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The waterfall of Godafoss in Winter (Iceland) – Tips + Photos

Last updated on March 5, 2023 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

Let's discover the waterfall of Godafoss in Winter, an easy but spectacular stop!
Located in North Iceland, it turns into a Winter Wonderland where icicles form despite the rush of water.  
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with tips, map and photos.

Godafoss Winter Iceland Travel Pin

Table of Contents
Why visit the waterfall of Godafoss in Winter
Planning Tips & Map - Godafoss waterfall Iceland
Godafoss - Winter accessibility
Walking along River Skjalfandafljot
First viewing platform
Above the waterfall
Sister waterfall of Geitafoss in Winter
Godafoss FAQs

This article contains affiliate links (Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


Why visit the waterfall of Godafoss in Winter

Godafoss was one of my favorite waterfalls to visit in Iceland in Winter.
It was already a nice stop in Summer (see photos) but I think it is gorgeous in Winter! Just have a look:

visit the waterfall of Godafoss in Winter

Waterfall of Godafoss in Winter

Godafoss is, in my opinion, a must stop during your Iceland road trip, because:

  • It is right by the side of the Ring Road, no detour required
  • The walk to the waterfall is easy
  • The color of the water is highlighted by the snow
  • Icicles form around the waterfall but the water is still rushing through. The combination is fascinating
  • It has a beautiful horseshoe shape with a drop of 12m (39ft)

Below is a short video to give you an idea of what a visit to Godafoss looks like:

More photos after the planning tips.


Planning Tips & Map - Godafoss waterfall Iceland

How to get to Godafoss

  • Located in North Iceland
  • On Road 1 South East of Akureyri, at Fossholl
  • Akureyri to Godafoss = 40min drive
  • Lake Myvatn to Godafoss =  50min drive
  • The only carpark open in Winter is next to the guesthouse, on the East bank of the river
  • Below is map to help you get oriented and locate Godafoss in Iceland:
Map Godafoss Waterfall Iceland

Map - Godafoss Waterfall in Iceland

Godafoss is included in my Winter road trip guide to help you plan your itinerary:

Plan your perfect trip to Iceland in Winter!

Small cover Road trip guide - Iceland in Winter eBook
  • 6 easy-to-plan maps
  • 75+ pre-selected scenic locations
  • Winter Accessibility + Planning Tips
  • 115+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE

Accessibility in Winter

  • The road and East carpark are cleared to allow access 
    However the side road to the West bank is not
  • Of course road closure can always happen due to snow and wind - check out the status on road.is
  • As it is a very touristic spot, they clear the marked walking paths - but it can always get icy, so carry spikes (see options) that you can add on your shoes at any time

Need to rent a car in Iceland?

  • Option 1 - Local experts - Iceland has a lot of specificities and offerings by local companies are adapted - compare cars and prices of quality local brands on GuidetoIceland.com
  • Option 2 - International Brands - compare offers on Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
  • Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

Visit Tips 

  • Gas station, restaurant, toilettes and Guesthouse
  • 5 min walk to the last viewing platform. Plan at 30 to 45min to enjoy the waterfall.
  • Access to the bottom path is closed in Winter
  • 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

All my tips and hotel suggestions in my article about Where to stay in North Iceland.

Where to stay in Iceland in Winter?
My tips:

  • Reykjavik - capital city - see best rated accommodations
  • Selfoss - between Golden Circle and South Coast - see best rated accommodations
  • Vik - near waterfalls and glaciers - see best rated accommodations
  • Höfn - gateway to the East fjords - see best rated accommodations
  • Egilsstadir - between fjords and North Iceland - see best rated accommodations
  • Reykjahlid - for the wonders of Lake Myvatn - see best rated accommodations
  • Akureyri - capital of the North - see best rated accommodations
  • Grundarfjordur - to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula - see best rated accommodations

More tips in my article about Where to stay in Iceland


Godafoss - Winter accessibility

As you are driving from Road 1, you can see a bridge and a yellow house. This is where the waterfall is. 
In the picture below you can see the falls behind the yellow house.

Fossholl iceland

Fossholl, Iceland

In Summer there are 2 carparks, on both sides of the river.
However in Winter, only the East side of the waterfall (where the guesthouse is) is open.
From there, the walking path is cleared all the way to the viewpoints. And it is clearly marked so as not to fall 🙂

Godafoss - Winter accessibility
Godafoss - Winter accessibility 2

Walking along River Skjalfandafljot

It is not a long walk to the waterfall. But you can already enjoy some beautiful views as you walk along the river.
It is the 178km long Skjalfandafljot river. 
Its source is the Vatnajokull glacier. But springwater also pours into it.

River Skjalfandafljot 2

In North Iceland it snows a lot more that in the South. The scenery is really really white.
I could stay hours just watching the water meandering through the snow.
In some areas, there are swirls as you can see below.

River Skjalfandafljot

The path continues along the river with views of the waterfall. It looks promising!

waterfall Godafoss River Skjalfandafljot 2

First viewing platform

Even before the first viewing platform, you can enjoy the waterfall and its rushing sound.
On the picture below, you can see the dark lava rock peaking out of the snow.

waterfall Godafoss River Skjalfandafljot

The first viewpoint is wide. There is a lot of space for everyone to enjoy the views.

Godafoss walking path in Winter

And this is what you get to see... The 30m (98ft) wide and 12m (39ft) tall waterfall.
In Summer it has 3 branches. But in this photo with the ice, the middle one is not flowing.

Waterfall Godafoss in Winter photo 1

Below are a couple of shots where I zoomed. You can see the contrast of the ice areas and the rushing water next to them.

Waterfall Godafoss in Winter photo 2

And sometimes it just gets confusing: the water seems to be flowing under the ice...

Waterfall Godafoss in Winter photo 3

Note: in Summer there is a path to walk down to the water level. It is closed in Winter.


Above the waterfall

After this first stop, you can keep walking for a minute to reach the second viewing platform.
It has been set up right above the waterfall. So you can really appreciate the volume of water going over the step.

Waterfall Godafoss in Winter photo 4
Waterfall Godafoss in Winter photo 5

Below is a panorama of the river and waterfall.

Waterfall Godafoss in Winter photo 6

The river comes from the South but your path stops there. 
The Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is further along this river but is accessed via an F-road (4WD only in Summer).

Waterfall Godafoss in Winter photo 7

Once again I took a few pictures with my zoom. Fascinating, don't you think?

Waterfall Godafoss in Winter photo 8
Waterfall Godafoss in Winter photo 9

Sister waterfall of Geitafoss in Winter

From the carpark there is also a path to the bridge (may be less maintained).
From there you can see the tiny waterfall of Geitafoss.
However you can better appreciate the rock of the canyon.

waterfall of Geitafoss Winter
waterfall of Geitafoss Winter 2

Godafoss FAQs

  • What does Godafoss mean?
    Foss mean waterfall and God means God... it is the Waterfall of the Gods.
  • Where does the name Godafoss comes from?
    It got its name during year 999 or 1000 when Christianity was declared the official religion of Iceland. After that, the local Lawspeaker threw his statues of the Norse pagan gods into the waterfall. 
  • Where is the waterfall of the gods?
    Godafoss is the waterfall of the Gods, located in North Iceland, along Route 1.
  • Was Godafoss a filming location for Game of Thrones?
    No, not that I am aware of.

Want to see more of Iceland in Winter:

  • 35 pictures of Iceland in Winter - read article
  • Best things to do in Iceland in Winter - read article
  • Iceland Ice Cave Tours and tips - read article
  • 7 Iceland waterfalls in Winter - read article
  • Tips for visiting Iceland in Winter - read article
  • Planning an Iceland Winter Road Trip - read article
  • Iceland Winter itinerary suggestions - read article
  • Driving in Iceland in Winter - read article
  • Things to do in Reykjavik in Winter - read article

Planning a trip to Iceland in Winter

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Plan your perfect trip to Iceland in Winter!

Small cover Road trip guide - Iceland in Winter eBook
  • 6 easy-to-plan maps
  • 75+ pre-selected scenic locations
  • Winter Accessibility + Planning Tips
  • 115+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE

And keep track of your own trip!

Iceland Winter road trip Journal 2

Want to see more of ICELAND IN WINTER

PREVIOUS: 

Dimmuborgir in Winter

NEXT: 

Reykjavik in Winter

Iceland in Winter Travel Guide

Inspired? Share it on your favorite platform!

Godafoss Winter Iceland Travel Pin2
Godafoss Winter Iceland Travel Pin3

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