Gullfoss has an Upper and a Lower car park. Both are free year-round and generally accessible 24/7. The Upper lot sits next to the visitor center, café/restaurant, restrooms, and shop; the Lower lot is smaller and quieter, with a shorter walk to one of the main viewpoints but no services on site. If you’re using an embedded map on this page, expand it to see the exact entrances and the footpaths linking both lots to the viewpoints.
The Upper Car Park
Most visitors arrive here first because it’s directly off Road 35 with clear signage. Capacity is generous – approximately 250–300 spaces plus coach bays – so on many days you’ll find a spot quickly. From the Upper lot, it’s a straightforward 5–10 minute walk on a maintained path to the classic viewing platforms.
This is also where you’ll find the visitor center: the café/restaurant, restrooms, and shop typically run from about 09:30 to 19:00, with hot food ending roughly an hour before closing. If you want a coffee before your walk, need restrooms, or plan to pick up souvenirs, anchoring your visit here is the easiest choice.
The Upper lot is also where most tour buses park, which means it can get busy from late morning into early afternoon in summer. If you arrive and it looks full, don’t spend your time circling—drop down to the Lower lot instead and walk up via the signed trail.
The Lower Car Park
Think of the Lower lot as your pressure-release valve. It’s smaller – roughly 25 car spaces plus a few bus slots – and feels more low-key than the main area. It’s not always prominently signed or obvious in GPS apps; as you approach Gullfoss on Road 35, look for the last right-hand turn before the main Upper-lot entrance. From here, a short trail leads directly to one of the main viewpoints, and footpaths connect you back to the visitor center if you need facilities after your photos.
The Lower lot shines during the daily rush. When the Upper lot is humming with buses, swing in here, enjoy the faster access to the viewpoints, and then decide whether to walk up to the visitor center for a meal or restrooms.
When to Arrive
Timing is everything. Early morning, especially before 09:30, is the smoothest window: easy parking, quiet paths, and soft light for photos. Late morning through early afternoon is the busiest period as Golden Circle tours stack up; this is when the Lower lot becomes a smart first stop. From about 15:00 onward, crowds taper again, parking opens up, and late-day light often makes for the best images. Evenings are typically calm outside midsummer; in winter, arrive prepared for darkness and possible ice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many first-time visitors waste time circling the Upper lot during peak hours. If it looks congested, go straight to the Lower lot and walk up. Both car parks connect to the same viewpoints via signed paths, and you can always loop to the visitor center afterward. Another common slip is assuming facilities are 24/7. They aren’t. If you’re arriving early or late, plan bathroom and food stops accordingly.
Final Tips
Arrive early or after mid-afternoon for the smoothest experience. If you need facilities, start at the Upper lot; if it’s busy, park lower and walk up. Keep an eye on the weather, wear proper footwear, and stick to signed paths and railings. With two free lots and simple footpath connections, parking at Gullfoss is straightforward, so you can spend more time soaking in Iceland’s Golden Waterfall and less time hunting for a space.