Gullfoss, Ísland
This is Gullfoss, which is widely considered the most impressive waterfall in Iceland. The impressive two-stage cascade plunges the Hvítá River from the plateau above into the canyon below, with a total drop of 105 feet (32 meters) that ends in a canyon 66 feet (20 meters) wide and 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) long. The waterfall was being extensively explored to be dammed to use the Hvítá River for hydroelectric power during the 20th Century, with foreign businessmen and Icelandic government officials almost getting the land transferred to a power company. However, due to the efforts of Sigríður Tómasdóttir, daughter of Tómas Tómasson, upon learning upon the plans for the falls, made the trek to Reykjavík, over 100km, to push for the preservation of the site, which, combined with a lack of funds and investment to dam the river, led to the preservation of the falls. The land surrounding the falls was purchased by the Icelandic government in the late 20th Century to preserve them and prevent their exploitation, with a marker being erected in memory of Sigríður Tómasdóttir and her advocacy for the preservation of the falls. Today, the natural wonder continues to impress visitors along the golden circle in Iceland’s Southern Region.
Gullfoss, Ísland
This is Gullfoss, which is widely considered the most impressive waterfall in Iceland. The impressive two-stage cascade plunges the Hvítá River from the plateau above into the canyon below, with a total drop of 105 feet (32 meters) that ends in a canyon 66 feet (20 meters) wide and 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) long. The waterfall was being extensively explored to be dammed to use the Hvítá River for hydroelectric power during the 20th Century, with foreign businessmen and Icelandic government officials almost getting the land transferred to a power company. However, due to the efforts of Sigríður Tómasdóttir, daughter of Tómas Tómasson, upon learning upon the plans for the falls, made the trek to Reykjavík, over 100km, to push for the preservation of the site, which, combined with a lack of funds and investment to dam the river, led to the preservation of the falls. The land surrounding the falls was purchased by the Icelandic government in the late 20th Century to preserve them and prevent their exploitation, with a marker being erected in memory of Sigríður Tómasdóttir and her advocacy for the preservation of the falls. Today, the natural wonder continues to impress visitors along the golden circle in Iceland’s Southern Region.