North Iceland · Iceland
Goðafoss
Goðafoss — 'Waterfall of the Gods' — is one of Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls, where the Skjálfandafljót river plunges 12 meters in a wide arc. It is one of the most historically significant natural sites in Iceland.
About Goðafoss
Goðafoss — 'Waterfall of the Gods' — is one of Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls, where the Skjálfandafljót river plunges 12 meters in a wide arc. It is one of the most historically significant natural sites in Iceland.
History & Background
In the year 1000 AD, Iceland's parliament voted to adopt Christianity. The lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, who had championed the decision after a night of meditation, rode home and threw his statues of the Norse gods into this waterfall — giving it the name 'Waterfall of the Gods'. This event marked Iceland's official conversion from Norse paganism to Christianity and is one of the defining moments in Icelandic history.
Key Facts
- ✔Name means 'Waterfall of the Gods'
- ✔In 1000 AD Norse god statues were thrown into it during Iceland's conversion to Christianity
- ✔Width approximately 30 meters, drop 12 meters
- ✔Located on the Ring Road in North Iceland
- ✔Accessible from both sides of the river
