10 Jan Visiting Godafoss Falls in Iceland

Godafoss is a majestic waterfall in northern Iceland with an incredible history behind it. While it is not the tallest nor most powerful waterfall in Iceland, it is definitely worth a visit. Check out the viewpoints on both sides and then walk right down to the water’s edge. Godafoss, translated to the Waterfall of the Gods, received its name when the Ásatrú priest threw idols into the water. Keep reading below to find out the full story. 

Some of the other most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland include Svartifoss in eastern Iceland as well as Skógafoss in southern Iceland. Make sure you plan to visit them during your trip!

Contents:

1) Location of Godafoss

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Background

6) Viewpoint and Trail Information 

7) Recommended Items to Bring

8) Nearby Attractions 

1) Location of Godafoss

Godafoss is one of the best waterfalls located in northern Iceland due to the fact visitors can walk right up to the base of it. While it might not be possible to visit the falls if only in Iceland for a weekend, definitely keep it in mind for a week-long trip. The falls are visible from the Ring Road and visitors can thus easily pull off for a quick visit if road tripping around Iceland. 

For reference, it is 30 minutes from Akureyri, which is the largest town in northern Iceland. 

Be careful not to confuse Godafoss with Gullfoss, which is a waterfall in southern Iceland at the top of the Golden Circle. For more information: Visiting Gullfoss Falls in Iceland.

Parking

There are two parking lots available, and they are located on either side of the falls. The West Bank Parking Lot has a viewpoint of the falls. However, there is a trail down to the water’s edge at the East Side Parking Lot. You can easily drive or walk between the two lots. 

Nearby Lodging

For nearby lodging, check out Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms in the northeast or Akureyri H.I. Hostel in the north. We stayed at both of these accommodations and would recommend them to others. 

Practicing some yoga poses at Godafoss

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

I am about to provide you with some good news. There are no restrictions on visiting hours for the waterfall. You can thus visit at 2:00pm or 2:00am, though I would recommend visiting while it is daylight outside. 

Additionally, there is no fee to view the falls nor is there a parking fee. Yay for free attractions! However, we should all remember to do our part to keep the falls beautiful. Be sure to leave no trace, for example pick up after yourself. 

3) The Best Time to Visit Godafoss

To avoid crowds, I recommend visiting in the morning or the evening. The afternoon tends to draw the most people. 

Best Season to Visit

I would argue that the best season to visit the falls is in the summer. Why is this? First, you are most likely to have nice weather during the summer months. Second, you can walk down to the water’s edge along the rocks. Third, I visited in summer so I might be a little biased. 

In the winter, weather can often be unpredictable. The falls are located in the north, and thus it might be difficult to drive up to the north if there is hazardous weather or an unexpected snowstorm. Additionally, it becomes dangerous to walk to the water’s edge in the winter. The rocks will be quite slippery and probably covered in a mixture of snow and ice. However, the waterfall is incredibly beautiful in winter as the water is partially frozen and there is snow everywhere. 

Estimated Visit Time

I would recommend that you plan at least 30 minutes to visit the falls. However, I always like to add in a bit of extra padding to all of my stops, so you can even go ahead and mark this down for an hour. Then you have ample time to explore, take photographs, find a bathroom or snack, etc. 

It will only take a couple of minutes to walk on the trail down to the falls from the east side parking lot. If you parked in the west side parking lot, allot around 10 minutes to walk from the west side to the east side and then down to the falls. 

View of Godafoss from the base

4) Quick Facts 

1. Godafoss waterfall is located in northern Iceland, approximately 30 minutes from the city of Akureyri.

2. There is a trail leading down to the water’s edge of the waterfall from the east side parking lot. 

3. The waterfall is approximately 39 feet (~12 meters) tall. 

4. Godafoss received its name from an Ásatrú priest throwing idols of the Old Norse religion into the falls.

5. The water flowing from the waterfall comes from the Skjálfandafljót river, which originates in the Icelandic Highlands. 

View of Godafoss from the viewpoint

5) Background of Godafoss

The water flowing from the waterfall comes from the Skjálfandafljót river, originating in the Icelandic Highlands. It is about 39 feet (~12 meters) tall and 98 feet (~30 meters) wide. Additionally, it is separated in two by a large horseshoe-shaped rock in the middle. 

Godafoss Receiving Its Name

When Norwegian settlers came to Iceland in the 9th to 10th centuries, they mainly worshiped the gods of Thor, Odin, Freya, and Loki. In other words, they devoted themselves to the Old Norse religion. The commonwealth of Iceland was established in 930 AD, and soon enough Europe began to exert its influence. Christianity spread throughout Europe, and it was starting to reach Iceland as well. Around 1000 AD, parliament discussed the issue of religion, specifically Christianity vs. Old Norse. Without a decision on religion, war would most likely break out. The Ásatrú priest of the time spent a full day and night pondering the decision. 

He then revealed his decision: Christianity would be declared the national religion of Iceland. However, people could practice whatever religion they wish in private. After he made the decision, he then demonstrated his commitment. He traveled to the north and then threw idols representing the gods of the Old Norse religion into what is today known as Godafoss, or Waterfall of the Gods. 

Godafoss is just one of many waterfalls in Iceland, so be sure to make time to visit others as well. 

Walking along the base of Godafoss

6) Viewpoint and Trail Information

Drivers can easily see Godafoss while driving along, for there should be a sign as well as a pull off for a parking lot from the main road.

I recommend taking the time to explore both the west and east side. It does not take a long time to walk between the two sides, for there is a trail that goes along the road.

West Side of Godafoss

On the west side of the waterfall, there is a fairly large parking lot. Next to the lot is a viewpoint at which you can oversee the entirety of the falls. 

East Side of Godafoss

On the east side of the waterfall, there is a smaller parking lot. Just a short walk from this parking lot is another viewpoint. However, the main attraction (in my opinion) is the trail down to the water’s edge. Be careful and watch your step, as the rocks are slippery when wet. Furthermore, prepare to get wet if you are walking as close as possible to the waterfall. The mist from the falls sprays out fairly far, and thus visitors might just get a shower. 

Additionally, there are a few other attractions near the parking lot. These include a guesthouse, café, gift shop, and gas station.

Iceland has a couple of other waterfalls at which you can walk right up to the base, including Skógafoss and Gljúfrabúi. 

Taking in the views of the breathtaking falls

7) Recommended Items to Bring 

Check out my Iceland road trip packing list as well as my list of Iceland hiking essentials for additional recommendations.

1. Water bottle: Be sure to bring water with you while visiting. Even though Iceland has cooler temperatures, you still need to drink water to stay hydrated. For example, I brought my Yeti water bottle everywhere in Iceland.

Waterproof Items

2. Waterproof phone case: You might want to protect your valuables, including your phone, especially if you visit on a particularly windy day.

3. Rain boots: You might get a bit wet while visiting the waterfall if you choose to walk down to the water’s edge. The wind can easily carry the mist over to you. Protect your hiking shoes and switch into your rain boats for this stop. 

4. Waterproof jacket: As I just said above, you will get a bit (or a lot) wet while visiting the falls. It all depends on how windy it is on the day you visit. 

Hiking Items

5. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity to visit Godafoss due to the fact the trail down to the water’s edge as well as the trail between the parking lots are fairly short. However, bring them along if you want a bit of extra support. 

6. Crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice on the ground. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

8) Nearby Attractions

Be sure to also add some of the below attractions. All of the following are found in northern Iceland. Two additional attractions found in northern Iceland (but are not listed below) include the Rainbow Road in Seyðisfjörður and Hverir Geothermal Area in Mývatn.

Stuðlagil Canyon

My FAVORITE activity in Iceland was hiking to Stuðlagil Canyon and jumping in the river. Was it cold? Yes. Did all of the air in my lungs exit my body as soon as I hit the water? Also, yes. However, it was an incredible experience. When again am I going to have the chance to jump in a glacial river?! Even if you are not planning to jump in the river, I highly recommend setting aside some time for a visit. The turquoise river flowing through the basalt rock column canyon is a view unlike any other. 

Stuðlagil Canyon is located two hours and 20 minutes southeast of Godafoss. If you need lodging in the area, check out Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms.

For more information: Favorite Activity in Iceland: Hiking to Stuðlagil.

By the river’s edge at Stuðlagil Canyon

Mývatn Nature Baths

Prepare to relax and refresh your body, mind, and soul. Whether driving around all day or hiking outside in the cold, a dip in a geothermal pool is exactly what everyone needs. Mývatn Nature Baths offer warm waters to wash away all stress – just put on a swimsuit, and then you are ready to go.

Mývatn Nature Baths are located only 50 minutes east of Godafoss. If you need lodging in the area, check out Akureyri H.I. Hostel.

For more information: What to Know Before Visiting Myvatn Nature Baths in Iceland.

Panoramic view of Myvatn Nature Baths

Akureyri

We drove to Akureyri after our visit at the falls and spent the night at a hostel there. Unfortunately we did not have a lot of time to explore the city, but definitely schedule some time in your itinerary. Akureyri boasts museums, golf courses, a botanic garden, ski resorts, and more. 

Akureyri is located only 30 minutes west of Godafoss. If you need lodging in the area, check out Akureyri H.I. Hostel.

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