Golden Circle, 100 km from Reykjavik<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gullfoss, the \u201cgolden waterfall,\u201d is part of the Golden Circle, Iceland's most popular tourist route. This waterfall cascades in two levels<\/strong> into a deep canyon with impressive power.<\/p>\n

The Hv\u00edt\u00e1 River first drops 11 meters over one fall, then makes a 90-degree turn before plunging another 21 meters into a narrow canyon. The glacial, whitish water (hence the name \u201cwhite river\u201d) creates a hypnotic spectacle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Gullfoss almost got destroyed<\/strong> for a hydroelectric project in the 1920s. A woman, Sigr\u00ed\u00f0ur T\u00f3masd\u00f3ttir, fought for years to save it, even threatening to throw herself into the waterfall. Thanks to her, Gullfoss is now protected.<\/p>\n

Magical Winter<\/strong><\/p>\n

In winter, Gullfoss transforms into a cathedral of ice<\/strong>. The mist freezes on the surrounding rocks, creating spectacular ice sculptures. The waterfall itself never freezes completely, but the contrast of ice and water is magical.<\/p>\n

Our Practical Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

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• Two observation platforms<\/strong>: the upper and lower, visit both<\/li>\n
• Strong winds<\/strong>: hold onto your hat and watch out for icy mist<\/li>\n
• Very busy<\/strong>: this is the Golden Circle, lots of people all day<\/li>\n
• Free parking<\/strong>: large parking lot with a caf\u00e9\/shop<\/li>\n
• Visitor center<\/strong>: information about Sigr\u00ed\u00f0ur's history<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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  4. Dettifoss: the most powerful waterfall in Europe<\/h3> \t\t

  Northeast of Iceland, near Lake M\u00fdvatn<\/strong><\/p>\n

  Dettifoss isn't the tallest waterfall in Iceland, but it's undoubtedly the most powerful in Europe<\/strong>. 500 m\u00b3 of water per second cascades down 44 meters high and 100 meters wide. The roar can be heard for miles.<\/p>\n

  The gray-brown glacial water (loaded with glacial sediments) plunges into the J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rglj\u00fafur canyon with impressive brute force. The mist creates a permanent cloud above the waterfall. When the sun breaks through, rainbows multiply<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

  Dettifoss served as the opening scene in Ridley Scott's film \"Prometheus\"<\/strong>. The scene where the Engineer disintegrates was filmed here, showcasing the epic dimension of the place.<\/p>\n

  The Two Banks<\/strong><\/p>\n

  Dettifoss is accessible via two routes<\/strong>: the East bank (Route 864, paved) and the West bank (Route 862, unpaved). The East bank is easier to access and offers the classic frontal view. The West bank requires more effort but gets you much closer to the waterfall (and soaked by the mist).<\/p>\n

  Our Practical Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • Choose your bank<\/strong>: East for ease, West for proximity<\/li>\n
  • Protect your camera gear<\/strong>: the mist can damage devices<\/li>\n
  • Also visit Selfoss<\/strong>: a neighboring waterfall 1 km upstream, also very beautiful<\/li>\n
  • Road closed in winter<\/strong>: accessible only from May to October<\/li>\n
  • Plan for 2-3 hours<\/strong>: round trip from the parking lot to the waterfall<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    5. Svartifoss: the waterfall with basalt organs<\/h3> \t\t

    Skaftafell National Park, southeast Iceland<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Svartifoss, the \"black waterfall,\" plunges 20 meters amidst columns of black hexagonal basalt. These basalt columns frame the waterfall like the pipes of a giant organ, creating an almost otherworldly setting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The waterfall itself isn't massive, but its surroundings make it unique<\/strong>. The basalt columns inspired the architecture of Hallgr\u00edmskirkja church in Reykjavik and the National Theatre of Iceland.<\/p>\n

    To reach Svartifoss, you need to walk 1.5 km from the parking lot (about a 45-minute walk one way). The trail steadily climbs but remains easy. Along the way, you'll pass two other small waterfalls<\/strong>: \u00dej\u00f3fafoss and Hundafoss.<\/p>\n

    Skaftafell, gateway to Vatnaj\u00f6kull<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Svartifoss is located in Skaftafell National Park<\/strong>, at the foot of Europe\u2019s largest glacier: Vatnaj\u00f6kull. It's an excellent starting point for glacier hikes or ice cave tours in winter.<\/p>\n

    Our practical tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    • Easy hike<\/strong>: 3 km round trip, 1.5 hours total<\/li>\n
    • Hiking shoes<\/strong>: the trail can be muddy<\/li>\n
    • View from below<\/strong>: continue a bit past the main platform to see the columns<\/li>\n
    • Combined with glacier<\/strong>: take the opportunity to explore Skaftafell<\/li>\n
    • Paid parking<\/strong>: 750 ISK at the Skaftafell visitor center<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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      6. Go\u00f0afoss: the waterfall of the gods<\/h3> \t\t

      North of Iceland, Ring Road<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Go\u00f0afoss, the \"waterfall of the gods,\" gets its name from a historical event. In the year 1000, when Iceland officially adopted Christianity, the pagan leader \u00deorgeir Lj\u00f3svetningago\u00f0i threw his idols of the old Norse gods into this waterfall<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      30 meters wide and 12 meters high, Go\u00f0afoss is neither the tallest nor the most powerful, but its perfect horseshoe shape<\/strong> makes it one of the most beautiful. The turquoise water of the Skj\u00e1lfandaflj\u00f3t river divides into several arches before plunging down.<\/p>\n

      Go\u00f0afoss is accessible from both sides of the river<\/strong>, offering different perspectives. The East bank provides the classic horseshoe view, while the West bank allows you to get very close to one of the arches.<\/p>\n

      Easy to access<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Go\u00f0afoss is directly on the Ring Road between Akureyri and Lake M\u00fdvatn. The parking lot is just a 2-minute walk from the waterfall. It is one of the easiest accessible<\/strong> waterfalls in Iceland, perfect for a quick yet memorable stop.<\/p>\n

      Our practical tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

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      • Visit both banks<\/strong>: completely different perspectives<\/li>\n
      • Accessible year-round<\/strong>: stunning in winter with ice<\/li>\n
      • Quick stop possible<\/strong>: 15-30 minutes is sufficient<\/li>\n
      • Parking on both sides<\/strong>: free<\/li>\n
      • Evening light<\/strong>: particularly beautiful at the end of the day<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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        \n Road trip on the Ring Road?<\/strong>\n We're passing by Go\u00f0afoss and all the wonders of the north \ud83d\ude0d<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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        7. Haifoss: the fourth highest waterfall in Iceland<\/h3> \t\t

        Highlands, South Iceland<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Haifoss plunges 122 meters into the Foss\u00e1 River Canyon<\/strong>. It is the fourth highest waterfall in Iceland (second or third according to conflicting sources).<\/p>\n

        What makes Haifoss spectacular<\/strong> is not just its height, but its setting: two twin waterfalls (Haifoss and Granni right next door) that dive into a deep canyon surrounded by colorful mountains. The view from the viewpoint is breathtaking.<\/p>\n

        Haifoss is still rarely visited<\/strong> because it requires leaving the Ring Road and driving 30 km on a gravel track. But this detour is definitely worth it<\/strong> for those looking for a spectacular waterfall without the crowds.<\/p>\n

        The Access Road<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Route 332 leading to Haifoss is a 30 km gravel track<\/strong>. It can be navigated by a regular car in good weather during the summer, but a 4x4 is recommended. Expect a 45-minute drive from the Ring Road. Don\u2019t attempt access in bad weather, as the track can become impassable.<\/p>\n

        Our Practical Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

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        • 4x4 recommended<\/strong>: the track can be tricky<\/li>\n
        • Stay away from the edge<\/strong>: the canyon is steep and the rocks are unstable<\/li>\n
        • Hiking possible<\/strong>: there\u2019s a trail to descend into the canyon (difficult)<\/li>\n
        • Few people<\/strong>: the track discourages tourist buses<\/li>\n
        • Accessible June-September<\/strong>: closed the rest of the year<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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          Ready to discover the waterfalls of Iceland?<\/h2> \t\t

          The waterfalls of Iceland are not just simple cascades. They are forces of nature that shape the landscape<\/strong>, living legends, and ongoing displays of power and beauty.<\/p>\n

          From the perfection of Sk\u00f3gafoss to the raw power of Dettifoss, from the basalt columns of Svartifoss to the veil of Dynjandi, each waterfall tells a different story of volcanic Iceland.<\/p>\n

          With a good itinerary<\/strong>, you can easily visit 6-7 of the waterfalls in this top 7 during a week-long road trip. Add all the ones you discover along the way, and you'll return with hundreds of photos and a head full of memories.<\/p>\n

          So, ready for the trip?<\/p><\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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          \n Iceland Nomads \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf8<\/strong>\n Optimized itinerary with all the natural wonders.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":159,"featured_media":504,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2262","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","team-member-sophie","blog-category-highlights"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/icen.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2262","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/icen.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/icen.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icen.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/159"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icen.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2262"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/icen.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2262\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2347,"href":"https:\/\/icen.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2262\/revisions\/2347"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icen.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/icen.travelblox.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2262"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}