Your Guide to Visiting Goðafoss by Car — Iceland’s Waterfall of the Gods Awaits

A Waterfall Steeped in Legend

Among Iceland’s countless waterfalls, Goðafoss holds a particularly powerful place. Its name, the Waterfall of the Gods, recalls a turning point in Iceland’s history. Around the year 1000 AD, Iceland’s leaders faced a decision: whether the nation would continue following its Norse pagan gods or adopt Christianity. The Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament, appointed the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði to decide.

According to tradition, once Christianity was chosen, Þorgeir returned home, gathered his statues of the old gods, and cast them into Goðafoss, symbolically consigning the past to the roaring waters. Historians still debate the truth of this tale—it does not appear in the original sagas—but its spirit has endured for centuries, giving the falls an aura of both natural and cultural significance.

Today, stained-glass windows in Akureyri Church depict Þorgeir’s act, forever binding Goðafoss to Iceland’s story of transformation.

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Why Visit Goðafoss?

Goðafoss is celebrated for its symmetry and elegance. Fed by the Skjálfandafljót River, the falls stretch in a perfect horseshoe arc, dropping 12 metres (39 feet) and spanning 30 metres (98 feet). The result is a curtain of water that feels less like raw thunder and more like a graceful display of Iceland’s artistry in stone and stream.

Unlike some of Iceland’s wilder cascades, Goðafoss is easy to access and rewards travellers who wish to pause, breathe, and take in the shifting interplay of water, light, and legend.

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Driving to Goðafoss

Thanks to its location directly on Route 1 (the Ring Road), Goðafoss is one of the most accessible major waterfalls in Iceland.

• From Akureyri: 45 minutes (50 km) east

• From Lake Mývatn: 35 minutes (50 km) west

• From Reykjavík: 5–6 hours (approx. 430 km)

Whichever direction you travel, the drive itself is part of the reward. Expect sweeping valleys, volcanic landscapes, and wide horizons that capture the essence of North Iceland.

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Exploring Both Sides

The best way to experience Goðafoss is to view it from both banks.

• West Bank (Akureyri side): Features the main car park, restrooms, and a café. From here, you’ll enjoy broad panoramic views that capture the full horseshoe arc of the falls.

• East Bank (Lake Mývatn side): Slightly quieter, with elevated viewpoints closer to the water. This side is perfect for photographers seeking intimacy and fewer crowds.

A pedestrian bridge connects both sides, and a walking trail (approx. 2.9 km) loops around for those who want to experience the waterfall from multiple angles.

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When to Visit Goðafoss

Goðafoss is accessible year-round, with each season bringing its own character:

• Summer: Lush greenery and endless daylight make it easy to linger.

• Autumn: Rich golds and reds turn the valley into a painter’s palette.

• Winter: Snow and ice transform the falls into a shimmering sculpture, with mist freezing on nearby rocks.

• Northern Lights Season: From September to April, Goðafoss becomes a dreamlike stage for the aurora borealis.

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Tips for Visiting

• Allow 30–90 minutes to explore both banks.

• Wear sturdy footwear—paths may be muddy or icy depending on the season.

• Stay behind safety rails, as wet rocks near the falls are slippery.

• Facilities are located mainly on the west side—plan ahead if you prefer quieter east-side views.

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Goðafoss and the Diamond Circle

Goðafoss isn’t just a stop—it’s one of the cornerstones of the Diamond Circle, North Iceland’s answer to the Golden Circle. This spectacular route links some of the country’s most awe-inspiring sites:

• Lake Mývatn, with geothermal landscapes and nature baths

• Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall

• Ásbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped gorge steeped in myth

• Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day tour, Goðafoss provides the perfect starting point for your northern adventure.

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Final Thought

Goðafoss is more than water tumbling over rock—it’s a place where Iceland’s past and present meet. From the roar of the Skjálfandafljót River to the legend of Þorgeir’s fateful choice, every visit connects you with the island’s heritage of resilience, faith, and wonder.

For those travelling by car, Goðafoss offers both convenience and magic. Easy to reach yet unforgettable to experience, it’s a destination that belongs on every self-drive itinerary through North Iceland.

At Holdur Car Rental, we help visitors to Iceland hire the vehicles that best suit their needs. We’re the largest car rental operator in Iceland, with over 8,000 vehicles in rotation. So, whether you want a camper, an electric vehicle, or a 4x4, we can set you up with the perfect car for your northern lights adventure.

Explore our range to book your vehicle. Or find out more in our guide to driving in Iceland.