After leaving the Lake Mývatn area, we continued our Diamond Circle route and drove 50 km west to Goðafoss Waterfall, hoping for better weather. The rain had followed us for the whole drive, but as we got closer, the clouds began to lift just enough to give us a little hope.
We arrived around 6 pm. It was cold and windy, but thankfully the rain had stopped. Goðafoss can be visited from both the east and west banks of the river. We parked on the west side, bundled up in our jackets, and started walking toward the first viewpoint.
Wow… our first glimpse of the waterfall was breathtaking even under the gray skies.
Goðafoss, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Unlike some of the tall waterfalls we had seen earlier on our trip, Goðafoss is wide and gracefully curved, with vibrant blue water rushing into a horseshoe-shaped canyon.
The walking paths here are flat, short, and very easy to navigate. A quick walk to the main viewpoints on either side only takes 15 to 30 minutes. Since we wanted to see both sides, we walked the full loop, crossing the pedestrian bridge over the river, which came out to about 2.5 km (around 1.5 miles) total.
We explored several viewpoints along the west and east bank, each offering a different perspective. Some viewpoints showed just how wide the waterfall is, while others brought us closer to the powerful water crashing over the basalt cliffs.
We spent about an hour exploring the area. The weather may have been cold and gloomy, but it didn’t stop people from admiring the beautiful waterfall.
It was the perfect way to end our day before driving to our accommodation in Akureyri.
Here are some photos from our visit on June 21, 2025.
Goðafoss waterfall directional road sign along Iceland’s Route 1. 
Hotel Godafoss 
The visitor center complex at Godafoss 
Paved access trails 
Observation areas along the gorge offer close-up perspectives of the waterfall 
Wide landscape view of Godafoss waterfall. 
Observation Decks 
The turquoise waters of the Skjálfandafljót river flow downstream. 
Observation areas along the gorge offer close-up perspectives of the waterfall 
Glacial waters crash down into the basin. 
Looking upstream along the Skjálfandafljót river. 
The footbridge over the Skjálfandafljót river gorge connects the east and west viewing banks at Godafoss. 
Crossing the historic footbridge that spans the canyon near Godafoss. 
The Ring Road bridge crossing high over the Skjálfandafljót river. 
The rushing waters of Skjálfandafljót flowing past a dramatic natural basalt arch. 
Vertical landscape view of the Skjálfandafljót river winding through volcanic rock cliffs 
A distant view of Godafoss waterfall pouring into the turquoise river gorge. 
Skjálfandafljót river flowing through basalt cliffs near Goðafoss. 
Walking trails along the canyon edge offer scenic viewpoints overlooking Godafoss. 
Godafoss waterfall pouring over basalt cliffs into the Skjálfandafljót river. 
Paved walking trails and viewing platforms along the east bank of the gorge. 
Travelers gathering along the lower rocky shores to view the mist and power of Godafoss. 
The curved crest of Goðafoss waterfall viewed from the east bank. 
A full view of the Godafoss horseshoe curve streaming into the river basin. 
Skjálfandafljót river flowing through basalt cliffs near Goðafoss. 
Powerful cascades pouring over the basalt ledges of Goðafoss. 
Overlooking the full curved crest of Goðafoss from the east bank.
Before moving on, here are some quick facts and tips about Godafoss.
Quick Facts and Tips
- Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June to August): Longer daylight hours, easy access, and the best conditions for walking to both viewpoints.
- Shoulder Seasons (May & September): Fewer visitors and beautiful scenery, but expect changing weather.
- Winter: The frozen landscape is breathtaking, but paths can be icy and slippery.
- Weather can change quickly. Check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is before visiting.
- Goðafoss is located along the Ring Road (Route 1), about 50 km west of Lake Mývatn and 45 km east of Akureyri, making it an easy stop while exploring North Iceland.
- There is no entrance fee, and parking is free on both sides of Goðafoss. Parking policies and fees can change, so check Parka.is for the latest parking information before your visit.
- Dress in layers, wear waterproof clothing, as the mist from the waterfall can soak you, especially if it’s windy.
- The walking paths on both the east and west sides of Goðafoss are easy, paved and mostly flat and offer several viewpoints
- The trails may be slippery in wet and icy conditions, take extra care.
- 10 to 20 minutes to explore one side (less than ½ mile), or 45 to 60 minutes for the full loop covering both sides (1.2 to 1.9 miles).
- Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to explore both sides of the waterfall.
- Visit both viewpoints if time allows, as each side offers a different perspective of the falls.
- Stay behind safety barriers and use caution near the cliff edges.
- Early morning or later in the evening usually offers fewer crowds during the summer months.
- Bring a microfiber cloth to wipe your camera lens.
- Public restrooms are available near the main parking areas on both the east and west sides (a small fee may apply, payable by card).
- A cafe, restaurant, and gas station are located on the east side near the service station, offering warm food, coffee, snacks, and outdoor picnic tables.
- Drone use may be permitted, but always check posted signs and local regulations before flying.
- Nearby Attractions
- Lake Mývatn Region: Exploring Hverfjall, Dimmuborgir, and Lake Mývatn
- Akureyri
- Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall
- Húsavík
- Laufás Turf Houses
- Hverir Geothermal Area – Stepping Onto Another Planet
- Dettifoss – Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall (East via Route 862 or 864)
Conclusion
Goðafoss is definitely worth a stop on the Diamond Circle route. Its beautiful shape, powerful flow, and easy access make it one of the highlights of North Iceland.
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