Nicknamed by one local as ‘The Beauty’ in comparison to ‘The Beast’ of Dettifoss, the name Goðafoss could be translated roughly as The Waterfall of The Gods. An impressive site any time of year, in late spring, if you can catch it while there´s still icicles bedecking its sides, it’s a particularly otherworldly place to visit.
History
The waterfall of the gods is at the outermost western corner of the Diamond Circle, at its boundaries, but Goðafoss’ gorgeousness makes of this place the umpteenth wonderful spot to discover in your trip along this region. Moreover the waterfall is connected with one of the most important events in Icelandic history: the conversion to Christianity in 1000.
In that year the Lawspeaker of the Icelandic Parliament was Þorgeir Þorkelsson, who lived only few kilometers away from the waterfall. He was a pagan priest and the main matter in his days was whether Icelanders should keep practicing Norse Paganism or convert to Christianity. After a day and a night of deep meditation under a fur blanket (yes, at the time Iceland was a quite cold place like it is nowadays) he decided in favor of Christianity and he became a Christian himself. Pagans, anyway, could still practice their religion in private. To symbolically make official the decision, Þorgeir headed to Goðafoss bringing with him the heathen idols. Here he reached a cliff, raised the idols and threw them into the falling waters.
Approaching this elegant waterfall you’ll understand why Þorgeir chose this location to seal a historic moment for Iceland. Standing on the edge of a vertical cliff you will feel how his dramatic act was matching the likewise dramatic stage. The semicircular shape of the waterfall, its bright blue and green colour under a sunny sky or its severe deep shades under in an overcast day, the dull and gentle rumble of the waters, all that gives life to an enchanting and striking scenery at the same time.
In the year 2000 a church was built by nearby lake Ljósavatn commemorating the 1000 year anniversary of Christianity in Iceland and named after chieftain Þorgeir. The church is open to visitors during the summer.
Goðafoss can be seen from two sides and we highly recommend to try both, given the very short distance between each other. The right side offers a better overall and frontal view while the left side allows a lateral view and from here it’s possible to reach a tiny rocky beach at the level of the river below the waterfall, which gives a different perspective on the waterfall. Just be really careful is you climb down as the path is steep and slippery. And, most of all, never throw anything in Goðafoss. It’s not that the waterfall is named after each object is thrown into.
Services
Next door, should you need it, is a little yellow restaurant and guesthouse named Fosshóll. With views across to the falls, they also provide free wi-fi access to customers.
There is also a gas station, public toilet and shop where souvenirs and local handicrafts are being sold.
Getting There
From Húsavík, simply drive south, until you hit the ring road – Goðafoss is just a 5 minute drive from the junction. Once there, the falls are easily approachable from either side. The east side offers the best views for photographers, with paths to the river base, and a good view of Geitafoss, Goðafoss´s little sister. On the west side you can reach the brink of the falls themselves, but due to the parking facilities, this side may be a little busier at peak times.
GPS: 65°40’58.2″N 17°33’00.8″W