second largest glacier) and Hvítá River, it provides a stunning backdrop for spectacular photographs. The surrounding terrain also contributes to its uniqueness. With a dramatic mix of plains and craggy mountains, you get a real sense of isolation and majestic natural beauty.

Plus, it's perfectly situated for viewing amazing sights you can't experience anywhere else—like the magnificent Northern Lights during the winter months. The absence of light pollution makes Gullfoss the perfect spot to gaze at this incredible phenomenon—or take some truly amazing photos!

The Best Time to Visit Gullfoss Waterfall to catch a glimpse of Aurora

One of the best times to visit Gullfoss Waterfall to witness this amazing natural wonder is during Fall or Winter. During this time, the hours of darkness are longer, giving you more opportunities to witness and capture the Northern Lights when they make their appearance. Plus, because of its unique position on the northern horizon, Gullfoss is a great spot for photographing Auroras even when activity is low.

The perfect combination of low-light pollution plus an open northern horizon at Gullfoss makes it one of the best places in Iceland to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. So if you're looking for a location with maximum Aurora visibility and minimal light pollution, look no further than Gullfoss Waterfall!

How to Get to Gullfoss Waterfall From Reykjavik

Located about 110 km east of Reykjavik, the Gullfoss waterfall is an iconic symbol of Iceland and a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful countryside. The easiest way to get there from Reykjavik is by car, which takes about two hours each way.

Alternatively, if you don't have a car, there are bus tours available from Reykjavik that include stops at Gullfoss. There are also guided day tours for those looking for an immersive experience with all the information supplied by your guide.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, the journey is worth it for the stunning views you will be seeing along the way including the Hvita River which runs through a beautiful valley and eventually makes its way to Gullfoss Falls. Plus on a clear night, you may even be able to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on your way there!

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Top Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights at Gullfoss

If you're interested in taking pictures of the Northern Lights at Gullfoss, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choose the right camera
Make sure you have a DSLR camera with a good lens that can capture the sky in good conditions. You'll also want to use a tripod and set the tripod up directly on top of the waterfall so that your camera won't be moving around and causing extra blurriness.

Practice your exposures beforehand
Practice your exposures in advance, as this will help you get more accurate and consistent photos. Make sure to focus on the right area of the frame, taking into consideration any foreground elements that you may want to include in your shot.

Use filters
Filters such as neutral density or polarizing filters can help improve your pictures by creating greater contrast between dark and light skies, helping emphasize faint stars and silhouettes.

Bring extra batteries and accessories
Make sure your batteries are fully charged before heading out for the night, as it's likely that you'll be out for some time. It's also a good idea to bring extra storage cards in case something goes wrong with one.

Where to Stay Near Gullfoss Waterfall for the Best Views

If you're thinking about planning a trip to Gullfoss falls, the good news is that there are many accommodation options to choose from. The best option for seeing the Northern Lights and Gullfoss waterfall is to stay as close to the falls as possible. In terms of accommodations, you have a few options:

Hotels
There are several hotels within driving distance of the falls. Most offer great views of Gullfoss and facilities like restaurants, swimming pools and hot tubs.

Campsites
For something a little wilder, there are plenty of campsites in the area. You'll be able to experience nature at its fullest while still having access to basic amenities like showers, toilets and electricity outlets. Plus, waking up with a view of the waterfall is something that can't be beaten!

Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
Airbnb and vacation rentals offer another option for lodging near Gullfoss waterfall. With Airbnb, you'll get all the comforts of home with some great views thrown in as well. Vacation rentals allow you to really sink into a unique Icelandic experience with all the amenities you need for your stay!

Conclusion

Gullfoss Falls is an incredible natural wonder of the world, and one of Iceland's most popular attractions. With its majestic beauty, Gullfoss Falls is the perfect spot to get stunning photos of the Northern Lights reflecting off the waterfall. Plus, the low light pollution and open northern horizon makes it a prime location for Aurora photography and viewing. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable experience, take the trip to Gullfoss Falls, and you won't be disappointed!

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