This was a spontaneous stop we made while driving along Iceland’s Ring Road in the north. It’s very easy to find right by Route 1, and there are clear road signs. We noticed a lot of people stopping here, so we decided to check it out as well. Godafoss (the “Waterfall of the Gods”) is about 12 meters high and 30 meters wide. It is formed by the Skjálfandafljót glacial river and is one of the most famous waterfalls in northern Iceland, and indeed one of the most iconic in the entire country. According to history, the first settlers of Iceland were mostly Norwegians who believed in the ancient Norse gods. Around 930 AD, the Icelandic Commonwealth was established, and Christianity from mainland Europe began to exert pressure on Iceland. In the year 1000, during a national assembly at Þingvellir, the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði was asked to decide whether Iceland should convert to Christianity. To prevent civil conflict, he made the decision in favor of Christianity for the good of the people. It is said that after this decision, statues of the old Norse gods were thrown into the waterfall, giving Godafoss its name—the “Waterfall of the Gods.”
Godafoss
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Godafoss
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Godafoss famous?
Godafoss, meaning 'Waterfall of the Gods,' is famous for its role in Icelandic history: around the year 1000, when Iceland adopted Christianity, the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into this waterfall, symbolizing the nation's conversion. Its horseshoe shape and cultural significance make it one of Iceland's most visited waterfalls.
Can you swim at Godafoss?
No. Godafoss is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents and cold glacial water. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Godafoss?
Dogs allowed on-leash at the viewing areas and paths around the waterfall. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Godafoss free? Do you need a permit?
Free. No entry fee or permit required to visit Godafoss. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Godafoss?
Free parking is available on both the east and west banks of the Skjálfandafljót River with direct access to viewing platforms. Parking areas are small and can fill quickly in summer. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Godafoss?
Roadside (no hike). Viewing platforms are accessible within 50-100 meters walking distance from parking areas on both sides of the river. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Godafoss hike difficulty
Roadside (no hike) / Easy. Short paved and gravel paths from parking to viewing platforms, minimal elevation change, accessible for most visitors. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Godafoss?
Summer (June–August) for accessible roads, long daylight hours, and milder weather, though the waterfall flows year-round. Winter offers potential Northern Lights viewing but icy conditions. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Godafoss
From the east bank parking, walk approximately 50 meters to the main viewing platform overlooking the horseshoe falls. The west bank offers closer views and a short path along the rim. Paths can be slippery when wet or icy. Multiple viewpoints allow different perspectives of the falls.
Godafoss official website
Attractions near Godafoss
- •Mývatn Nature Baths - geothermal lagoon with mineral-rich waters, about 40 km east
- •Lake Mývatn - stunning lake with volcanic formations, pseudocraters, and birdlife, 45 km east
- •Akureyri - Iceland's northern capital with museums, gardens, and dining, 45 km west
- •Dettifoss - Europe's most powerful waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park, 90 km east
- •Aldeyjarfoss - dramatic basalt column waterfall on Skjálfandafljót River, 40 km south
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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