Goðafoss is a waterfall in northern Iceland. It is located along the country’s main ring road at the junction with the Sprengisandur highland road, about 45 minutes from Akureyri. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters.

Goðafoss Waterfall is nicknamed the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Some believe that the name comes from the fact that the waterfall is god-like in beauty. However, an old Icelandic legend tells the tale of the waterfall’s name through a Viking leader.

According to the myth, in the year 1,000 Law-speaker of the Althing, Chieftain Thorgeir Thorkelsson, returned from Thingvellir with the decision that the nation of Iceland would convert to Christianity. He ceremoniously disposed of Norse pagan idols into the falls.

In winter, Ice-blue glacial water flows over an elegant semi-circular arc. It creates blue-green swirling patterns in the water below among the surrounding lava. Godafoss waterfall is also a great setting for the photo enthusiast. It is especially a beautiful background for taking photos of the Northern Lights.