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Godafoss

  • Iceland

Last updated: 23 April, 2024

Slashing through the Bardardalur lava field, and clearly visible from the Ring Road, Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) is not just one of the most beautiful of Iceland’s waterfalls, it’s also one of the most historically important.

Here, it is said, is the site where Iceland officially became a Christian nation: way back in the year 1000, the lawspeaker of the Althingi parliament, Thorgeir, threw pagan idols into the thunderous waters of the falls, bringing Iceland’s pagan past to a dramatic end.

But even without the history, Godafoss is a glorious sight: a crescent-shaped cascade of water, roughly 30m across and 12m high.

A hiking trail winds its way around the falls and offers brilliant photo opportunities, and a less visited – and less crowded – viewpoint.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
Frequency: monthly
When: All year around
Duration: 1 night

Getting there & doing it

You can’t miss Godafoss as you drive along Highway 1; it’s clearly visible from the road, about 35km east of Akureyri. Public buses between Akureyri, Myvatn and Husavik stop nearby.

When to do it

Unlike some of Iceland’s more inaccessible waterfalls, Godafoss’s location near the Ring Road means it’s accessible pretty much year-round – and it looks incredible in winter, shrouded in a landscape of ice and snow.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Akureyri

Discover the magical wonderland of Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall with an experienced local tour guide. We set off from Akureryi Port stopping at the stunning Godafoss waterfall and then onto the famous Lake Myvatn area. in Lake Myvatn area we visit the Dimmuborgir Lava formations and the Námafjall area where you can view the bubbling Hverir Mud pools and Natural steam vents or fumaroles. We also stop at Myvatn Nature Baths where you can enjoy the baths and cafe (Please note the entrance fee to the Nature Baths is NOT included). Passengers can also opt to skip the Nature bath and visit Grjotagja cave and rift instead. This great value tour includes a small group tour with an experienced local tour guide and transport. We offer free pick up and drop off to Akureyri Port.

Price €170

Min age 3

Rating 4.49 / 5 [331 ratings]

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  • Akureyri

Discover the magical wonderland of Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall with an experienced local tour guide. We set off from Akureryi stopping at Godafoss waterfall and then onto the famous Lake Myvatn. The tour stops at all the top attractions of Lake Myvatn including Grjotagja cave and rift, Dimmurborgir Lava formations, pseudocraters, Hverir mud pots and natural steam vents/fumeroles and the Myvatn Nature Baths. (Please note the entrance fee to the Nature Baths is not included). This great value tour includes small group tour with an experienced l local tour guide and transport. We offer free pick up and drop off from Akureyri at your Hotel, Guesthouse, Airport or Port (please let us know your pick up point).

Price €170

Min age 3

Rating 4.6 / 5 [50 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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