Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland
Godafoss is a breathtaking waterfall in northern Iceland, located along the country’s famed Ring Road not too far from Akureyri.
A majestic, semi-circular cascade spanning 98 feet (30 m) wide, Godafoss drops an epic volume of water reminiscent of North America’s Niagara Falls or South America’s Iguazu Falls.
Aptly named the “Waterfall of the Gods,” Godafoss is one of the more easily accessible waterfalls in North Iceland, a convenient 45-minute drive from Akureyri, the largest town in the north.
Apart from the sheer size, the nickname is believed to be from the year 1000 AD, when Iceland’s lawspeaker dumped his pagan idols into Godafoss waterfall, and Iceland officially converted to Christianity.
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(Reserve now, these sell out fast!)Area highlights Golden Circle, South Coast, South Iceland, Ring Road Reykjavik & from Reykjavik Food walk, Northern Lights, Reykjavik city walk, whale watching, lava show, Icelandic horseback riding, Silfra snorkeling, puffins, volcano from helicopter, ATV Vik & nearby Easy glacier walk, black sand beach horse riding, zipline, glacier lagoon kayak North Iceland Whales & puffins, white water rafting, Godafoss
Unlike other waterfalls, Godafoss can be admired from both sides of the Skjálfandafljót river, with a pedestrian bridge available to cross over as needed.
Both banks offer spectacular views, with the west offering a larger parking spot, and the east, a restaurant and hotel to recharge as needed.
Summer is peak tourist season and the best time to visit, with some tourists staying up to enjoy the midnight sun spectacle over the falls.
Winter offers pristine, otherworldly views of Godafoss, and the adventurous tourist can stay up to watch the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) dancing over the epic Godafoss waterfall.
On this comprehensive Godafoss waterfall website, you will find everything you need to plan your visit!
Complete 2026 Guide to Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland
While Iceland is a land of spectacular waterfalls, Goðafoss, or the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is in a league of its own—both mythic and mesmerizing!
Goðafoss is special because of the immensely wide, crescent-shaped curtain of thundering water and the legend behind its name, tied to Iceland’s historic transition from paganism to Christianity around the year 1000.
This complete Godafoss Waterfall website is your one-stop guide for all the details you need to plan your visit to this iconic stop along the Ring Road!
Where is Goðafoss Waterfall?
Goðafoss is located in North Iceland, right off Route 1 (Ring Road) between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn.
View the location of the Godafoss Falls on a map.
How to Get to Goðafoss Waterfall?
By Car:
- From Akureyri, drive east on the Ring Road (Route 1) for 45 minutes.
- From Lake Mývatn, drive west for 35 minutes.
The waterfall is clearly marked and easily accessible from the main highway, making it a must-stop for anyone driving the Ring Road.
By Tour:
Don’t want to drive, especially in winter? Many guided day tours from Akureyri or Mývatn include Goðafoss along with other Northern Iceland attractions.
Godafoss Parking: East or West
Parking at Goðafoss is free, easy, and available on both sides of the waterfall—so you can choose your starting point based on the view you want first.
🚗 East Side Parking (Main Lot)
- The most popular parking area is on the east bank, just off the Ring Road.
- This side has paved walkways, restrooms (seasonal), and easier access for all mobility levels.
🚗 West Side Parking
The west bank lot is a bit smaller and more rustic, but offers a higher, panoramic view of the horseshoe-shaped falls.
🚶♀️ Bridge Access
A pedestrian footbridge connects the east and west sides, so you can park on either side and explore both viewpoints without needing to move your car.
The Godafoss waterfall viewing platforms are a short hike from the parking lots.
Is Goðafoss Open to the Public?
Yes—Goðafoss is open 24/7 and is free to visit. There’s no entrance fee or permit required.
Best Time to Visit Godafoss Waterfall
Goðafoss is spectacular year-round, but the experience varies with the seasons:
- 🌸 Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours, lush green surroundings, and easy driving conditions.
- ❄️ Winter (November–March): A magical frozen landscape—just be prepared for icy roads and chilly winds.
- 🍂 Shoulder seasons (spring/fall): Fewer tourists, moody lighting, and great photo conditions.
For the best lighting for photos, visit in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun hits the falls at an angle.
Best Views of Godafoss: East or West?
You can view Goðafoss from the east or west (or both!):
- 🧭 The east bank, where you’ll find the main parking lot and paved path to a lower viewing platform—perfect for capturing the waterfall from the base.
- 🧭 The west bank, which offers higher-up views and a dramatic wide-angle perspective of the entire horseshoe shape.
📸 Pro tip: For the best panoramic shot, cross the bridge to the west bank and walk up the hill behind the falls. The curve of the waterfall from this angle is stunning.
Things to Do Near Godafoss
Goðafoss is part of a scenic northern Iceland loop, with other natural wonders close by:
- Lake Mývatn – Known for geothermal activity, lava fields, and birdlife
- Dettifoss Waterfall – The most powerful waterfall in Europe
- Mývatn Nature Baths – A geothermal lagoon similar to the Blue Lagoon but far less crowded
- Akureyri – Iceland’s charming second city, with cozy cafés and fjord views
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