Godafoss is one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls and one of the most historically significant. Sitting right off the Ring Road in North Iceland, just 45 minutes east of Akureyri, the 98-foot (30-meter) wide horseshoe cascade is easy to reach, free to visit, and stunning in every season, making it one of the best waterfalls in Iceland.
Beyond its beauty, Godafoss holds an important place in Iceland’s history. In the year 1000 AD, Iceland's chieftain Thorgeir Ljosvetningagodi threw his Norse pagan idols into these falls after the country adopted Christianity. That act gave the waterfall its name: "Waterfall of the Gods." Standing at the edge today, that history makes the experience feel different from other waterfalls in Iceland.
Whether you're on shore excursions from Akureyri, Ring Road tours, or planning a North Iceland itinerary, Godafoss fits naturally into almost any trip. Walking paths run along both banks of the Skjalfandafljot River, the free car park sits directly off Route 1, and the waterfall itself takes 30 to 45 minutes to fully explore, making it one of the most accessible major waterfalls in Iceland.
Best Godafoss Waterfall Tours in Iceland
Godafoss tours run year-round and range from focused half-day visits to full-day Diamond Circle adventures. Most combine the waterfall with Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss Waterfall, and the geothermal areas of North Iceland, giving you far more than just a waterfall stop. Here are the most popular options.
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Lake Myvatn Sightseeing & Nature Baths Tour from Akureyri: Discover North Iceland’s highlights, from Godafoss Waterfall to volcanic landscapes, before soaking in a relaxing geothermal bath.
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Lake Myvatn, Godafoss, & Nature Baths Small Group Tour: Enjoy a scenic journey through lava fields and craters, visit Godafoss, and end the day in the warm waters of the Earth Lagoon Myvatn (Myvatn Nature Baths).
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Dettifoss Waterfall & Lake Myvatn 4x4 Tour from Akureyri: Ride through rugged terrain to see the mighty Dettifoss, explore Lake Myvatn, and stop at the beautiful Godafoss Waterfall.
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Lake Myvatn & Godafoss Shore Excursion from Akureyri Port: Step off your cruise and explore North Iceland’s top sights, including Godafoss, lava formations, and steaming geothermal areas.
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Godafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon Tour from Akureyri Port: Visit the famous Godafoss waterfall and unwind in the Forest Lagoon on a relaxing and easy half-day tour.
Ring Road Tours That Include Godafoss Waterfall
Explore Godafoss Waterfall as part of a full journey around Iceland with these multi-day Ring Road tours. These guided trips take you across Iceland’s top regions, combining waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal areas, and scenic coastlines into one seamless itinerary.
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8-Day Winter Ring Road Guided Tour with Top Activities: Visit Godafoss on a full Ring Road winter tour with included glacier hikes, whale watching, and northern lights opportunities.
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6-Day Small-Group Ring Road Tour with Glacier Hike & Ice Caving: See Godafoss alongside Iceland’s top highlights on a fast-paced small-group tour with glacier, ice cave, and whale watching experiences.
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6-Day Guided Ring Road Adventure Tour from Reykjavik: Explore Godafoss and the full Ring Road on a guided trip focused on waterfalls, geothermal areas, and Iceland’s natural landscapes.
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8-Day Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula Guided Tour: Stop at Godafoss while circling Iceland and visiting Lake Myvatn, Snaefellsnes, and other top regions on a complete guided tour.
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8-Day Ultimate Ring Road & Landmannalaugar Summer Tour: Discover Godafoss along with Iceland’s highlands, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes, including a hike in Landmannalaugar.
Top Vacation Packages That Include Godafoss Waterfall
Explore more of Iceland with vacation packages that include Godafoss Waterfall and other top sights along the Ring Road. Travel in comfort with expert guides, planned itineraries, and included accommodation, with options from northern lights trips in winter to midnight sun adventures in summer.
Summer Self-Drive Tours That Include Godafoss Waterfall
Visit Godafoss Waterfall in summer on a self-drive tour around Iceland’s Ring Road, where long daylight hours and the midnight sun give you more time to explore waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and scenic coastlines.
Winter Self-Drive Tours That Include Godafoss Waterfall
These winter self-drive packages include a rental car, accommodation, and a detailed itinerary, making it easy to explore Godafoss and other top attractions at your own pace while also giving you the chance to see the northern lights.
When To Visit Godafoss Waterfall
Godafoss is worth visiting in every season, and tours run year-round. The experience changes significantly between summer and winter, so the right time to visit depends on what you're looking for.
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Summer (Jun–Aug): Both riverbanks are fully accessible. The water runs blue-green against bright green lava fields. The midnight sun means you can visit at almost any hour. Busiest time of year, so arrive early morning or late evening for a quieter experience.
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Shoulder (May, Sep): Fewer crowds than peak summer. Late spring sees the river at its fullest and most powerful. Autumn brings golden tones to the landscape. Good photography light throughout.
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Winter (Oct–Mar): Ice forms along the canyon edges, and snow covers the surrounding terrain. Best chance of seeing the northern lights. Far fewer visitors than summer. A 4WD is recommended, and ice grips for boots are useful on the paths.
Plan Your Godafoss Tour in Iceland
Whether you have two and a half hours on a cruise ship stopover or two weeks to drive the full Ring Road, Godafoss fits naturally into almost any Iceland itinerary. It's free to enter, right off the main road, and takes less than an hour to explore properly, yet it leaves an impression that far outlasts the visit.
For most travelers, the best approach is to pair it with Lake Myvatn for a half-day in the north. A full-day Diamond Circle tour extends that to include Dettifoss and Asbyrgi Canyon. And for those staying overnight near Myvatn, returning to Godafoss at sunrise gives you one of North Iceland's most unforgettable moments almost entirely to yourself.
Find the Godafoss tour that suits your trip and start planning your visit to the Waterfall of the Gods today.
