Goðafoss

The Goðafoss (Icelandic: waterfall of the gods or waterfall of the goði) is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Mývatn district of North-Central Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters.

In the year 999 or 1000 the Lawspeaker Þorgeirr Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. After his conversion it is said that upon returning from the Alþingi, Þorgeirr threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall. Þorgeirr's story is preserved in Ari Þorgilsson's Íslendingabók.

A window in the Cathedral of Akureyri (Akureyrarkirkja) illustrates this story.

See also

  • Waterfalls of Iceland

External links

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George M.
9 March 2016
We visited during wintertime and the waterfall was half frozen, which made it extra epic. Definitely a must see in Iceland.
Nastja Stacey
14 May 2015
Amazing and huge waterfall! Really beautiful in evening
Mo Moghaddas
27 May 2019
"Waterfall of the Gods." A must see for anyone visiting Iceland anytime! Back in 2018, the east side was open, but now due to constructions, the only access is via the west side of the waterfall.
Michael Fuchs
4 November 2018
The most beautiful waterfall I got to see. Not only because it‘s so wide but also due to the dramatic setting. On top of this it comes with a story. I took nice pictures on both sides of the falls.
Mishka
16 August 2018
Such a beauty! If you will try to walk around, you will find very special peaceful and colourful spots.
Marcos Hernandez
20 July 2017
You might be bale to see this beautiful waterfall at the sunset. Otherwise the swarm of tourists will hide it.
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0.5km from Goðafoss Sightseeing, Iceland Get directions
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Mon 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Tue 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
Wed 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Thu 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

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