Gullfoss Parking Guide
Gullfoss has two car parks, both a few metres off Route 35: an upper lot next to the visitor center and a lower lot closer to the canyon rim. Either one puts you within a few minutes’ walk of the waterfall viewpoints.
Parking at Gullfoss is currently free of charge for private cars, tour buses and accessible spaces. Any change to fees or layout is decided by the site management and signposted on arrival, so always read the signs in the lot.
Quick Facts
- Car parks
- Upper lot (by the visitor center) and lower lot (near the canyon rim)
- Parking fee
- Free — checked October 2026
- Walk to upper viewpoint
- About 2 minutes from the upper lot
- Walk to lower viewpoint
- About 5–10 minutes, steeper and wetter
- Accessible spaces
- In the upper lot, close to the visitor center
- Overnight parking
- Not permitted; camping is not allowed in the reserve
The upper car park
The upper lot sits directly beside the Gullfoss visitor center, café and restrooms, and it holds the accessible parking spaces. It is the most convenient choice if you want facilities, a warm indoor stop, or the shortest step-free route to the upper viewing platform.
Because tour buses also use this lot, it fills up quickly between roughly 10:00 and 16:00 in summer. Arriving before 09:00 or after 17:00 usually means a much quieter stop.
The lower car park
The lower lot is closer to the lower viewing area and gives a shorter, but steeper and rougher, walk down towards the canyon. You will feel the spray here, so waterproofs help.
The lower path is also the first to close when ice and snow build up in winter. When it is closed, park in the upper lot and use the upper platform instead.
Is parking free at Gullfoss?
Yes — at the time of writing both car parks are free for private cars, motorbikes, campervans on a day visit, tour buses and accessible parking users. There are no ticket machines and no barriers in either lot.
Free parking here is a long-standing arrangement rather than a guarantee, so it is worth checking the signage in the lot on arrival. If you join a guided Golden Circle tour, parking is included in your tour price and your driver chooses the lot.
Winter driving and road conditions
Route 35 to Gullfoss is paved and regularly ploughed, but Icelandic winter conditions change within hours. Check road conditions and the weather forecast before setting off, and allow extra time: winter tyres are mandatory in winter months and a 4x4 is strongly recommended.
Do not assume the road is always passable after a storm. Even when the road is open, car parks and paths can be icy, so walk carefully and keep to the marked routes.
Coaches, campervans and larger vehicles
Tour buses and coaches use designated spaces in the upper lot. If you are driving a larger campervan, use the outer rows so you do not block the accessible spaces or bus manoeuvring.
Overnight stays and camping are not permitted inside Gullfoss Nature Reserve. Campervan travellers should plan to stay at an official campsite in the Geysir, Flúðir or Selfoss area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking free at Gullfoss?
Yes. Both the upper and lower car parks are currently free for private cars, tour buses and accessible parking users. This was checked in October 2026; always confirm on the signs in the lot.
Where exactly is the Gullfoss car park?
Both lots sit just off Route 35 at the end of the Gullfoss access road, about 10 minutes’ drive from Geysir and 1.5–2 hours from Reykjavík. Follow the Gullfoss signs from Route 35.
Which car park is closest to the waterfall?
The lower lot is closest to the lower viewing area, while the upper lot is closest to the upper viewing platform and the visitor center. Most first-time visitors park in the upper lot.
How far is the walk from the car park to the waterfall?
Around two minutes from the upper lot to the upper platform, and about five to ten minutes from the lower lot down to the lower viewpoint. Allow one to two hours for the whole visit.
Is there accessible parking at Gullfoss?
Yes. Accessible spaces are in the upper car park next to the visitor center, and the path from there to the upper viewing platform is step-free and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Can I park overnight or sleep in a campervan at Gullfoss?
No. Overnight parking and camping are not permitted in the nature reserve. Use an official campsite in the Geysir, Flúðir or Selfoss area.
Information checked: Parking information checked October 2026. Fees and traffic arrangements are set by the site management and may change — please check the signage on arrival.