Not as golden as they say (Gullfoss (Iceland))

Member Name: dangaroo

Product:	Gullfoss (Iceland)
Date:	22/04/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Still a nice view and makes a good photo

Disadvantages: Too many tourists, location too distant

Gulfoss, translating to "Gold Falls" is a watefall in South Western Iceland, located relatively close to Reykjavik, it is a regular haunt for tourists due to its convenient location and the fact that it is within a short distance of two further sights - Geysir and Pingvellir National Park.

It was the 3rd major waterfalls that I saw in Iceland and it didn't have the sheer power of Dettifoss nor the spectacular romance of Godafoss. I think that what let it down was the amount of tourists hanging around - due to its accesibility there are loads of coaches and therefore you are not left alone with it like the other two great natural wonders. It's still a fairly big waterfall and you will find it impressive, particularly if you come from a place lacking in waterfalls.

Another thing that lets it down is the distance in which you must stand away from the waterfall, this seems a little further than the other two. On the other hand, due to its popularity it has facilities which the other ones don't offer, there's an information centre and shop where you can buy some supplies (which we certainly did having endured the long bumpy ride over the Kjolur from Akureyri - not the normal way to get there!)

Whilst there are books for sale, there's also some handy information leaflets for free - detailing the history of the waterfall and telling the interesting story of Sigrídur Tomasdottir trying to protect the waterfall (it was on her family's land before finally being gifted to the Icelandic government) from being used to generate electricity and being preserve in its natural form.The road from Reykjavik is about as pleasant as you will get in Iceland and this along with visits to Geysir and Pingvellir are still very much worth it.

Summary: My least favourite of the big 3 waterfalls in Iceland