Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. The water of the Skjálfandafljót River cascades from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters. It is one of the larger waterfalls in the country and a popular destination all year round.

In the year 1000, the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði declared Christianity the official religion of Iceland. According to legend, after his conversion, he threw his statues of the old Norse gods into the waterfall—hence the name Goðafoss, meaning “Waterfall of the Gods.”

The falls are located close to Route 1, Iceland’s Ring Road. There are parking areas on both sides of the river, with well-maintained trails leading to scenic viewpoints. Both sides offer great views, though the shortest walking distance to the falls is from the west side.

Winter Travel Advisory
During winter, we recommend checking the Icelandic Road Administration website for road conditions and the Icelandic Met Office for weather forecasts before planning your trip.

Facilities
A souvenir shop, café, and restrooms are located near the falls at Goðafoss Café / Fosshóll.

Opening Hours – Goðafoss Café / Fosshóll
January 1 – April 14, 2025: Daily, 10:00–17:00
April 15 – May 4, 2025: Daily, 08:00–17:00
May 5 – September 30, 2025: Daily, 08:00–18:00

Make It a Day Trip
For those looking to extend their journey, a popular scenic loop includes part of the Arctic Coast Way. This route—Akureyri – Goðafoss – Dalsmynni – Laufás – Akureyri—is around 100 km and takes about 1.5 hours to drive. Note that the road through Dalsmynni Valley is gravel.

Other nearby attractions include:
Laufás, a beautifully preserved turf farm museum
Grenivík, a charming fishing village on the east side of Eyjafjörður
Vaglaskógur, one of Iceland’s largest forests

Public Transport
You can also reach Goðafoss by public bus via Route 79 (Akureyri – Húsavík – Akureyri), with a designated stop at Fosshóll–Goðafoss.
From Akureyri to Goðafoss, timetable
From Goðafoss to Akureyri, timetable.