Goðafoss Waterfall, north Iceland

GPS POINTS N65° 40′ 58.154″ W17° 32′ 58.487″

Goðafoss Waterfall, north Iceland

Location: North Iceland (34,5KM from Akureyri)
How to get there: Directions on Google maps

Goðafoss is a waterfall in Skjálfandafljót in Bárðardalur. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the country. It is divided into two main waterfalls and a few smaller ones, depending on the amount of water in the river. It has a varied appearance depending on the amount of water, the weather and the season, and some people find it no less inferior in winter than in summer. Goðafoss is 9-17 m high depending on where it is measured and 30 m wide. Bárðardalshraun lava covers the entire bottom of Bárðardalur all the way from Skafeyrar down to Þingey. The gorge below Goðafoss is dug into the lava. Just below Goðafoss is a low waterfall in the gorge called Geitafoss. The land on the west bank is called Hrútey. It is bounded by Hrúteyjarkvísl, which is separated from the river above Goðafoss but merges again far below the waterfall. Fosshóll is on the bank east of the river. There is farming, trade and catering. Goðafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and many tourists come there to see and admire the natural beauty surrounding the Goðafoss area. The waterfall was protected as a nature reserve in 2020, and in previous years there have been major improvements in the area.

According to national folklore, chief Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði propelled a religious breakthrough in the country upon throwing the figures of the Old Norse Gods into the waterfall, in order to convey the nation’s conversation to Christianity.

There is good access to Goðafoss from Highway 1 (the ringroad). Those who drive to Goðafoss from Akureyri only need to drive for 30 minutes (34,5KM), on highway 1, heading east, until they reach the waterfall. The car parks by the waterfalls are very accessible and the walk from the car parks is short and accessible.

There is good access to Goðafoss from Highway 1 (the ringroad). Those who drive to Goðafoss from Akureyri only need to drive for 30 minutes (34,5KM), on highway 1, heading east, until they reach the waterfall. The car parks by the waterfalls are very accessible and the walk from the car parks is short and accessible.

Goðafoss waterfall is a part of The Diamond Circle. Similar to the Golden circle, The diamond circle is a collection of amazing attractions, ranging from hot springs, glacial rivers, vivid flora and fauna, geothermal mud pools, terrific canyons and geological wonders. It is easily accessible during spring, summer, autumn, and most of the time during winter as well. The most popular attractions on the Diamond Circle route are Dettifoss Waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík, Dimmuborgir, Ásbyrgi Canyon, Hljódaklettar, Krafla and of course Godafoss Waterfall. When heading to the Diamond Circle from Akureyri, Godafoss will be a great start.

It is good to keep in mind that during the summer, car type really does not matter. However, when traveling during the winter, it is good, and in some cases necessary, to have a 4×4/4WD car/jeep, preferably on studded tires. The roads to the waterfall can get snowy and icy. The same goes for the walking paths to the waterfall.

It is good to keep in mind that during the summer, car type really does not matter. However, when traveling during the winter, it is good, and in some cases necessary, to have a 4×4/4WD car/jeep, preferably on studded tires. The roads to the waterfall can get snowy and icy. The same goes for the walking paths to the waterfall.