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from Wikipedia: Gullfoss (English: Golden Falls) is a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in southwest Iceland.
Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The wide Hvítá rushes southward. About a kilometer above the falls it turns sharply to the left and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in two stages (11 m and 21 m) into a crevice 32 m (105 ft) deep. The crevice, about 20 m (60 ft) wide, and 2.5 km in length, is at right angles to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over this waterfall is 140 m³/s in the summertime and 80 m³/s in the wintertime. The highest flood measured was 2000 m³/s.
As one first approaches the falls, the crevice is obscured from view, so that it appears that a mighty river simply vanishes into the earth.
During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about utilizing Gullfoss to create 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. Even after it was sold, there were plans to utilize Hvítá, which would have changed the waterfall forever. This was not done, and now the waterfall is protected.
Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of Tómas Tómasson was determined to save the waterfall from utilization and even threatened to throw herself into the waterfall. Although it is widely believed, the very popular story that Sigríður did save the waterfall from utilization is not true. A stone memorial to Sigriður, located above the falls, depicts her profile.
We were up early, so to get breakfast in time so we could find the bus stop for our tour for the day.
The Golden Circle is a term used for several natural wonders about an hour or so from Reykjavík. Most people who come here do the tour.
So were we.
More light snow during the night, but this turned heavier as we waited for the bus.
Eventually, a large black mini bus pulled up, and the driver, Trond, called our name, and so only us out of a dozen people waiting got on.
We toured round downtown, picking up folks, but the bus was only half full.
So, we turned north as the snow really started to come down, Trond put the hammer down, and let the studded tyres do their thing,
Once out of the city, it became a virtual white-out, with us apparently following the tyre tracks of the cars in front. We slithered round roundabouts and swerved as Trond pressed the accelerator.
Most hire cars are fitted with all seasons tyres, and for the most they work, but in near blizzard conditions, only studded would do.
We turned up the long road that climbed to the national park, and in front, cars slithered at a crawl. Several did not make it and came off the road, lift in ditches at crazy angles.
We did fine.
It was a blizzard now, and the sky and landscaped merged, with just a faint grey line marking where the two met.
After passing three jack-knifed cars, we arrived at the national park. We were to walk from the visitor centre here to the bus park nearly a kilometre away.
I like a challenge.
We were to walk down the rift valley, created as the two great plates, North American and Eurasian move apart.
Trond said the weather was clearing from the east.
We laughed.
Outside the bus, the snow still fell.
We walked through the visitor centre and shop, then up to the observation deck.
Amazingly, the snow stopped and the view opened up, there was even sunshine away to the west.
From the viewing platform there was a steep ramp leading down the narrow rift, this we all had to walk down to meet the bus some 600m away.
While not quite as wide and grand as the Great Rift Valley, this too marks the point at which two plates are moving apart from each other, and in turn creating new land between.
I did not slip, but took my time, and near the end there was a tumbling stream over which the path leapt on a small bridge.
Back onto the bus for a short drive to a farm for some home-made icecream, and from the shop we look look into the stables where the herd was chewing the cud, preparing the next batch.
And then back onto the main road and up to Geysir geothermal area, where we had 90 minutes to wander, see the geyser and get something for lunch.
All Golden Circle trips stop here, and is crowded, but with the geyser erupting every 8 minutes, there's usually a gap in which to witness it.
Sadly, each eruption last about 2 seconds, so by the time it starts, you raise the camera, its over.
We walked back to the centre, and Jools went to fetch burger and fries for us both, and a drink, which came to £54 and were very average indeed.
Back on the bus for a short drive to the next to last stop, Gullfoss.
The plan had to park down on the lower levels, but the road down was closed because of snow, and the steps from the upper level closed because of ice.
So, everyone was to have to wait their turn at the upper view point.
Dozens of coaches and buses parked, and a long line of people walking out to the viewing platform snaked across the snow.
I joined them, and was rewarded with spectacular views of the waterfall, now half frozen in the cold weather. I took shots, a video, and what else is there, join in with the influencers in taking selfies to prove I had been there?
I walked back to the bus, so to be first back for a change, and follow the footie on the BBC website, Norwich home against Coventry.
We all got back, then drove to the last stop: the Secret Lagoon, where some, including Jools went for a dip, while I stayed dry, had a coffee laced with Baileys, and followed the games.
City came from behind to win 2-1, while outside the snow began to come down heavier than ever.
Gullfoss Waterfall. It can be challenging at times to take long exposures of waterfalls. The mist can wet your camera and fliter messing up the shot.
Gullfoss "Golden Falls" is a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in southwest Iceland. The river plunges in two stages (11 m and 21 m) into a crevice 32 m deep. The crevice, about 20 m wide, and 2.5 km in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over this waterfall is 140 m³/s in the summertime and 80 m³/s in the wintertime. The highest flood measured was 2000 m³/s.
We were up early, so to get breakfast in time so we could find the bus stop for our tour for the day.
The Golden Circle is a term used for several natural wonders about an hour or so from Reykjavík. Most people who come here do the tour.
So were we.
More light snow during the night, but this turned heavier as we waited for the bus.
Eventually, a large black mini bus pulled up, and the driver, Trond, called our name, and so only us out of a dozen people waiting got on.
We toured round downtown, picking up folks, but the bus was only half full.
So, we turned north as the snow really started to come down, Trond put the hammer down, and let the studded tyres do their thing,
Once out of the city, it became a virtual white-out, with us apparently following the tyre tracks of the cars in front. We slithered round roundabouts and swerved as Trond pressed the accelerator.
Most hire cars are fitted with all seasons tyres, and for the most they work, but in near blizzard conditions, only studded would do.
We turned up the long road that climbed to the national park, and in front, cars slithered at a crawl. Several did not make it and came off the road, lift in ditches at crazy angles.
We did fine.
It was a blizzard now, and the sky and landscaped merged, with just a faint grey line marking where the two met.
After passing three jack-knifed cars, we arrived at the national park. We were to walk from the visitor centre here to the bus park nearly a kilometre away.
I like a challenge.
We were to walk down the rift valley, created as the two great plates, North American and Eurasian move apart.
Trond said the weather was clearing from the east.
We laughed.
Outside the bus, the snow still fell.
We walked through the visitor centre and shop, then up to the observation deck.
Amazingly, the snow stopped and the view opened up, there was even sunshine away to the west.
From the viewing platform there was a steep ramp leading down the narrow rift, this we all had to walk down to meet the bus some 600m away.
While not quite as wide and grand as the Great Rift Valley, this too marks the point at which two plates are moving apart from each other, and in turn creating new land between.
I did not slip, but took my time, and near the end there was a tumbling stream over which the path leapt on a small bridge.
Back onto the bus for a short drive to a farm for some home-made icecream, and from the shop we look look into the stables where the herd was chewing the cud, preparing the next batch.
And then back onto the main road and up to Geysir geothermal area, where we had 90 minutes to wander, see the geyser and get something for lunch.
All Golden Circle trips stop here, and is crowded, but with the geyser erupting every 8 minutes, there's usually a gap in which to witness it.
Sadly, each eruption last about 2 seconds, so by the time it starts, you raise the camera, its over.
We walked back to the centre, and Jools went to fetch burger and fries for us both, and a drink, which came to £54 and were very average indeed.
Back on the bus for a short drive to the next to last stop, Gullfoss.
The plan had to park down on the lower levels, but the road down was closed because of snow, and the steps from the upper level closed because of ice.
So, everyone was to have to wait their turn at the upper view point.
Dozens of coaches and buses parked, and a long line of people walking out to the viewing platform snaked across the snow.
I joined them, and was rewarded with spectacular views of the waterfall, now half frozen in the cold weather. I took shots, a video, and what else is there, join in with the influencers in taking selfies to prove I had been there?
I walked back to the bus, so to be first back for a change, and follow the footie on the BBC website, Norwich home against Coventry.
We all got back, then drove to the last stop: the Secret Lagoon, where some, including Jools went for a dip, while I stayed dry, had a coffee laced with Baileys, and followed the games.
City came from behind to win 2-1, while outside the snow began to come down heavier than ever.
This is the Gullfoss waterfall in Iceland. This one was a bit scary to walk to it. It had power coming from it that made me stop and say - do I want to get any closer to this monster.
Please visit my Youtube channel to view my video of this trip. Iceland 2013 Part 1
Please visit my Youtube channel to view my video of this trip. Iceland 2013 Part 2
Gullfoss "Golden Falls" is a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in southwest Iceland. The river plunges in two stages (11 m and 21 m) into a crevice 32 m deep. The crevice, about 20 m wide, and 2.5 km in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over this waterfall is 140 m³/s in the summertime and 80 m³/s in the wintertime. The highest flood measured was 2000 m³/s.
The Gullfoss waterfall is spectacular – the most famous falls in Iceland. It’s really a series of two falls. The upper falls, seen here, consists of a short drop. One of the great things about being outside the US – you can walk right up to the falls, like these people. Pictures simply do not capture the power of the water.
In the early 1900’s, the river was almost dammed up for a hydroelectric project. Fortunately, Sigríður Tómasdóttir – the daughter of the farmer who owned the land – threatened to throw herself over the falls if the project began. She had to walk over 70 miles, crossing freezing rivers, to make her protests in Reykjavik. She was successful in her protests, and a stone monument with her likeness is currently found at the falls.
Gullfoss "Golden Falls" is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland.
Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. The wide Hvítá rushes southward, and about a kilometre above the falls it turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in two stages (11 metres or 36 feet, and 21 metres or 69 feet) into a crevice 32 metres (105 ft) deep. The crevice, about 20 metres (66 ft) wide and 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running down the waterfall is 140 cubic metres (4,900 cu ft) per second in the summer and 80 cubic metres (2,800 cu ft) per second in the winter. The highest flood measured was 2,000 cubic metres (71,000 cu ft) per second.
As one first approaches the falls, the edge is obscured from view, so that it appears that the river simply vanishes into the earth.
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.
Together with Þingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms part of the Golden Circle, a popular day excursion for tourists in Iceland."
- Wikipedia
Gullfoss is a waterfall located on the White River (Hvítá) in south central Iceland. Its name means the Golden Falls. The flow of the river from the regular rains and the glacial runoff, particularly in summer, makes Gullfoss the largest volume falls in Europe.
The Gullfoss is one of the most spectacular sights on earth. It is one of the natural wonders of the world. The wide White River (Hvítá) rushes southward. About a kilometer above the falls it turns sharply to the left and flows down a wide curved three step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in two stages (11 m and 21 m) into a crevice 32 m (105 ft) deep. The crevice, about 20 m (60 ft) wide, and 2.5 km in length, is at right angles to the flow of the river. The average of water running down this waterfall is by 100 – 180 m³/s in the summertime and 50 – 110 m³/s in the wintertime. The highest flood measured was 2000 m³/s.
Gullfoss "Golden Falls" is a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in southwest Iceland. The river plunges in two stages (11 m and 21 m) into a crevice 32 m deep. The crevice, about 20 m wide, and 2.5 km in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running over this waterfall is 140 m³/s in the summertime and 80 m³/s in the wintertime. The highest flood measured was 2000 m³/s.
The Gullfoss waterfall, which in English translates to "Golden Waterfall".
The picture looks grainy, but that's actually heavy snowfall. For a period of around 24 hours Iceland got some really heavy snowfall.
Gullfoss is a waterfall located on the White River (Hvítá) in south central Iceland. Its name means the Golden Falls. The flow of the river from the regular rains and the glacial runoff, particularly in summer, makes Gullfoss the largest volume falls in Europe.
The Gullfoss is one of the most spectacular sights on earth. It is one of the natural wonders of the world. The wide White River (Hvítá) rushes southward. About a kilometer above the falls it turns sharply to the left and flows down a wide curved three step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in two stages (11 m and 21 m) into a crevice 32 m (105 ft) deep. The crevice, about 20 m (60 ft) wide, and 2.5 km in length, is at right angles to the flow of the river. The average of water running down this waterfall is by 100 – 180 m³/s in the summertime and 50 – 110 m³/s in the wintertime. The highest flood measured was 2000 m³/s.
We were up early, so to get breakfast in time so we could find the bus stop for our tour for the day.
The Golden Circle is a term used for several natural wonders about an hour or so from Reykjavík. Most people who come here do the tour.
So were we.
More light snow during the night, but this turned heavier as we waited for the bus.
Eventually, a large black mini bus pulled up, and the driver, Trond, called our name, and so only us out of a dozen people waiting got on.
We toured round downtown, picking up folks, but the bus was only half full.
So, we turned north as the snow really started to come down, Trond put the hammer down, and let the studded tyres do their thing,
Once out of the city, it became a virtual white-out, with us apparently following the tyre tracks of the cars in front. We slithered round roundabouts and swerved as Trond pressed the accelerator.
Most hire cars are fitted with all seasons tyres, and for the most they work, but in near blizzard conditions, only studded would do.
We turned up the long road that climbed to the national park, and in front, cars slithered at a crawl. Several did not make it and came off the road, lift in ditches at crazy angles.
We did fine.
It was a blizzard now, and the sky and landscaped merged, with just a faint grey line marking where the two met.
After passing three jack-knifed cars, we arrived at the national park. We were to walk from the visitor centre here to the bus park nearly a kilometre away.
I like a challenge.
We were to walk down the rift valley, created as the two great plates, North American and Eurasian move apart.
Trond said the weather was clearing from the east.
We laughed.
Outside the bus, the snow still fell.
We walked through the visitor centre and shop, then up to the observation deck.
Amazingly, the snow stopped and the view opened up, there was even sunshine away to the west.
From the viewing platform there was a steep ramp leading down the narrow rift, this we all had to walk down to meet the bus some 600m away.
While not quite as wide and grand as the Great Rift Valley, this too marks the point at which two plates are moving apart from each other, and in turn creating new land between.
I did not slip, but took my time, and near the end there was a tumbling stream over which the path leapt on a small bridge.
Back onto the bus for a short drive to a farm for some home-made icecream, and from the shop we look look into the stables where the herd was chewing the cud, preparing the next batch.
And then back onto the main road and up to Geysir geothermal area, where we had 90 minutes to wander, see the geyser and get something for lunch.
All Golden Circle trips stop here, and is crowded, but with the geyser erupting every 8 minutes, there's usually a gap in which to witness it.
Sadly, each eruption last about 2 seconds, so by the time it starts, you raise the camera, its over.
We walked back to the centre, and Jools went to fetch burger and fries for us both, and a drink, which came to £54 and were very average indeed.
Back on the bus for a short drive to the next to last stop, Gullfoss.
The plan had to park down on the lower levels, but the road down was closed because of snow, and the steps from the upper level closed because of ice.
So, everyone was to have to wait their turn at the upper view point.
Dozens of coaches and buses parked, and a long line of people walking out to the viewing platform snaked across the snow.
I joined them, and was rewarded with spectacular views of the waterfall, now half frozen in the cold weather. I took shots, a video, and what else is there, join in with the influencers in taking selfies to prove I had been there?
I walked back to the bus, so to be first back for a change, and follow the footie on the BBC website, Norwich home against Coventry.
We all got back, then drove to the last stop: the Secret Lagoon, where some, including Jools went for a dip, while I stayed dry, had a coffee laced with Baileys, and followed the games.
City came from behind to win 2-1, while outside the snow began to come down heavier than ever.
Gullfoss is a three tier waterfall which made for some impressive sights. At one point, there were plans to convert this fall to Hydroelectic generation.
Gullfoss "Golden Falls" is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland.
Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. The wide Hvítá rushes southward, and about a kilometre above the falls it turns sharply to the right and flows down into a wide curved three-step "staircase" and then abruptly plunges in two stages (11 metres or 36 feet, and 21 metres or 69 feet) into a crevice 32 metres (105 ft) deep. The crevice, about 20 metres (66 ft) wide and 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) in length, extends perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water running down the waterfall is 140 cubic metres (4,900 cu ft) per second in the summer and 80 cubic metres (2,800 cu ft) per second in the winter. The highest flood measured was 2,000 cubic metres (71,000 cu ft) per second.
As one first approaches the falls, the edge is obscured from view, so that it appears that the river simply vanishes into the earth.
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.
Together with Þingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms part of the Golden Circle, a popular day excursion for tourists in Iceland."
- Wikipedia