This translates to “Golden Waterfall” and is the most popular because of its proximity to Reykjavik and the other attractions in the previous few posts. At only a few feet over one hundred feet high its impressiveness comes from the volume of water that flows over it. It is the largest in Europe with an average of a little under forty-five thousand cubic feet per second. Its record is 70,629 cubic feet per second when the river was flooding. It could be as low as 2,825 cubic feet per second in the winter.
The walkways are well maintained and suitable for slippery wet conditions. If you climb down, you will have to climb back up.
Sometimes a vertical format is needed to get a feel for how deep the canyon is below the waterfall.
There was a time when private enterprises were looking at the falls as a generation station for electric power for the island. Enough opposition was eventually raised to block the electric companies. The Island now generates its power from the high-pressure, high-temperature steam from below the surface to not only drive the turbine generators but also to heat homes and businesses.
The gift shop is always a popular stop. I wonder how busy this place would be if the weather was nicer. I know I did not take as many pictures as I have at other places. Maybe it was because I was tired from the great places I visited in the morning. This was not the first waterfall I had seen in the country, Godafoss in the north of the Island was my favourite.
From this viewpoint, I missed the lower part of the falls. I will leave that for you to take pictures of when you visit and post them here for me to see. (you might find some on the internet.)
I love the mistiness of a rainy day. It made the waterfalls look mysterious and other worldly. Thank you so much for sharing your Iceland adventure with me. I’ve looked forward to seeing your posts and your pictures and videos. Looking forward to seeing more of your stories!
Doug, what a strange and wondrous volcanic-looking landscape! I love the Gullfoss Falls and the fact that people triumphed over the electric companies. There are so many ways to generate power. Thanks again for your gorgeous landscapes!
More impressive than Niagara Falls. I haven’t seen Niagara for many years. My memory could be faulty.