Gullfoss is absolutely gorgeous. Gullfoss is a stop on the Golden Circle Tour run by Reykjavik Excursions and is known as the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland. Gullfoss is located about an hour's drive east of Reykjavik and the water is very cold.

The fall never freezes over because of the fast running water, but the rocks around the fall are very slippery. There is a path leading down to the waterfall and it's fairly muddy, but well worth the effort walking the path. You can walk right up to the water and touch it, but be careful as there really are no safeguards to prevent you from falling into the water.

Nevertheless, I had to touch the water and I can tell you, it's very cold. In the winter and early spring the mist from the falls actually turns into snow because of the low temperature.

Turning our attention back to the falls, now owned by the Icelandic Nature Conversation and permanently protected from an earlier threat to create a hydroelectric plant out of nature’s forces. The view from the top is amazing, but we were keen to get "up close and personal" with Gullfoss (golden falls). There’s a fairly steep staircase leading down to the lower car park, and from here you can feel the power of the falls. The spray from the water felt almost like "the skies had opened," and the roar of the water as it powered its way over the rocks was audible even this distance away from the source.

We headed towards the falls on an awkward trail with loose rocks, uneven slopes, and makeshift steps. At the time of our visit, it was wet and a little slippery, but in winter, I suspect extreme caution would be required. We enjoyed our gentle but careful walk to the actual falls, taking time to checks out a wide variety of plant life en route. As we got nearer to the falls, the path became drier and the heavy precipitation that we’d experienced from the scenic vantage point disappeared. Surprisingly, it was much drier, but the sensation of the falls was now much stronger. We climbed up a few strategically placed rocks to the plateau overlooking the falls, and now we were surrounded on three sides by the water that forms and is Gullfoss.

If you like the power of water - the sensation of the ultimate force created by gallons of water rushing over rocks - then you will love Gullfoss. Take time to view it from every angle, because each vision is perceivably different and clearly demonstrates the contrariness of nature: the still pool of water sitting at the top of the falls; the gentle flow over the rocks at the edge of drop; and whirlpools of swirling water; torrents of gushing power creating white waves as the forceful water pounds against static rocks, allowing clouds of mist to form and head as mini rain clouds to drop their precipitation over the unsuspecting tourists as they approach their first view of the falls.

The falls rush gray and white over rocks and spill down into a shadowed canyon, adding mystery. Good photographs can be taken at the overlook, and then if you want close-ups, stroll down the gravel road and stand out on the rocks. You'll feel the river spray hitting you on the face, which is cool and refreshing. This natural wonder certainly was a sight to see, and I must say, worth the long drive. All you need to do to get there is take Highway 1, and if you don't have a car, tours can be booked in Reykjavik.

I told him to close his eyes and just follow me as I led him by his hands. We were both slightly wet by the time we got to the cliff edge. I told him to open his eyes. Whaaaamp. Gullfoss caught him too, and I can imagine that his astonishment must have been greater than mine since as he opened his eyes, he was faced with the mighty falls as well as by the fact that he was two steps away from the cliff!

Instead of climbing down towards the edge of the falls, I think it is wiser to climb up the steep flight of steps to view Gullfoss from atop a hill. Great pictures to be had here and you also get to see your first glaciers at the horizon. Great dining spot too, so bring your picnic basket and fresh juices! There were actually quite a few people who perched themselves on the edge of the cliff with their feet freely dangling over the falls!