Goðafoss - Waterfall of the Gods
Visiting Iceland can make you witness the most spectacular creations of nature, the heavenly Waterfalls! The mesmerizing sight, the calmness amidst the roaring sound of water with a backdrop of cloud-covered mountains are enough to create a majestic and magical experience. One of the most beautiful Waterfalls of Iceland is the Goðafoss Waterfall, which is also known as the Waterfall of the Gods, holding historical significance. The Goðafoss Waterfall creates one of the most astonishing sights and has always been a center of attraction to all the tourists, mountaineers and hikers visiting Iceland.
Know its History
Goðafoss Waterfall is also known as the Waterfall of the Gods, which finds its roots back to the time when Law speaker, Viking leader named Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði decided to make Christianity as the official religion of Iceland. After the religious conversion, Þorgeir threw statues of the gods into this beautiful waterfall and hence the name, Waterfall of The Gods! Though there are other stories weaved behind this name, many people believe it is given owing to the God-like beauty of this fall. The accurate story behind this waterfall’s name is still a mystery.
The beauty of Goðafoss Waterfall
Dropping down to a height of 12 meters and covering over a width of 30 meters, Goðafoss waterfall is fed by the river Skjálfandafljót that falls straight to this waterfall. The river Skjálfandafljót runs over a 7000 year old lava-field, which is from the Trölladyngja volcano. The massive horseshoe-shaped rock separates the waterfall into two and the symmetrical, and asymmetrically curved cliffs cover the waterfall gorgeously to set an amazing visually appealing sight. Both sides of the rocks, east and west are easily walkable. It is indeed the best way to enjoy the serenity by wading through the lush green routes that let you spend time in the lap of nature.
Witness the beauty of Goðafoss from both the side, this is not something you will do every day, so don’t miss out on this! Get down to the water basin, but be careful of the slippery rocks. You will see small streams and falls running off the waterfall. Goðafoss is shorter in height and comparatively peaceful. You might even see people going down Goðafoss on kayak (it is of course not recommended unless you are an experienced kayaker)
The Diamond Circle
Goðafoss Waterfall is the major part of the spectacular Diamond Circle, which is a circuit of around 250km in Northeast of Iceland. This circuit has some of the most stunning waterfalls and unearthly landscapes that one cannot afford to miss! This circle with 5-key destinations includes picturesque Goðafoss, scenic landscapes of Lake Mývatn, crescent-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, the most powerful waterfall of Europe, Dettifoss Waterfall, and the town of Húsavík.
Not just the 5 key spots, the Diamond Circle has much more to offer, the valley of Vesturdalur having different rock formations of Hljóðaklettar is enthralling and brings out the explorer in you. The Krafla volcanic fields, Hverir geothermal zone along with the black-lava formation at Dimmuborgir are some of the must-visit places in the circle.
How to Get There?
Located in northeast Iceland, Goðafoss can be easily accessible by car and one can reach the waterfall via Route 1, the Ring Road, which is roughly 50km east of Akureyri, 53 kilometers south of Húsavík and 438km away from Reykjavík, and 214km away from Egilsstaðir. No need to pay for the entry fee to witness this mesmerizing beauty of nature. Paddling through the slippery and rocky bed of the Goðafoss Waterfall will make you feel tired, but there are places near the fall to make a quick bite and recharge yourselves. So, rest your feet and grab a bite! There are shops, café, restrooms, tourist information centers, guesthouses, and restaurants available too.
Layer Up Smartly
Visiting Goðafoss Waterfall demands you to dress up smartly and carry a different set of clothes along. Carry good quality raincoat that ensures you keep away the drizzle that you may experience near the waterfall, a set of boots to make sure you have maintained enough grip on the slippery beds of the waterfall. Not to forget about covering your camera and smartphone too!
Goðafoss waterfall on a map
Interesting locations in the area
Hotels & Restaurants
- Icelandair Hotel Myvatn
- Fosshotel Myvatn
- Hotel North
- Akureyri hotel
- Myvatn Camping
- Dalakofinn
- Rub 23
- Greifinn
- Bryggjan
