If you’re planning a trip around Iceland’s famous Ring Road, Goðafoss is one stop you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Often referred to as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” this spectacular horseshoe-shaped waterfall is not only one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls but also one of its most historically significant.

During our January road trip around Iceland, Goðafoss was one of the highlights of the North Coast. Even surrounded by snow and ice, the sheer power of the waterfall was incredible to witness.

Where is Goðafoss?

Goðafoss is located in North Iceland, just off Route 1 (the Ring Road) between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn.

It’s approximately:

• 45 minutes east of Akureyri
• 35 minutes west of Lake Mývatn
• Easily accessible all year round

Its convenient location makes it an ideal stop whether you’re travelling clockwise or anticlockwise around the Ring Road.

Why is it called the Waterfall of the Gods?

Goðafoss has one of the most fascinating stories of any waterfall in Iceland.

Around the year 1000 AD, Iceland made the historic decision to adopt Christianity as its official religion. According to Icelandic tradition, the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði returned from Alþingi after making the decision and threw his Norse pagan idols into the waterfall.

From that moment, the waterfall became known as Goðafoss, meaning “Waterfall of the Gods.”

Whether the story is entirely true or partly legend, it remains one of Iceland’s most famous historical tales.

What Makes Goðafoss Special?

Unlike many waterfalls in Iceland that plunge dramatically into narrow canyons, Goðafoss stretches across almost 30 metres with water cascading in a beautiful horseshoe shape.

The waterfall is around 12 metres high, but its wide shape and enormous volume of water make it incredibly impressive.

During winter, snow and ice frame the waterfall perfectly, creating one of the most photogenic locations in Iceland.

Visiting in Winter

We visited Goðafoss during January, and although temperatures were well below freezing, the waterfall remained breathtaking.

The viewing paths were regularly maintained, but some sections were icy, so good footwear is essential.

One of the biggest advantages of visiting during winter is the lack of crowds. We were able to enjoy the waterfall peacefully while surrounded by snow-covered landscapes.

Can You View It from Both Sides?

Yes!

One of the best things about Goðafoss is that you can experience it from both banks of the river.

The east side offers panoramic views of the entire waterfall, while the west side allows you to get much closer to the powerful flow of water.

If time allows, we highly recommend exploring both viewpoints as each offers a completely different perspective.

Parking and Facilities

Goðafoss has two main car parks, one on each side of the river.

Parking is free, making it one of Iceland’s easiest natural attractions to visit.

You’ll also find:

• Toilets
• A café (seasonal opening may vary)
• Souvenir shop
• Clearly marked walking paths
• Viewing platforms

The short walks from either car park make Goðafoss suitable for most visitors.

Photography Tips

Goðafoss is stunning at any time of year, but a few simple tips can help you capture even better photos.

• Visit early morning or later in the evening for softer light.
• Bring a wide-angle lens if you’re using a camera.
• Wear waterproof clothing, as spray from the waterfall can travel surprisingly far.
• During winter, take extra care on icy paths while setting up for photos.

No matter where you stand, you’ll struggle to take a bad photo.

Is Goðafoss Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

Goðafoss perfectly combines natural beauty with Icelandic history, making it much more than just another waterfall.

Whether you’re travelling the Ring Road in summer or winter, it’s an easy stop that rewards visitors with incredible scenery and a fascinating story dating back over 1,000 years.

It’s no surprise that Goðafoss is considered one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.

Watch Our Video

Want to see Goðafoss for yourself?

Watch our full All About Iceland guide on YouTube, where we explore the waterfall, explain its fascinating history, share useful visitor information and show you exactly what to expect during a winter visit.

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Planning Your Own Iceland Adventure?

If you’re planning your own trip around Iceland, here are a few resources that may help:

🚗 Save 5% on your Iceland car hire with our Blue Car Rental affiliate link.

🚐 Book with CampEasy Campervans through our link and receive a FREE starter pack.

🗺️ Download our 5-Day Iceland Winter Itinerary and follow the same unforgettable route we took around the Ring Road.

Happy exploring – and enjoy one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls!