Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss: Waterfall of the Gods

Iceland is a country that offers endless natural beauty, but few are as iconic as Goðafoss Waterfall. Nestled on the Skjálfandafljót River in the northern part of the island, this breathtaking waterfall’s majesty and beauty will captivate anyone who heads to these parts.

Goðafoss translates to Waterfall of the Gods, and indeed it looks like one.

Two different access routes

Getting to Gosafoss is relatively easy and comfortable. From the car park, which is located near the main road, there is a short, approximately 10-minute trail to the waterfall. You can choose which side to go from. Both offer plenty of vantage points, and from either you’ll see the full beauty of the waterfall. It’s up to you. No matter which side you come to it from, the waterfall will win your heart. ❤️

Trail is easy and accessible for everyone, including families with children. Along the way, you can enjoy the first views of the Skjálfandafljót River, which will accompany you to your destination.

You can observe magnificent black rocks or tiny cascades forming on the river.

With every step, the view of the waterfall opens up more and more. While the first vantage point gives you a hint of what lies ahead, half of the waterfall is still shrouded in mystery. If you want to see the whole thing, you have to keep going.

Goðafoss and its charm ✨

Once you’re close enough, you’ll see a whole arc made up of several streams. Whilst the waterfall may be small, with water falling from only 12 metres, its beauty lies in its width. And not only that. Observe carefully its colour.

The river Skjálfandafljót, where the waterfall is located, originates from the glacier Vatnajökull. It is the largest glacier in Iceland and one of the largest glaciers in Europe. Perhaps this is why the colour of the water is reminiscent of the caves that form on the glacier. We haven’t seen this colour of water at any other waterfall in Iceland.

In summer there must be plenty of vegetation around the waterfall, but from October onwards the greenery gives way to a white blanket of snow. Nevertheless, some plants are still making their way in.

If you are coming from the east side, go to the last lookout as well. Only there you will really get close to the waterfall and you will see it completely. Surrounding this viewpoint is full of plants, which, together with the black volcanic stones, contrast with the slightly turquoise water. Such fascinating contrast of natural elements creates an unrepeatable scenery that we couldn’t get enough of.

Historical significance

Goðafoss plays a significant role in Icelandic history. According to legend, in the year 1000, the chief lawgiver Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw pagan statues of Norse gods into a waterfall as a sign of Iceland’s acceptance of Christianity as its official religion. This event symbolized Iceland’s transition from paganism to the Christian faith and gave the waterfall its name, the Waterfall of the Gods.

Souvenir shop

Near Goðafoss you will find a small souvenir shop and a café. Unlike the shops at other sights, here there were significantly lower prices and very original pieces. Be sure to come here for a coffee and to see the troll statues and other interesting trinkets that will forever remind you of this unforgettable country.

How to get here?

Goðafoss is located directly off the main Ring Road (Route 1), which encircles the whole of Iceland. From the direction of Akureyri, it takes about 30 minutes by car, passing typical Icelandic landscapes full of lava fields and green meadows. If you’re travelling from the northeast, the waterfall is about a 50-minute drive from Lake Mývatn.

Nearby, at Lake Mývatn, you’ll find other beautiful places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Iceland. These include Krafla, Myvatn Baths, Dimmuborgir lava fields, the Hverir geothermal area and the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss.