Godafoss Waterfall (Iceland) – Visit Tips + access hike + photos

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About Godafoss Iceland

Godafoss is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland and it is easily accessible next to road 1. The water from the river Skjálfandafljót drops from a height of 12 meters. What I find beautiful is the elegant 30 meter wide horseshoe shape and the big rock separating the flow in the middle.

A little bit of the Godafoss History...

The Godafoss Waterfall got its name during year 999 or 1000 when Christianity was declared the official religion of Iceland. After that the local Lawspeker threw his statues of the Norse pagan gods into the waterfall. Hence the ‘waterfall of gods’.

How to get to Godafoss Location

• In North Iceland
• Along road 1 between Aukureyri and Myvatn, 50 km from Akureyri. You really cannot miss it. The ‘town’ is called Fossholl.
• The West side parking is before the bridge (when driving east towards Myvatn)
• Godafoss (with GPS coordinates), is included in both eBooks to help you plan your unforgettable road trip:

Admiring the Godafoss Waterfall

• Left side Views (east side, where the station, café and guesthouse are) – 5/10 min small trail and the option to get either to a lower or a higher view point. Attention it is a the path to get down is short but steps and not that easy
• Right side Views (west side) – views next to the parking, possibility to get very close but attention it is slippery.
• Most of the tourists go to the parking on the West side.
• At sunset on the East side I had the waterfall all to myself!
• Next to the café there is a bridge to cross the river if you wish to leave your car on one side. From the bridge you can see a small waterfall called Geitafoss.
• There is a nice café souvenir shop with toilets
• It is accessible year round – it is also breathtaking in Winter covered in snow and ice, check some stunning shots of Godafoss on My Modern Met
• And Check out my complete article with detailed suggestions and tips on what to wear and pack for Iceland to stay warm and comfortable

Where to stay near Godafoss

Waterfall of Godafoss from the West Side - official carpark

On the West side, you can park right next to the Godafoss waterfall. This is where the official parking is.

From this side, you get a better view of the flow separation in 3 sections.
I think if you have a little bit of time, you should visit both side of the waterfall.

From this side, you can continue driving to Aldeyjarfoss, an off the path waterfall on the same river which requires some dirt road and 4WD driving.

Waterfall of the Gods from - the base of the East Side

Godafoss hike on top of the East shore

On the East side (where the café and station are), there is a short trail to reach the waterfall.
You have to park near the café and continue on foot (less than 10min). 

It is not a paved trail  but it is not difficult either. 
And you reach this view of Godafoss:

The sun was not in the right position late afternoon but it was great once the sun had set with the remaining colors behind the waterfall.

I was alone waiting for sunset and could sometimes spot people getting very close on the other side which gave me this shot with nice silhouettes, one of my favorite pictures from my trip through Iceland:

And from this location, have a look at the basalt formations:

THE BRIDGE UNDER THE STARS

As I was staying at the guesthouse near the falls I went out to take some photos of the stars. Sadly the station next to the bridge was too bright and I decided it was not reasonable for me to walk the trail to the waterfall in the dark as I was very tired. The second picture was taken from the bridge with Geitafoss.

Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?

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