Backpacking in Iceland: Gullfoss, Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls…

Backpacking in Iceland: Gullfoss, Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls…

Backpacking in Iceland: Gullfoss, Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls…

The next part of the Golden Circle tour of Iceland took us to Gulfoss, an absolutely gorgeous waterfall in the heart of Iceland’s countryside. It is part of the Hvita River, in a canyon in South West Iceland. Upon walking towards Gulfoss, there is a strong wicked wind and a nice spray of ice cold water to prepare you for one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Your dream can never earn enough. I think that was the Manic Street Preachers.

The waterfall appears completely randomly and more naturally, without the tacky razmatazz and commercialist appeal of Canada’s Canadian Falls and the USA’s Horseshoe Falls. Gulfoss is simply there to enjoy for free. A basic signpost verifies its existence. No tours, just a lovely wee restaurant, which serves some awesome soup and tea and offers a lot of traditional Icelandic souvenirs. We enjoyed a quick bite to eat there, and I also bought a pair of pink pants for swimming in, as we would visit the Blue Lagoon and I didn’t have any swimming trunks.

If you go to Iceland, I feel Gulfoss is a MUST. Down the waterfall, wherever it may take you…

Bars Visited – Gulfoss Cafe!

Beers Tried – None. I plumped for tea.

Transport Used – Car.

Nationalities Met – Northern Irish, Icelandic.

Strange Currencies – Icelandic Kroner.

Where I Stayed – I didn’t, it was another stop on the ‘Golden Circle’ tour.

Average Price of a Pint of Beer – Didn’t buy any, but a carryout beer was about £4 in the shap.

Favourite Food – Icelandic Pastry.

Favourite Drink – Icelandic Tea.

Favourite Thing About Gulfoss – There is no tacky razmatazz or commercialism involved, it’s a natural sight to be seen and enjoyed as nature intended.

Moving Moment – Getting my first sight of the amazing waterfall.

Key Song – U2 – Even Better Than The Real Thing

FACT – During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about utilizing Gullfoss to create electricity. During this period, the waterfall was rented indirectly by its owners, Tómas Tómasson and Halldór Halldórsson, to foreign investors. However, the investors’ attempts were unsuccessful, partly due to lack of money.