Goðafoss: Iceland´s Waterfall Of The Gods

Introduction to Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss is one of Iceland’s most charming natural wonders. Located in the Bárðardalur district of North-Central Iceland, this majestic waterfall is part of the Skjálfandafljót River, which originates from the Icelandic highlands. Standing 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, Goðafoss captivates visitors with its dramatic cascades and scenic beauty. The waterfall’s name is steeped in historyand remains a symbol of Icelandic natural, religious, and cultural heritage.

Where is Goðafoss Waterfall located and visitor guide?

Goðafoss is situated in the heart of North Iceland. The gps cooridinates of Goðafoss are 65.6825° N latitude and 17.5503° W longitude.

You can reach Goðafoss via a 35-minute drive from Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city. It is easily accessed via the Ring Road so is a popula stop for visitor. This location is also a key part of the Diamond Circle, a famous tourist route which includes other landmarks such as Húsavík and Lake Mývatn. 

No public buses visit Goðafoss. If you don´t have your own rental car, a guided tour from Akureyri or Húsavík is the easiest way to visit.

There are two parking lots at Goðafoss allowing easy access for all. Parking is still free of charge as of June 2024. Restrooms are available on site.

You should allot 30-90 minutes for your visit depending on how long you wish to hike and explore.

Browse our fantastic selection of Goðafoss tours below.

Summer tours to Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss Waterfall is a popular destination for shore excursion tours. BusTravel Iceland offers tours directly from Akureyri and Húsavík between May and September.

Year Round Tours to Goðafoss Waterfall

BusTravel Iceland offers weekly Ring Road Guuded Tour departures from Reykjavík. These fantastic tours include accommodation, as well as activities such as whale watching. Running year-round, these tours feature Góðafoss as one of the highlights of day 4.

The Formation of Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss is shaped by the island’s unique geological landscape. Situated in the Bárðardalur valley, it is part of the Skjálfandafljót River, originating from the Icelandic Highlands and fed by glacial meltwater from Vatnajökull, Europe´s largest glacier. The bedrock around Goðafoss is mainly basalt, formed by volcanic activity. The waterfall, 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, was created through volcanic and erosional processes. Lava flows formed basalt layers, which the river carved through over time. The erosive force of the water and freeze-thaw cycles continue to shape Goðafoss. This has given Goðafoss its distinctive crescent moon shape.

Goðafoss: History & Myth

Goðafoss Waterfall has a deep symbolic value to Icelanders. It is deeply intertwined with Icelandic myth, history, and religion. According to legend, in the year 1000, an influential chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made the historic decision to convert the country to Christianity. After announcing this at the Alþingi (Iceland’s national assembly), he returned north to his home, and along the way threw his statues of the pagan Norse gods into the waterfall, symbolizing the nation’s shift from paganism to Christianity. This act gave Goðafoss its name, which translates to “Waterfall of the gods” in English.

Today, Goðafoss stands not only as a breathtaking natural wonder but also as a testament to the country’s rich historical and religious narrative, where the ancient and the new converge harmoniously.

Conservation Efforts

In 2020, Goðafoss was granted protected status by the Icelandic government. This marked a significant milestone in conservation efforts. This protection ensures rigorous oversight by an environmental conservation team, committed to maintaining both the waterfall’s integrity and the surrounding ecosystem, thereby balancing nature preservation with visitor access. The explosion is visitor numbers to Iceland in the last decade has made such efforts essential. Sustainable tourism is a key goal for the industry.

Protection efforts at Goðafoss involve 3 key components:

• Monitoring and Maintenance: Continuous monitoring of the site helps assess the impact of tourism and weathering, guiding necessary maintenance activities to preserve the site’s natural state.
  
• Educational: When you visit Goðafoss, you’ll find information boards aimed at educating tourists about the site’s historical and environmental importance. Understanding the value of this natural wonder fosters a more thoughtful and conservation-minded approach in visitoræs minds.
• Restricted Access: To minimize environmental impact, access to certain areas around the waterfall may be closed or restricted. These measures are designed not only to protect the site but also to ensure your safety during your visit.

Other places to visit near Goðafoss

If you are visiting Góðafoss, you might want to check out the regions other natural wonders. Below are some of our favourite.

• Lake Mývatn: Only about a 30 minute drive from Goðafoss, we heartily recommend exploring Lake Mývatnand its surroundings. Known for its rich birdlife and stunning geological formations.
  
• Dettifoss Waterfall: Known as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss is situated roughly an hour’s drive away. Its raw power is a highlight for any itinerary.
  
• Húsavík: Just under an hour away, Húsavík is famous as Iceland´s whale watching capital.
  
• Ásbyrgi Canyon, approximately 1.5 hours away, Ásbýrgi is an wonderous valley with sheer cliffs walls in 3 direction – a dramatic horseshoe-shaped depression. The walls of the canyon provide a sense of seclusion and tranquility.
• Dimmuborgir, near Lake Mývatn, is a field of unusual lava formations called Dimmuborgir with pathways that invite you to wander and explore these natural sculptures.

All the above are included in BusTravel Iceland´s Diamond Circle tours.