Goðafoss Waterfall of the Gods, Northern Iceland
Overview
Set between the towns of Akureyri and Húsavík in Northern Iceland is Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods" for its impressive size and unique history. The waterfall got its name when the country converted to Christianity in the year 1000. According to local legend, the chieftain Þorgeir Þorkelsson made the tough decision to convert the country from the old Nordic gods to Christianity (to prevent war). So he threw the old gods into the falls to symbolize the change to the new era.
It's impossible to miss Goðafoss, as it's just off Route 1, Iceland's famous Ring Road. After parking your car, you'll enjoy a quick and easy walk that takes you to see the waterfall up close. Or, you can opt for a slightly longer trek following a path that offers multiple views from several different perspectives.
Discover more unique experiences in Northern Iceland.
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedLike what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedItineraries with Goðafoss Waterfall of the Gods
5-Day Tour of the North: Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, Waterfalls, and Geothermal Hotspots
For a unique Iceland experience, avoid the crowds of the south completely. This trip has it all: volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, nature baths, whale watching, fjords and...
Iceland Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula - 8 Days
Drive Iceland's famous Ring Road on this quick, eight-day trip, which includes a detour to the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Head south to the most visited highlights,...
Best of West & North Iceland - 12 Days
This off-the-beaten-path road trip is especially great during summer months when peak crowds head for Iceland's south coast and Golden Circle (and accommodations can be hard to...
Quick Road Trip to Iceland's North & Lake Mývatn - 5 Days
Take a different route—past the large crowds in the south—on this quick and scenic, five-day road trip. This itinerary is especially enticing for those who have been to popular...
Husavik Experiences
GeoSea Geothermal Baths near Húsavík
Northern Iceland offers one of the country's newest and most modern thermal spas, the GeoSea Geothermal Baths. Near the town of Húsavík is this world-class geothermal bathing...
Ásbyrgi Canyon in Northern Iceland
The Ásbyrgi Canyon, a glacial canyon formed after the last Ice Age, is about a 1-hour drive from the Northern Iceland town of Húsavík. This massive landmark sits along Route 85,...
Seaside Horseback Riding near Húsavík
Enjoy the scenery of coastal Húsavík in a unique way: atop Iceland's famed horses. As you ride along the sea, you'll enjoy a fantastic view over the Bay of Skjálfandi, known as...
Húsavík Whale Watching
Near the town of Húsavík, you'll find the world-famous Skjálfandi Bay, known to be one of the best areas in the country to spot whales. Unlike in other regions where you must...
Akureyri Experiences
Show more Akureyri experiences
Dog Sledding near Akureyri
Northern Iceland is one of the best places to enjoy a thrilling and scenic experience common in the Nordic countries: dogsledding. With a pack of eight or so loyal pups leading...
Snowshoe Hike in Eyjafjordur
The city of Akureyri sits in Northern Iceland at the base of the Eyjafjordur fjord, a 43-mile (70-km) fjord surrounded by mountains and known for its scenery and abundant...
Explore Lake Mývatn & Dettifoss
Enjoy exploring the beautiful lake region of Lake Mývatn, a massive volcanic pool, and Iceland's fourth-largest body of water. You'll find the lake in Northern Iceland about an...
Northern Iceland Experiences
Show more Northern Iceland experiences
Leirhnjúkur Lava Fields
You'll find Leirhnjúkur Lava Fields in Northern Iceland, about a 1.5-hour drive from Akureyri. Enjoy walking around the Leirhnjúkur geothermal and volcanic area, with its...
The Arctic Henge in Northern Iceland
Set in Northern Iceland near Raufarhöfn—one of the country's most remote and northernmost villages—is the Arctic Hedge. Known as Heimskautsgerðið, this huge sundial is similar...
Mývatn Nature Baths
Although Iceland's Blue Lagoon draws the crowds for its milky, blue hue, the popular thermal spa has a rival in the north: Mývatn Nature Baths. Set near Lake Mývatn and about a...
Dog Sledding near Akureyri
Northern Iceland is one of the best places to enjoy a thrilling and scenic experience common in the Nordic countries: dogsledding. With a pack of eight or so loyal pups leading...
GeoSea Geothermal Baths near Húsavík
Northern Iceland offers one of the country's newest and most modern thermal spas, the GeoSea Geothermal Baths. Near the town of Húsavík is this world-class geothermal bathing...
Iceland Experiences
Show more Iceland experiences
Hike Geldingadalir Volcano
Hiking on an active volcano is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that attract many travelers to Iceland's Geldingadalir Volcano. Set just south of the capital on the...
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Standing at 200 feet (60 m) is the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous and visited cascades. Just off the Ring Road, you can see Seljalandsfoss in less than...
Puffin Tour Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Just off the coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula near the town of Grundarfjörður is the small island of Melrakkaey, complete with towering sea cliffs of basalt columns. These...
Hiking Kaldbakur Mountain in the Westfjords
In terms of hiking the mountains of Iceland, the locals may consider the route up Mt. Kaldbakur, the highest point in the Westfjords, as relatively easy. This declaration is...
Ytri-Tunga Beach Seal Colony
Set on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the scenic Ytri-Tunga, a golden sand beach famous for its very accessible seal colony. A 2-hour drive north from Reykjavik via Iceland's...
Best of Akureyri
Best of Akureyri
The Best of the North: 2-3 Days around Akureyri and Lake Myvatn
The North of Iceland may be the country’s best-kept secret. While crowds of tourists populate the South and Golden Circle, visitors to Akureyri and Lake Myvatn can enjoy the...
Best Things to Do in Northern Iceland
Northern Iceland is a special region offering unique experiences not experienced by those who only visit the country's southern and western portions. In the north, you'll find...
Top Winter Experiences in Iceland
Winter in Iceland offers many unique activities that you can't always experience in other seasons. Make the most out of the limited daylight with wintry adventures, such as...
5-Day Tour of the North: Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, Waterfalls, and Geothermal Hotspots
For a unique Iceland experience, avoid the crowds of the south completely. This trip has it all: volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, nature baths, whale watching, fjords and...
5-Day Self-Driving Tour: Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Akureyri, Myvatn Area
This 5-day self-driving itinerary is a great way to get away from the crowds of the south and explore the more remote areas in the north of Iceland. Maximize your time exploring...
Trip Planning Essentials
How Kimkim Trips Works in Iceland
Travelers love Iceland for its wild landscapes, Reykjavik's cultural charms, and the seasonal magic of the Northern Lights. Work with a kimkim travel specialist to experience it...
Ultimate Iceland Itineraries: 5, 7, 10 & 14 Days
When it comes to planning the perfect Iceland itinerary, we have you covered. Our researchers scouted the island, our Iceland experts chipped in, and then we asked travelers...
Iceland Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best Iceland travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip