Gullfoss never really closes. The waterfall, trails, and viewing platforms are open 24/7 year-round, so you can time your visit for light, crowds, or a quick Golden Circle stop. Both the upper and lower parking lots are accessible day and night. The only fixed hours are for the visitor center – café/restaurant, shop, and restrooms – which typically runs from about 09:30 to 19:00, with hot food ending roughly an hour earlier. Hours change by season, so it’s smart to confirm on the day you go.
Early Morning (Before 09:30)
If you love quiet viewpoints and soft light, go early. Before 09:30 it’s usually just you, the mist, and the roar of the falls. Sunrise can be beautiful in late spring through early autumn, when low-angle light paints the canyon and there’s plenty of room to set up a tripod. The trade-off is that facilities may still be closed – plan coffee and bathroom breaks for later – and bring layers for crisp, breezy conditions on the plateau.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon (09:30–14:00)
From late morning into early afternoon, Gullfoss hits peak energy. Tour buses roll in, the café opens, and railings buzz with visitors fresh from Þingvellir or Geysir. On bright days you’ll often see rainbows arcing through the spray (classic Gullfoss photos happen in this window) but expect more waiting at vantage points and fuller car parks, especially in July and August. If the upper lot is jammed, try the lower lot and walk up; it’s a reliable workaround many first-timers overlook.
Late Afternoon to Early Evening (14:00–18:30)
Crowds taper from mid-afternoon onward. This is a sweet spot for independent travelers: more breathing room along the paths and, in summer, that warm golden-hour glow that turns the water and cliffs radiant. If you want a sit-down meal before leaving, remember the kitchen usually stops taking hot-food orders about an hour before closing time. Otherwise, linger – late-day light is one of the best reasons to time your visit after the bus rush.
Evening & Night (After 18:30)
Evenings and nights are for atmosphere chasers. In winter, clear, dark conditions can deliver the bucket-list combination of aurora borealis swirling above the gorge while the falls thunder below. In midsummer, you won’t get a true “night”, but the long twilight and near-midnight sun lend Gullfoss a dreamlike feel that’s hard to find at midday. Night visits demand more care: bring a headlamp, watch for slick patches, and stay behind railings—spray can freeze quickly when temperatures drop.
Seasonal Tips
Summer (June–August) is the easiest for driving and walking, with long daylight and frequent rainbows -but it’s also the busiest, especially from 10:00 to 14:00. Winter (November–February) transforms Gullfoss into a frozen sculpture garden with short daylight and occasional icy sections; always check road and weather conditions before leaving Reykjavík. Spring and autumn balance fewer crowds with changeable weather – pack a waterproof layer and expect anything from crisp sun to quick showers.
Check out the best time to visit for more seasonal information.