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Goðafoss

Godafoss Waterfall12 m drop5 min walk268 km from ReykjavíkFree parking
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WaterfallNorth Iceland

Goðafoss

North IcelandGodafoss Waterfall12 m drop5 min walk268 km from ReykjavíkFree parking

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 special when ice forms around the falls. Good cafe on the east side. Combine with Akureyri and Mývatn on a north Iceland trip.

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Map of Goðafoss

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65.6828°N, 17.5506°W · North Iceland

Tours that include Goðafoss

Goðafoss Waterfall & Fjord Viewpoint from Akureyrifrom 13.990 ISK · 3 hAkureyri: Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss & Lava Fields Cruise Tourfrom 21.990 ISK · 6 hGoðafoss Waterfall & Turf House from Akureyri Portfrom 20.000 ISK · 3 h 30 minLake Mývatn Small Group from Akureyri Portfrom 42.000 ISK · 6 hDettifoss & Goðafoss Waterfall w/packed Lunch Small Group from Akureyri Portfrom 36.000 ISK · 7 hWinter Goðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyrifrom 16.000 ISK · 3 hFrom Húsavík Port: Goðafoss Waterfall & Turfhouse Museumfrom 25.000 ISK · 4 hGoðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri Portfrom 16.000 ISK · 2 h 30 minGoðafoss Waterfall & Whale Watching from Akureyri Portfrom 32.000 ISK · 7 h
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ToursIn season nowGodafoss Waterfall & Earth Lagoon (Myvatn Nature Baths) Tour with Admissionfrom 28.990 ISK · 6 hNorthern Lights 4x4 Tour from Akureyrifrom 34.799 ISK · 2 h 30 minLake Mývatn & Snowmobile Tour from Akureyrifrom 59.900 ISK · 9 hAll 1,631 toursBy activity and region

Goðafoss weather and conditions

Last updated

2°Clight drizzle1 m/swind8 h 30 mdaylight · 08:39 – 17:09
In season now · Winter in IcelandGodafoss Waterfall & Earth Lagoon (Myvatn Nature Baths) Tour with Admissionfrom 28.990 ISK · 6 h
See the tour
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Cars & campers

−12%exclusive discountFree cancellationKEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
SUV

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
From
5,355 kr6,300 kr/day
Reserve −12%
VW Caravelle
9-seater

VW Caravelle

Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.

TransmissionAutomatic
FuelDiesel
Seats9
Drive2WD
From
12,750 kr15,000 kr/day
Reserve −12%
Key Camper Wild Duo
Camper

Key Camper Wild Duo

Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol
Sleeps2
Drive4WD
From
5,304 kr6,240 kr/day
Reserve −12%

Photos & videos

Goðafoss — photo by David HitchcockPhoto: David Hitchcock / Pexels
Goðafoss — photo by Rudy KirchnerPhoto: Rudy Kirchner / Pexels
Godafoss ('Waterfall of the Gods') is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland.Irma Zandl
Goðafoss — photo by Atlantic AmbiencePhoto: Atlantic Ambience / Pexels
Goðafoss — photo by Riccardo BertoloPhoto: Riccardo Bertolo / Pexels
GOÐAFOSS: WATERFALL OF THE GODS! ICELAND (4K)Andy's Awesome Adventures
Goðafoss — photo by Visit North IcelandPhoto: Visit North Iceland / northiceland.is
Goðafoss — photo by Visit North IcelandPhoto: Visit North Iceland / northiceland.is
GODAFOSS WATERFALL IN ICELAND 🇮🇸Monira's Vlog UK
Goðafoss — photo by Visit North IcelandPhoto: Visit North Iceland / northiceland.is
Goðafoss Waterfall Iceland | Aerial Adventure | Drone Travel ExperienceODYSSEY VISUAL MEDIA
Akureyri Iceland Cruise Port Guide | Godafoss & Lake Myvatn Tour (4K)Adventour Begins
Godafoss Waterfall Travel Guide | 4KIceland with a View

Nearby

km column = your drive

  1. 1Geitafoss< 1 km
  2. 2Barnafoss7 km
  3. 3Ullarfoss11 km
  4. 4Landsendafoss24 km
  5. 5Æðarfossar34 km
All waterfalls in North Iceland →

Hot springs

  1. 1Natural hot pot near Þingeyjarsveit9 km
  2. 2Geothermal hot spring near Laugar10 km
  3. 3Geothermal hot spring near Þingeyjarsveit14 km
All hot springs →

Fuel

  1. 1Fosshóll< 1 km · 310.9 kr/L
  2. 2Laugar9 km · 310.9 kr/L
  3. 3Akureyri Leiruvegur24 km · 310.9 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Hagkaup25 km
  2. 2Krónan25 km
  3. 3Krambúð25 km
All supermarkets →

Tours

  1. (Cruise Ships) Lake Mývatn and Goðafossfrom 25.300 ISK · 6 hours 30 minutes
  2. (RS) Lake Myvatn & Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour from Akureyrifrom 25.900 ISK · 6 hours
  3. Adventure snowmobile tour Akureyrifrom 166.750 ISK · 5 hours
All tours →

Frequently
asked
questions

Why is it called Goðafoss?
Waterfall of the Gods. A chieftain threw Norse god statues here when Iceland converted to Christianity in 1000 AD.
Is Goðafoss worth visiting?
Yes! Easy access, beautiful views, great photos. One of the most photogenic falls in Iceland.
How far is Goðafoss from Akureyri?
About 45 minutes (50 km). Easy stop on the way to/from Mývatn.
Can you walk behind Goðafoss?
No, unlike Seljalandsfoss. But you can get close on both sides.
Is Goðafoss free?
Yes, free parking and viewing on both sides.

Data & sources

Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.

Spotted an error, or have something to add? Help us keep this page accurate.

All waterfalls37 waterfalls in North Iceland, mapped with photos, distances and live conditions
Iceland nowfrom 19 Sep 06:10
8°C · overcastWind 2 m/sRing Road (R1) openAurora Kp 2.67Daylight 07:02 – 19:39Webcams