Goðafoss

About Goðafoss

Goðafoss is a 12-meter-tall horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót river in North Iceland. Despite being shorter than many of Iceland's famous waterfalls, its elegant curved shape and profound historical significance make it one of the country's most beloved natural landmarks. The water splits around a large central rock island, creating a dramatic semi-circular cascade that spreads approximately 30 meters across. The resulting curtain of white water against the dark basalt rock is among the most photographed scenes in all of Iceland.

Located right off Route 1 between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss is one of the most accessible major waterfalls in the country. Unlike many Icelandic waterfalls that require lengthy detours or hikes, Goðafoss can be seen from the road itself, with parking and viewpoints just a short walk from the highway. This accessibility, combined with its beauty and historical weight, ensures that nearly every traveler driving Iceland's northern section stops here.

The Legend - Waterfall of the Gods

The name Goðafoss, meaning "Waterfall of the Gods," originates from one of the most pivotal moments in Icelandic history. In the year 1000 AD, the Icelandic parliament known as the Alþingi gathered at Þingvellir to settle a growing tension between the followers of the old Norse religion and the newly arrived Christian faith. The nation stood on the brink of civil war as both factions refused to compromise.

The task of deciding Iceland's official religion fell to lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, a respected chieftain from the north who himself was a follower of the old Norse gods. After retiring under his cloak for an entire day and night in deep deliberation, Þorgeir emerged and declared that Iceland would adopt Christianity as its official faith, reasoning that a divided nation could not stand. The decision was accepted on the condition that private worship of the Norse gods would be tolerated.

Upon returning to his home in the north, Þorgeir carried out a powerful symbolic act. He gathered his carved wooden idols of the Norse gods, the figures of Thor, Odin, and Freyr that had watched over his household, and cast them into the thundering waterfall. The gods disappeared beneath the white water, and the falls have been known as Goðafoss ever since. This moment represents Iceland's transition from the Viking Age into the medieval Christian era, and the waterfall stands as a monument to that transformation.

Photography Tips

Goðafoss is one of Iceland's most photogenic waterfalls, offering stunning compositions in every season. The best natural light typically occurs in early morning or evening, when the low-angled sun illuminates the cascade and creates warm tones against the surrounding landscape. In summer, the midnight sun provides extended golden-hour shooting that can last for hours.

Winter transforms Goðafoss into a completely different subject. Ice formations build up along the edges of the falls, creating intricate sculptures that frame the still-flowing center. The surrounding landscape turns white, and on clear nights the northern lights can appear directly above the waterfall, creating extraordinary photographic opportunities. Long exposure shots are particularly effective here, smoothing the water into silky ribbons that contrast with the rugged basalt.

Both banks of the river offer excellent vantage points. The east bank provides the classic wide panoramic view that captures the full breadth of the horseshoe cascade, while the west bank allows for more dramatic close-up compositions. A polarizing filter helps cut glare from the water spray, and a sturdy tripod is essential for long-exposure work, especially in the windy conditions that are common at the site.

Visiting Tips

Getting There

Goðafoss enjoys one of the most convenient locations of any major Icelandic waterfall, sitting directly on Route 1 approximately 50 kilometers east of Akureyri, the capital of the north. For travelers driving between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn, the waterfall is an unmissable stop that requires no detour whatsoever. The turnoff from Route 1 is well signposted, and parking areas on both banks are within a few minutes' walk of the viewing areas.

Goðafoss makes an ideal first or last stop when exploring the Diamond Circle, a 260-kilometer scenic route through Northeast Iceland. The Diamond Circle connects Goðafoss with Húsavík (whale watching capital), Ásbyrgi (horseshoe canyon), Dettifoss (most powerful waterfall in Europe), and Lake Mývatn (geothermal wonderland). Many travelers combine all of these destinations into a two or three-day circuit from Akureyri, with Goðafoss serving as the perfect introduction to the region's natural wonders.