Gullfoss, Waterfall in Biskupstungur, Iceland
Description
Gullfoss is a waterfall in Bláskógabyggð formed by two separate drops along the Hvítá river that together descend about 32 meters (105 feet). The cascades throw glacier-fed water into a narrow canyon whose dark volcanic walls taper downward.
History
In the early 1900s, foreign investors tried to use the falls for a hydroelectric project, leading to a dispute. A local woman named Sigríður Tómasdóttir opposed the plan and helped secure protected status for the site in 1929.
Culture
Local resident Sigríður Tómasdóttir led a significant campaign to protect Gullfoss, establishing a precedent for environmental conservation in Iceland's natural landmarks.
Practical
A visitor center with restrooms and a café sits near the viewing platforms, which are connected by paved paths. The site remains open year-round, though winter conditions can make paths icy and require sturdy footwear.
Did you know?
In summer, the flow can reach 140 cubic meters (4,944 cubic feet) per second, creating a spray cloud that often forms a rainbow. The canyon itself is roughly 70 meters (230 feet) deep and only 21 meters (69 feet) wide, giving the impression that the water vanishes into the earth.
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Photo license: CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo license: CC0
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