Gullfoss facts for kids
Gullfoss is a famous waterfall in Iceland. Its name means "Golden Falls" in Icelandic. It's a very popular spot for tourists. Many people visit Gullfoss as part of the "Golden Circle" tour. This tour shows off some of Iceland's most amazing natural wonders.
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What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in Iceland. It covers about 300 kilometers (190 miles). This route takes visitors to three main natural attractions. These are the Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, and the Haukadalur geothermal valley.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is a place with a lot of history. It's where Iceland's first parliament, the Althing, was founded in 930 AD. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park sits in a rift valley. This valley shows where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. You can even see the cracks in the ground!
Haukadalur Geothermal Valley
The Haukadalur valley is famous for its hot springs. It's home to two well-known geysers. One is called Geysir, which is where the word "geyser" comes from. The other is Strokkur. Strokkur erupts very often, shooting hot water high into the air. It usually erupts every 5-10 minutes. This makes it a thrilling sight for visitors.
Why is it Called Golden Falls?
The name Gullfoss means "Golden Falls" in Icelandic. "Gul" means "gold" or "golden," and "foss" means "fall" or "waterfall." There are a few ideas about why it got this name. Some say that on sunny days, the water spray from the falls creates a golden mist. This mist can make the waterfall look golden. Another story says a rich farmer named Gýgur threw his gold into the falls. He did this so no one else could have it after he died.
How Was Gullfoss Formed?
Gullfoss is part of the Hvítá river. This river gets its water from the Langjökull glacier. The waterfall drops into a deep canyon. This canyon is about 32 meters (105 feet) deep. It is also about 20 meters (66 feet) wide. The canyon was formed by powerful glacial floods. These floods happened at the end of the last Ice Age. Over thousands of years, the water carved out the impressive canyon we see today.
Protecting Gullfoss
In the early 20th century, there were plans to build a hydroelectric power plant at Gullfoss. This would have changed the waterfall forever. However, a woman named Sigríður Tómasdóttir fought to protect it. She walked barefoot to Reykjavík many times to protest the plans. Her efforts helped save Gullfoss. In 1979, the waterfall and its surroundings became a nature reserve. This ensures it will be protected for future generations to enjoy.
Images for kids
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The falls in winter
