Unbelievable Gullfoss: Iceland's Golden Waterfall - An Up-Close Adventure You Won't Forget!
35Gullfoss, or "Golden Falls," is one of Iceland's most famous and beautiful waterfalls. Here are five fun facts about Gullfoss:
Part of the Golden Circle: Gullfoss is a key attraction on the popular tourist route known as the Golden Circle, which also includes Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area. This 300-kilometer loop covers some of Iceland's most stunning natural wonders.
Two-tiered waterfall: Gullfoss is unique in that it consists of two cascades, dropping at 90-degree angles to each other. The first tier drops 11 meters (36 feet), while the second tier plunges 21 meters (69 feet) into a rugged canyon.
Glacial origins: Gullfoss is fed by the Hvítá River, which originates from the Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second-largest glacier. As a result, the water in the falls carries with it glacial sediments, giving the waterfall its golden appearance when sunlight hits the water.
Environmental preservation: In the early 20th century, Gullfoss was nearly lost to hydroelectric development. Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of the waterfall's owner, fought to preserve the site, even threatening to throw herself into the falls. Her efforts eventually led to the Icelandic government declaring Gullfoss a protected nature reserve in 1979.
Rainbows and Northern Lights: On sunny days, the mist generated by Gullfoss often creates beautiful rainbows, adding to the waterfall's visual appeal. Moreover, during the winter months, the area around Gullfoss provides an excellent location to observe the awe-inspiring Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis.
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