Goðafoss
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Goðafoss
About
Goðafoss is a 12-meter waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót river in North Iceland.
The Waterfall of the Gods. Wide, horseshoe-shaped falls dropping 12 meters. According to legend, when Iceland converted to Christianity in 1000 AD, a chieftain threw his Norse god statues into these falls.
Less vertical power, more graceful beauty. The water spreads wide and falls in a perfect arc — incredibly photogenic from any angle. Easy access right off the Ring Road makes it a popular stop.
In 1000 AD, Iceland had to choose between Christianity and Norse paganism. Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made the call: Christianity. Then he rode here and threw his pagan idols into the falls. Democracy and drama.
Two sides to view from — east is more popular, west is quieter. Winter visits are magical when ice forms around the falls. Good cafe on the east side. Combine with Akureyri and Mývatn on a north Iceland trip.
Plan your visit
- Getting there
- Directly off Route 1 (Ring Road); the road passes the waterfall
Parking- Car parks on both sides of the river
12 m high, 30 m wide- On the Skjálfandafljót river
- Sits right on the Ring Road (Route 1)
- Part of the Diamond Circle route
Drive: Good·
Visit now·
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsOpen
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Entry: Free
Parking: Free
No booking
Entry feeFree
ParkingFree
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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Blue hour—Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.
TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
VW Caravelle
Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.
TransmissionAutomaticFuelDieselSeats9Drive2WD
Key Camper Wild Duo
Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.
TransmissionManualFuelPetrol
Sleeps2Drive4WDTours near Goðafoss
Small groups
Akureyri Whale Watching
Humpbacks and dolphins in Eyjafjörður — the classic North-Iceland outing.
Duration3 hours
PickupAkureyri
HighlightsEyjafjörður
TypeBoat tour
Glacier & Golden Circle
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Duration10 hoursPickupReykjavík
ActivitySnowmobile
VehicleSuper JeepPhotos & videos
Reviews
Nearby
Waterfalls
A waterfall in North Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in North Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in Iceland.
A waterfall in North Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
Hot Springs
Natural hot pot. Coordinates only - verify before visiting.
Natural geothermal hot spring near Laugar in Þingeyjarsveit, North Iceland. Mapped with…
Geothermal spot. Water temp varies but usually comfortable. Check conditions before going.
Natural hot pot. Coordinates only - verify before visiting.
Campsites
A small quiet in private areas divided campsite on the farm Hjalli, halfway between…
North Iceland camping option. Less crowded than the south, with dramatic landscapes and…
The campsite at Laugar, Northeast of Iceland. Booking is not allowed before arriving at…
The camp site Vaglaskógur is in the valley Fnjóskárdalur. The forest Vaglaskógur is the…
Supermarkets
Hagkaup supermarket — supplies
Krónan supermarket — supplies
Krambúð supermarket — supplies
Nettó supermarket — supplies
Gas stations
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
Orkan · 279.7 kr/L petrol
Tours
Humpbacks and dolphins in Eyjafjörður — the classic North-Iceland outing.
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Frequently
asked
questions
Why is it called Goðafoss?
Is Goðafoss worth visiting?
How far is Goðafoss from Akureyri?
Can you walk behind Goðafoss?
Is Goðafoss free?
Data & sources
Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.
PexelsHero & gallery photography · David Hitchcock / Pexels
Visit North Iceland (northiceland.is)Visitor access & practical facts · tourism board
WikipediaEncyclopedic description · CC BY-SA 4.0
VegagerðinLive road status & cameras · Icelandic Road Administration
Open-MeteoWeather forecast · CC BY 4.0
NOAA SWPCAurora (planetary Kp) forecast · public domain
OpenStreetMapInteractive-map data · ODbL
Esri, Maxar & Earthstar GeographicsSatellite imagery for the 3D terrain render · GIS User Community
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