Gullfoss (Golden Falls)

Golden Falls is one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations, home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Golden Falls is Iceland's favorite and most iconic waterfall and a very interesting tourist destination. It is located in the southeast of the country. It measures approximately 36 feet/11 meters and 68 feet/21 meters in height. It is the most charming and beautiful place.

The Khvita River flows south and about 1 km above the waterfall turns sharply to the right, flowing down a wide curved three-tier "ladder", then dives sharply in two steps (11 meters or 36 feet and 21 meters or 69 feet). ). feet) into a gap 32 meters (105 feet) deep. A crevice about 20 meters (66 feet) wide and 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) long runs perpendicular to the flow of the river. The average amount of water flowing down the falls is 141 cubic meters (5,000 cubic feet) per second in summer and 80 cubic meters (2,800 cubic feet) per second in winter. The largest flood measured was 2,000 cubic meters (71,000 cubic feet) per second.
There has been much speculation about the use of Gullfoss for power generation during the early and late 20th centuries. During this period, owners Thomas Tomasson and Halldor Haldorsson indirectly leased the waterfall to foreign investors. Investors' attempts, however, failed in part due to lack of funds. Later, the waterfall was sold to Iceland and is now protected.

Thomas Tomasson's daughter, Sigridur Thomasdottir, was determined to save the condition of the falls, and she even threatened to drop herself. Although widely known, the very popular story that Sigridur saved the waterfall from her exploits is not true. [EDIT] A stele to Sigridur above the waterfall depicts her profile.

Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most popular tourist attractions. Along with the geysers of Thingvellir and Haukadalur, Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle, a popular day trip for Icelandic tourists.

• Country: Iceland