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Gullfoss, Iceland

"Gullfoss - literally 'Golden Falls', is ... Iceland's most famous waterfall. And for good reason as it is amazing - comparable to Niagara in terms of size and power. It is part of the popular Golden Circle route, so it tends to be crowded with tourists... Gullfoss is actually two waterfalls, with the upper falls being 11 m high and the lower falls 20 m. Past Gullfoss, the river Hvítá runs through Gullfoss Gorge, which is 2.5 km long and 70 m deep. Gullfoss is fairly easy to get to for a day trip from Reykjavík, and really a must-do for anyone visiting Iceland. It is located in a protected Nature Reserve right off Route 35, just a few km past the "one-and-only" Geysir, which has given name to all *geysers* in the world (that is if English is your language). There are two parking lots. The lower one is closest to the gorge and has a great viewing spot of both tiers of the falls from a distance. Since it's so big, it's impossible to see the whole thing close up. A trail from [the lower lot] runs along the gorge to the falls where the rock outcrop [see photo] sticking out in between the two tiers of the falls provides another viewing spot that allows visitors to get an up-close view of the power of the falls. Be warned that you will get wet. There is a lot of mist from the falls, but it's definitely worth it to get a good view. Also, be careful as the rocks on the outcrop will be wet and slippery. The upper parking lot has a gift shop, restaurant, and restrooms[/toilets] as well as an upper trail with two more viewing spots of the falls. If you visit on a sunny day, you may be lucky enough to see a rainbow."

www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Iceland/Arnessysla/G...

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Uploaded on September 23, 2013
Taken on September 21, 2013