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Gullfoss
Gullfoss, “The golden falls“, is a double waterfall that tumbles 32 meters down a wide curved three-step staircase, and then abruptly plunges in two stages (11 m and 21 m) into a crevice 32m deep. The crevice, about 20m wide, and 2.5 km in length, is at right angles to the flow of the river, so you don't actually see it from the view points. The average amount of water running over this waterfall is 80 m³/s in the wintertime.
During the 20th century, foreign investors wanted to transform Gullfoss into a dam for a power station which would of course have changed the waterfall forever. Sigríður Tómasdóttir, a local girl, was determined to preserve the waterfall in its original condition and even threatened to throw herself into the falls. Eventually the government intervened and it did not happen (neither the use of the falls for power nor Sigríður throwing herself into the falls), and now Gullfoss belongs to the Icelandic nations and is protected.
Gullfoss ("Gootl-foss" - The Golden Falls) - Alternative view of the second drop of this massive double drop Icelandic postcard waterfall, one of the most ferocious in Europe. The amount of spray that comes off this thing is unbelievable.
18mm, f/22 0.6s
A close up of Gullfoss waterfall: one of the biggest of Iceland. Gullfoss is located in the Golden Circle, near Rejkjavik.
During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, the waterfall was rented indirectly by its owners, Tómas Tómasson and Halldór Halldórsson, to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful, partly due to lack of money. The waterfall was later sold to the state of Iceland, and is now protected.
Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of Tómas Tómasson, was determined to preserve the waterfall's condition and even threatened to throw herself down. Although it is widely believed, the very popular story that Sigríður saved the waterfall from exploitation is untrue. A stone memorial to Sigriður, located above the falls, depicts her profile
Gullfoss (Golden Falls) comprises two waterfalls on the Hvítá River. The upper fall is 11m high, the lower is 20m.
One of the many features that are or inspiring all across Iceland. The dramatic waterfall, Gullfoss is the site which was used in the Ridley Scott film Prometheus.