The walking path leading to the clffs where Gullfoss waterfall plunges into the gorge below has been re-opened to the public. The path remains closed over winter and during early spring to ensure the safety of visitors and to protect the delicate vegetation along the path.
A ticking time-bomb
Thick ice piles up on the walking path during winter, as watermist from the waterfall condenses and freezes. The ice poses a safety risk. When the ice thaws in spring the ground then becomes extremely soggy. Under those conditions the path cannot take the foot traffic, turning the path into a muddy bog. As visitors avoid the mud to walk on the vegetation along the path the vegetation is also severely damaged.
Unfotunately many visitors have failed to respect the closing of the path, climbing over the fence to get closer to the waterfall.
Read more: Visitors to Gullfoss ignore warnings, climb gate to get onto a walking path closed due to ice
Local guides have frequently warned that the walking path is a ticking time bomb in winter. If a visitor slips on the ice it is highly unlikely that the victim would the plunge into the canyon below. To increase safety nature rangers with the Icelandic Environment Agency have been repairing fences along the path.
The walking path leading to the clffs where Gullfoss waterfall plunges into the gorge below has been re-opened to the public. The path remains closed over winter and during early spring to ensure the safety of visitors and to protect the delicate vegetation along the path.
A ticking time-bomb
Thick ice piles up on the walking path during winter, as watermist from the waterfall condenses and freezes. The ice poses a safety risk. When the ice thaws in spring the ground then becomes extremely soggy. Under those conditions the path cannot take the foot traffic, turning the path into a muddy bog. As visitors avoid the mud to walk on the vegetation along the path the vegetation is also severely damaged.
Unfotunately many visitors have failed to respect the closing of the path, climbing over the fence to get closer to the waterfall.
Read more: Visitors to Gullfoss ignore warnings, climb gate to get onto a walking path closed due to ice
Local guides have frequently warned that the walking path is a ticking time bomb in winter. If a visitor slips on the ice it is highly unlikely that the victim would the plunge into the canyon below. To increase safety nature rangers with the Icelandic Environment Agency have been repairing fences along the path.
