Goðafoss
About
The Waterfall of the Gods. Wide, horseshoe-shaped falls dropping 12 meters. According to legend, when Iceland converted to Christianity in 1000 AD, a chieftain threw his Norse god statues into these falls.
Less vertical power, more graceful beauty. The water spreads wide and falls in a perfect arc — incredibly photogenic from any angle. Easy access right off the Ring Road makes it a popular stop.
In 1000 AD, Iceland had to choose between Christianity and Norse paganism. Lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made the call: Christianity. Then he rode here and threw his pagan idols into the falls. Democracy and drama.
Two sides to view from — east is more popular, west is quieter. Winter visits are magical when ice forms around the falls. Good cafe on the east side. Combine with Akureyri and Mývatn on a north Iceland trip.
Drive: Good
Visit now
30 min stop
Ring Road 1Checking…
F-roadsClosed (winter)
ClosuresNone nearby
Wind—
Visibility—
Entry: Free
Parking: free ISK
No booking
Entry feeFree
Parkingfree ISK
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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22:00 – 02:00
Face northLoading…
Activity peak23:42
MoonWaxing crescentLight pollutionRural dark sky
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Sunrise—
Golden hour AM—
Golden hour PM—
Sunset—
Blue hour—Cars & campers
KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Toyota RAV4
Heated seats for winter waterfall runs, range for highland summer loops.
TransmissionAutomatic
FuelHybrid
Seats5
DriveAWD
VW Caravelle
Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.
TransmissionAutomaticFuelDieselSeats9Drive2WD
Key Camper Wild Duo
Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.
TransmissionManualFuelPetrol
Sleeps2Drive4WDTours near Goðafoss
Small groups4.8
Akureyri Whale Watching
Humpbacks and dolphins in Eyjafjörður — the classic North-Iceland outing.
Duration3 hours
PickupAkureyri
HighlightsEyjafjörður
TypeBoat tour
Glacier & Golden Circle
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
Duration10 hoursPickupReykjavík
ActivitySnowmobile
VehicleSuper JeepPhotos
Videos
Reviews
Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.
Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.
Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.
Nearby
Waterfalls
Hot Springs
Campsites
Services
Frequently
asked
questions
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Get directions to Goðafoss