Goðafoss waterfall at a glance
Goðafoss waterfall lies on the Skjálfandafljót near Fosshóll in North Iceland. Across roughly 30 metres, the river divides into main falls and smaller streams, with its appearance changing with water levels and the season. The visit centres on the riverbanks and their viewpoints, while Akureyri provides a starting point for guided outings.
A short waterfall excursion suits a limited port call; a Mývatn combination suits a day focused on lava landscapes and bathing; the eight-hour Diamond Circle outing adds Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi. Decide how much of the day to spend travelling before choosing the number of stops. A thermal bath is a separate experience from viewing the river, and its admission depends on the excursion.
Our picks: Goðafoss tours
Choose a guided bus visit for a focused waterfall trip, or combine Goðafoss with Mývatn and bath entry. The port excursion with a return-to-ship guarantee suits cruise passengers.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of November 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Goðafoss and North Iceland highlights
- Visit to Godafoss, Asbyrgi, Dettifoss, and Myvatn
- Hike through Dimmuborgir lava maze
- Hverir geothermal area
A guide accompanies the visit to North Iceland’s natural sights.
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Goðafoss and Mývatn with bath entry
- Entrance ticket to Mývatn Nature Baths
- Packed lunch and water
- Free Wi-Fi
The packed lunch includes a chicken or vegan sandwich.
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Goðafoss and Mývatn by minibus
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transfer in a minibus
- Local tour guide
Forest Lagoon admission is extra. Confirm whether pickup is available at your accommodation; no overnight stay is included.
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Waterfall visit from Akureyri port
- Pickup at port
- Return to ship guarantee
- Coffee, tea and kleina
Wi-Fi is available on the trip.
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Waterfall trip with a choice of drop-off
- Mercedes Sprinter round trip
- Italian and English guide
- WiFi connection on board
Continue independently after your chosen drop-off; Forest Lagoon admission is extra. You must be able to board the bus, and only foldable wheelchairs are accepted.
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Goðafoss by bus
- Bus transport
- Guidance
Travel to the waterfall with a guide.
Check availability →Goðafoss visits and Mývatn combinations
Choose a focused waterfall outing, a trip with bathing admission and lunch, or a longer North Iceland route from Akureyri.
Choose a Goðafoss outing from Akureyri
The classic 2.5-hour bus outing with guidance is the lower-priced starting option in this selection. Another 2.5-hour port departure includes coffee or tea, Icelandic pastry and an explicit return-to-ship guarantee. The express outing also lasts 2.5 hours and offers alternative drop-offs after the waterfall, including the ship, a garden, museums or Forest Lagoon.
The express outing requires passengers to board independently and accepts only foldable wheelchairs. A chosen alternative drop-off means continuing independently afterwards; Forest Lagoon admission costs extra. For a six-hour trip with hotel pickup, the Goðafoss and Mývatn outing provides minibus transport and a local guide, with Forest Lagoon admission extra. Its price does not cover an overnight stay.
The six-hour Mývatn bathing combination departing from the cruise terminal includes bath admission and a packed lunch. The eight-hour Diamond Circle outing instead includes guided visits to Goðafoss, Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss and Mývatn, a Dimmuborgir walk and Hverir. Meals cost extra on that longer route. The excursion comparison separates short port visits from fuller itineraries.
East and west banks: viewpoints and the footbridge
Goðafoss has paths and viewpoints on both riverbanks, connected by a pedestrian bridge. Parking areas serve both sides, and paved paths lead towards viewing platforms. Use the bridge to change perspective rather than looking for a route across rocks or beyond a fence. Conditions on individual paths matter more than a general description of access.
The older management plan dated 12 April 2023 described no winter maintenance on the western paths and parking area, and a winter closure of the eastern riverside stairs. That historical plan is not a current closure notice or a promise that another route is clear. Follow signs and barriers on arrival, and consult the road authority and weather service before driving.
History and the Waterfall of the Gods
Goðafoss means Waterfall of the Gods, a name associated with Iceland's adoption of Christianity around the year 1000. The story tells of Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði throwing pagan idols into the falls after the decision. Treat that episode as a legend, rather than an established account of an observed event. The story adds cultural context to a landscape shaped by the river.
A nature monument with designated paths
Goðafoss is a nature monument protected since 11 June 2020. The protection regulation of that date requires visitors to remain on paths, keep dogs from roaming freely and push bicycles on footpaths. Overnight stays, fires and leaving rubbish are prohibited within the monument. Drone flights generally require authority permission, subject to named exceptions; arrange permission rather than treating an open view as permission to launch.
Visiting times and fees
Goðafoss is visited throughout the year, with the practical visit governed by weather, access and local signs. Check the arrangements for your date instead of planning around unrestricted access or assumed free parking. Food services, a shop and toilets are listed at Fosshóll; plan their use around current service information rather than assuming they operate whenever the waterfall is accessible.
Mývatn adds lava scenery and a thermal bath
Mývatn combines lake scenery with Dimmuborgir's lava formations, Hverir's geothermal ground and a separate thermal bathing facility. Earth Lagoon Mývatn is the current name of the former Mývatn Nature Baths. The cruise-terminal bathing combination includes admission, while other outings make the bath optional or focus on sightseeing. Compare those choices on the Mývatn planning page.
Húsavík as the next leg
Húsavík provides an onward destination associated with whale watching and regional maritime history. Keep a boat trip separate from the waterfall visit when planning your time, and allow for the conditions of the chosen sailing. Read about Húsavík and whale watching on the next leg when deciding how to continue through North Iceland.
Short visit or full day
Compare waterfall departures and cruise itineraries from Akureyri.
Combine Goðafoss with Mývatn
Separate sightseeing from optional or included bathing.
Snow and seasonal outings
Choose between a winter visit and a longer package.
A private North Iceland route
Compare Mývatn and Diamond Circle options.
Plan the journey
Roads, buses and the journey from Akureyri.
Choose your base
Akureyri, the waterfall surroundings or Mývatn.
Weather and daylight
Match your visit to the season and your transport.
Goðafoss visit questions
Can I see Goðafoss from both sides?
Yes, Goðafoss has visitor paths on both banks and a pedestrian bridge between them. Choose the paths according to conditions and local signs. Snow and ice can change access, so a description of two riverbanks should not be treated as a promise that every viewpoint is available on your date.
Which outing includes Mývatn bath admission?
The six-hour Goðafoss and Mývatn bathing excursion from the Akureyri cruise terminal includes bath admission and a packed lunch. Bring a swimsuit and towel, which are extra. Other outings have different arrangements, so compare the included services rather than assuming every reference to hot springs includes a bathing ticket.
Is this the official Goðafoss website?
No, Godafoss.org is an independent travel guide with no affiliation to the conservation authorities, municipality or tour operators. The guide explains visiting choices and selected excursions. For conditions on the day, use the responsible authorities' information and follow the signs and barriers at the waterfall itself.