The Gullfoss Visitor Center sits beside the upper parking lot (upper car park), a short walk from the main viewpoints. It’s the practical hub for food, restrooms, souvenirs, and weather respite - a handy base whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or planning a longer stop on your Golden Circle tour day.
Hours and Seasonality
The store and cafe & restaurant are open from:
- Monday – Friday 09:00 – 20:00
- Saturday and Sunday 09:00 – 20:00
Hours change by season and weather, so check the current schedule on the day of your visit. The parking and viewpoints remain open 24/7, but the facilities inside the center do not.
Facilities and Services
- Café/Restaurant: Hot meals, soups, pastries, and drinks for a warm-up after windy viewpoints or a quick lunch between stops. Seating is both indoor and outdoor when weather allows.
- Shop: Souvenirs and practical items - think gloves, hats, postcards, local gifts, and small outdoor essentials you may have forgotten.
- Restrooms: Located inside the building and available during opening hours. These are the main toilets for the site.
- Information: Staff can point you to trailheads, the safest routes to the viewing platforms, and updates on conditions.
Payment by card is standard across Iceland, and the center is no exception - keeping purchases quick and easy.
Location and Access
You’ll find the Visitor Center directly off Road 35 at the Upper parking lot. From the entrance, it’s roughly a 5–10 minute walk to the main viewpoints on a well-marked path.
If you’ve parked in the Lower parking lot (lower car park), follow the signed trail up to the viewpoints and across to the center - everything is linked by footpaths.
Food and Drink Tips
Peak hours run late morning to early afternoon when Golden Circle tours arrive. If you prefer a quieter meal, target early morning or after 15:00. If you’re planning to visit in the evening, remember that hot food service stops before closing. Bring a reusable bottle and snacks if you’re budgeting time or money; the café is convenient but not your only option on the route.
Accessibility Notes
The Visitor Center and upper parking lot areas are flat and straightforward to navigate. Paths to the viewpoints are generally well maintained but can be wet or icy, and some sections include slopes and steps. If mobility is a concern, ask staff for the easiest route and current surface conditions before heading out.
Weather and Safety
Gullfoss sits on an exposed plateau. Winds can rise quickly and spray from the falls travels farther than you’d expect. Use the center as your staging point: add or remove layers, grab a warm drink, and dry camera gear before heading back out. Always stay behind railings and follow any temporary closures.
Tours & Routes (for trip planning)
Most visitors pair the Golden Falls with a Golden Circle tour (sometimes listed simply as a “circle tour”) that includes Geysir and Thingvellir. If you’re extending beyond the Golden Circle, you can continue along Route 1 for a South Coast day - think Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and black-sand beaches - using Gullfoss as a logical pivot. Whether self-driving or on a guided circle tour, plan your stop so you can park once, visit the viewpoints, and use the Visitor Center before moving on.
When to Stop In
- Before sunrise/early morning: Warm up after a quiet shoot at the falls and time your bathroom break when the doors open.
- Midday: Ideal for lunch and a rest between Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir. Expect more visitors.
- Late afternoon: A good window to eat before the kitchen closes and then catch golden-hour light at the viewpoints.