- Address: 130 km of Reykjavik, Iceland;
- Height: 32 m;
- Number of cascades: 2.
Güllfoss is a landmark waterfall in Iceland, embodying the strength and beauty of the untouched nature of this country.
Gülfoss: better to see once
Gültfoss is located in the south of Iceland , on the glacial river Hvitau, which "feeds" on the waters of the glacier Langyoküdl . The waterfall is included in the very popular tourist route "Golden Ring". Gülthofoss in translation from Icelandic means "Golden Waterfall". This name is one of the most popular Icelandic natural attractions received because the beautiful sunset colors its waters in a sparkling golden color - the spectacle is really exciting! And on sunny days, a huge bright rainbow appears over Güthlfoss.
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The waterfall consists of two steps, the height of which is 11 and 21 m. The general "growth" of Gülfoss is 32 m. The average volume of water passing through it is 40 m³ / s in summer and 80 m³ / s in the cold season. But it increases many times when the snow begins to melt - up to 2000 m³ / s.
Güthlfoss is also famous for being the site of the world's most famous series "Games of Thrones": several episodes of the fourth season were shot just in the vicinity of the "Golden Ring" of Iceland.
The sensations of travelers, admiring the beauty and incredible power of the Golden Falls, difficult to convey. This is a place that is better to see with your own eyes than to try to get acquainted with it through the impressions of tourists.
Gülfoss - a waterfall with a dramatic history
Gülfoss is more than just a beautiful waterfall. Not every one of his fellows has such an unusual story. More than a century ago, several foreign investors decided to get the maximum commercial benefit from Gülfoss and use its power to generate electricity. In 1907, one British entrepreneur proposed to the owner of the waterfall to sell him this natural resource. He first refused, but after some time decided to hand over Güthlfoss to an Englishman for rent. However, attempts to use the waterfall to produce electricity have not been successful.
A definite contribution to this was made by the daughter of Thomas Thomasson, the owner of the waterfall. People say that the brave girl Sigridyur decided at all costs to preserve the natural treasure of Iceland and hired a lawyer to save her own savings to cancel the lease. The lawsuits lasted more than one year. Sigridyur even threatened to sacrifice her life - to rush into the waterfall itself, if the hydropower plant is still under construction. However, even before she was defeated in court, the lease ceased due to lack of funding. Since then, Sigridur is considered the patroness of Güthlfoss: on its territory there is a monument made of stone, on which the girl's profile is carved.
In 1940, the adoptive son Sigridur bought a waterfall from her father, and then sold it to the government of Iceland. Since1979 Gülfoss and its environs are a national reserve and are reliably protected by the state so that people can enjoy the magnificence of the waterfall without any obstacles.
How to get to the Gütlfoss waterfall?
The Golden Waterfall is located 130 km from the capital of Iceland - Reykjavik . Every day tourist buses run between him and Güthlfoss. An hour and a half drive along a well-maintained asphalt road passes almost imperceptibly. You can get to Gülthfoss either by bus or by car from Reykjavik.
The Golden Waterfall is equipped with modern infrastructure: there are several free parking spaces, a pedestrian staircase, a café with a viewing platform, a large souvenir shop and toilets.
In winter Gülfoss for sure will impress travelers with invigorating air and snow-white landscapes, and in summer the surroundings of the waterfall are painted with grass in emerald color. Enjoy the splendor of Gülthfoss better from a few points, which tourists will tell the staff. You can visit the waterfall for free all year round, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
