Iceland has over 10 000 waterfalls in every shape, size, and weird and wonderful characteristics one could ever imagine. They are scattered all across the island, some of which are fairly hidden and may need a little local guidance to find. But then there are a handful of waterfalls in Iceland that are considered must-visit sites. One of these waterfalls is Godafoss.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to visit Iceland and don’t know what to add to your trip itinerary, read on to find out why Godafoss Waterfall makes the grade and learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip.
A Few Godafoss Waterfall Facts
Godafoss Waterfall is about 30 meters wide and has a drop of about 12 meters.
The waterfall is curved in a semi-circle or, some say, in the shape of a horseshoe.
The water you see tumbling over the Godafoss waterfall cliffs comes from the Skjalfandafljot River (the fourth-largest river in the country).
Viewpoints are located on the west and east sides of Godafoss, offering visitors two different experiences.
The History of Goðafoss
There is quite a lot of history attached to Godafoss. The name translates to “waterfall of the gods”. In typical myths and legends fashion, the origin story of the “waterfall of the gods” in Iceland differs slightly depending on who you talk to here on the island, with some saying it was a chief, a lawmaker, or a priest. But irrespective of his career path, we can all agree that the man in question was named Porgeit Ljosvetningagodi.
In roughly 1000 AD, Iceland stood at a crossroads. Locals were still practicing their rituals and beliefs in the Norse gods, but Christianity had already started to take over the island. A decision needed to be made: Which would be Iceland’s official religion? A gathering was held at parliament (back then, Althingi in Thingvellir National Park), and it was decided that Iceland would officially convert to Christianity.
After the decision was made, Porgeit took all his pagan god statues and threw them in the waterfall as a sign of the island’s new devotion to their new religion – hence the name, “waterfall of the gods”.
Where is Goðafoss in Iceland?
Godafoss Waterfall’s location makes it perfect for a Ring Road or Diamond Circle road trip. As a day outing, you won’t be able to do it from the capital city. Driving from Reykjavik to Godafoss will take you almost 5.5 hours to drive and is a distance of 422 kilometers.
If you want to take it on as a day trip, we suggest you do it from either Myvatn or Akureyri (what we call the capital city of the north). From there, it’s just 30 minutes to Godafoss Falls.
How to get to Goðafoss
There are a few ways to get to Godafoss Waterfall:
Via Tour
We have quite a few local tours with Godafoss as a destination. These tours can be day tours or multi-day holiday packages. Some will even allow you to see the Northern Lights at Godafoss. You can also arrange a customized private tour with one of our local guides.
Via Bus
From Akureyri or Myvatn, you can catch the No 56 bus that has Godafoss Waterfall as one of the stops along its route.
Via Car
This is the best way to explore the island and visit Godafoss. You can either drive from Reykjavik if you’re doing a road trip or drive from Akureyri if you’re doing a day trip:
From Reykjavik
Get on the Ring Road and start driving north. In about 5.5 hours, you’ll reach the Godafoss turn-off on your left onto Route 35, which will take you directly to the falls.
From Akureyri
Get on the Ring Road and start driving east. In about 30 minutes, you’ll reach the Godafoss turn-off on your right.
Visiting Goðafoss Waterfall
If you’re planning on visiting Godafoss, you’ll need to keep the following in mind:
How Close Can You Get to Godafoss Waterfall?
You can actually get quite close to the waterfall if you go to the viewpoint on the west side of the waterfall. But most people know this, so the spot gets pretty busy, especially during our summer peak season. Although you’ll be viewing the falls a bit further away, some visitors opt for the east-side viewpoint to avoid most of the foot traffic.
How Long Does a Visit to Godafoss Waterfall Take?
Most people spend about an hour at the falls unless you’re a photographer who will be waiting around for that “perfect” shot.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Godafoss Waterfall?
Visiting Godafoss is free of charge. It’s also one of the times you won’t be charged for parking either.
When is the Best Time to Visit Godafoss Waterfall?
Godafoss Waterfall can be visited all throughout the year, so the best time to visit will depend on the Godafoss experience you want to have. During the warmer months of the year, Godafoss is a powerfull display of water rushing over the cliffs amongst a landscape of greenery, but it does get quite busy during our peak season summer months.
In the colder months, the waterfall turns into a glistening display half-frozen in time with icy long tentacles draping down over the cliffs and a blanket of snow covering the landscape. If the latter appeals to you, wintertime might just be the best time for you to visit. But you’ll need to keep in mind that the same conditions that make turn the waterfall into a frosty fairytale setting, also makes driving the roads here in Iceland quite challenging.
Where Can You Eat Near Godafoss Waterfall?
There are no amenities at the waterfall, so the nearest eateries you’ll find are in Akureyri, Myvatn, and Husavik. You will find so many options there that it’ll be impossible not to find something that suits your taste and your budget.
Other Waterfalls Nearby
If you would like to add a few more spectacular water displays to your to-do list while in the area, these are a few of the impressive waterfalls you’ll find near Godafoss:
Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall
Hrafnabjargafoss Waterfall
Geitafoss Waterfall
Godafoss Waterfall: A Mesmerizing Sight
It might be the waterfall of the gods, but this beauty is now for the viewing pleasure of us mere mortals who get a renewed respect for the power of nature when staring at this majestic giant with its liters rushing over the cliffs. If you want to learn more about this incredible waterfall or would like to know which tours will get you there, you’re more than welcome to reach out to us at Travel to Iceland. We’re always happy to help.