Goðafoss waterfall

Iceland

A divine waterfall as a sign of religious change in Iceland.

Near Akureyri and not far from the Ring Road lies a very special waterfall: Goðafoss. With a height of about 12 meters and a width of 30 meters, this natural spectacle is literally a divine sight. The waterfall is fed by the Skjálfandafljót River, whose waters tumble down the semicircular rocks here. But it is not only the appearance of the waterfall that is impressive; a mystical legend about the origin of the name places the site at the center of a religious turning point in Iceland's history.

The name "Goðafoss" can also be translated two different ways: "Waterfall of the gods (goð)" or "Waterfall of the priest (goði)". However, there is a myth behind both names, which is even immortalized in a window of the church in Akureyri. Iceland was settled in the 9th and 10th centuries mainly by Norwegians who worshipped the deities of Norse mythology (Odin, Freya, Thor, Loki, etc.). Towards the end of the 10th century, the pressure to convert to Christianity was increased more and more by Christian Europe. In 1000, Norway even threatened to invade Iceland if the state continued to adhere to pagan practices. The following spring, the Althing Parliament was convened to discuss the choice of religion. The then law speaker and pagan priest Þorgeirr Ljósvetningagoði was chosen to make the final decision on the state religion. For the duration of one night and one day, the Ásatrú priest lay under a fur blanket to meditate and ask his deities for the correct solution. Upon his return, Þorgeirr announced that he had chosen Christianity for the sake of the people of Iceland, but that paganism could continue to be practiced in private. He then threw all the remaining statues of the Norse deities into the waterfall, thus inspiring its name. Rumor has it that the priest himself continued to adhere to the old faith. Whether this story is true or pure myth will probably remain unexplained forever. An alternative version of the name's origin, from linguist and place name expert Svavar Sigmundsson, says that the waterfall takes its name from two rocks in the shape of pagan deities.

Located in the northeastern part of Iceland in the Mývatn district, the waterfall can be reached via the nearby Ring Road road and is well signposted. Although the attraction is well visited by individual tourists as well as organized tours, Goðafoss does not seem crowded due to its size. Most tourists visit the waterfall on the western side, as there is a large parking lot there. However, some travelers recommend visiting via the eastern side from a small restaurant, as this offers the possibility to get closer to the falling water masses. Basically, though, it's recommended that you take your time to marvel at the natural spectacle from different angles. Equally optional is the time of travel, as the view is breathtaking in both summer and winter. However, for the latter, we recommend you organize a vehicle with 4×4 drive and sturdy footwear.

Want to see the magic of the waterfall for yourself and discover more of Iceland? With our Iceland adventure this is possible!

Fun Fact

The waterfall was only placed under nature protection by the Icelandic Ministry of Environment on June 12, 2020.

MEGA SALE

Double your discount up to 1.200,- €when you book with a friend today! 😍

Save on our unique trips, including our Namibia trip, with up to 300,-€ Discount.

👫✈️ Unique friends campaign 🚨: Book together with a friend and we'll double your discount - for both of you! 🎉

Offer only until on January 31! ⏰

Wait! A 50€ voucher is waiting for you

Sign up now for the TripLegend newsletter for free and get 50€ off your first booking (with full payment). Get travel inspiration and adventure ideas delivered to your inbox.