Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall,” is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. Located in South Iceland on the Hvítá River, which flows from Langjökull Glacier, Gullfoss plunges 32 meters in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon whose walls rise up to 70 meters. On sunny days, a shimmering rainbow often arches across the spray, giving the waterfall its magical glow.
But Gullfoss is not only admired for its beauty – it carries a powerful story of heritage, resilience, and preservation.
Geological Formation
At the end of the Ice Age, glacial floods carved the Hvítá River canyon, shaping the two-tiered cascade of Gullfoss. Over thousands of years, shifting glaciers and meltwater sculpted the landscape, creating one of Iceland’s most dramatic natural features. The waterfall’s name “Golden Falls” likely comes from the golden hue the glacial water takes on in sunlight.
The Battle to Save Gullfoss
In the early 20th century, Gullfoss became the center of a fierce preservation battle. In 1907, an English investor, Howells, sought to harness the waterfall for hydroelectric power. He offered to buy it from Tómas Tómasson, the local farmer who owned Gullfoss. Tómas refused to sell, but later leased the waterfall to him.
This decision set the stage for Sigríður Tómasdóttir (1871–1957), Tómas’ daughter, to become a national heroine. Having grown up at the family’s sheep farm in Brattholt, Sigríður could not bear to see Gullfoss altered. Determined to protect it, she used her own savings to hire a lawyer in Reykjavík and fought for years in court to void the lease.
Her dedication was legendary – she walked barefoot many times over dangerous terrain to follow up on her case in Reykjavík. At one point, she even threatened to throw herself into the canyon if construction began.
Although she ultimately lost in court, the hydroelectric project never moved forward, as the lease was canceled due to unpaid rent. Thanks to her courage, Gullfoss was preserved. Today, Sigríður is remembered as Iceland’s first environmentalist, and a memorial stone near the waterfall honors her role in its history.
From Family Land to National Treasure
In 1940, Einar Guðmundsson, Sigríður’s brother, acquired the land from their father and later sold Gullfoss to the Icelandic state. Nearly four decades later, in 1979, the area was officially declared a nature reserve, protecting Gullfoss and its surroundings permanently. This status ensures that the public can enjoy the waterfall while safeguarding it for future generations.
A Family Heritage of Hospitality
The Gullfoss story is also one of family tradition. In 1977, the Brattholt farm was passed down to Njörður Jónsson and his family, who had spent summers at Sigríður’s farm as children. Tourists had long been drawn to the area, and by 1985 the family began welcoming travelers with accommodation and food.
In 1996, Svavar Njarðarson and his wife, Elfa Björk Magnúsdóttir, established the Gullfoss Service Centre. What began as a small tent offering coffee and homemade soup grew into Gullfosskaffi, a popular café with a restaurant, store, and panoramic viewing platform. Today, the service centre is a key part of the visitor experience, blending Icelandic hospitality with one of the country’s greatest natural treasures.
Gullfoss Today
Today, Gullfoss is a highlight of the Golden Circle, alongside Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area. Hundreds of thousands of visitors travel here every year to witness its thundering cascades and reflect on its remarkable history – a story that combines geology, human determination, and cultural heritage.
The history of Gullfoss is more than the story of a waterfall. It is the tale of a daughter’s fight to preserve her home, a family’s tradition of stewardship, and a nation’s commitment to protecting its natural wonders. From Ice Age origins to modern tourism, Gullfoss stands today as both a breathtaking sight and a symbol of Iceland’s enduring respect for nature.