Godafoss Waterfall

Godafoss Waterfall

Godafoss Waterfall is one of the grandest natural attractions in Iceland. The picturesque waterfall is 12 meters high and is located on the Skjaulfandafljót River, in the north of the island. In translation from Icelandic its name means “waterfall of God”. According to legend, at the end of the first millennium AD, when Christianity was adopted, the figures of pagan idols, which used to be worshipped by the locals, were thrown into Godafoss waterfall.

Video: Godafoss Falls

General information

The waterfall is crescent-shaped and about 30 meters wide. The frothy stream tumbles down the basalt ledges with great noise, and the cloud of spray that the falling water creates is visible from a great distance. In the middle of the spillway, the jets of water break two large rocks that frame the strongest central part of the falls.

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To see the grandiose spectacle, many tourists come to visit. Water travelers often raft down the river in kayaks right through the high cascade of the falls. The sight of small, brightly colored kayaks flying through the frothy streams is as impressive as the beauty of Godafoss Falls itself.

The river water below the spillway is very clear and has a bright turquoise hue. It is especially visible in sunny weather. The characteristic color of the river is given by the melting waters of the large Vatnajökull glacier. The surrounding landscape is Icelandic in its harshness and beauty. Almost nothing grows around the waterfall, except for stunted grass, moss and lichens.

Tourists come here at any time of the year. In winter, strong frosts turn the falling streams of water into amazingly beautiful ice pillars, and the river valley becomes like a magical fairy tale.

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How to get there

Godafoss Waterfall is located 50 km east of the Icelandic city of Akureyri, in the valley of the Skjaulfandafljót River. The waterfall can be approached via highway 1. Below the spillway, there is a public parking lot on the left bank of the river.