Goðafoss: Where Water and Legend Meet

The Story Behind the Name

The story goes back to the year 1000 when Iceland's national assembly decided the country would convert to Christianity. According to legend, Thorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, a pagan chieftain and law speaker, was given the task of deciding the nation's religious future. After much thought, he declared Iceland would adopt Christianity — but with the important compromise that pagans could still privately worship the old gods.

As a symbolic act, Þorgeir is said to have thrown his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall — and from that day on, it became known as Goðafoss: "the waterfall of the gods."

Standing there today, watching the wide curtain of water spill over the horseshoe-shaped cliffs, it's easy to feel the weight of that moment — and the timeless power of nature to witness human history.

What Makes Goðafoss Special

1. Beautiful from Every Angle: Whether you approach from the east side or west side, Goðafoss offers a different face — roaring, graceful, and endlessly photogenic.
2. Easily Accessible: Located just off Route 1, the Ring Road, Goðafoss is easy to reach year-round. The walking paths and viewing platforms make it simple to get close to the action — safely.
3. Perfect for a Pause: It's the kind of place that invites you to slow down. Maybe sit for a while. Listen to the rumble. Watch the light change across the mist.
4. A Gateway to North Iceland: Pair a visit to Goðafoss with stops in Akureyri, Mývatn, and Húsavík for an unforgettable journey through the north.

Travel Thoughtfully

At Key to Iceland, we believe that seeing Iceland's natural wonders is a privilege — and a shared responsibility. When visiting Goðafoss, stick to marked trails, avoid trampling delicate vegetation, and respect any barriers in place.

The moss, the rocks, and even the smallest plants here take decades to heal if disturbed. Let's protect the magic for those who come after us.

Why Goðafoss Stays With You

You'll take photos at Goðafoss, of course. It's impossible not to.

But what you'll remember most isn't the pictures but the constant and steady sound of the water and the shimmer of sunlight caught in the spray.

The sense of standing somewhere old, meaningful, and quietly powerful.

Goðafoss is waiting for you.