Godafoss

Located halfway between Akureyri and Lake Myvatn, Godafoss is one of the most visited spots in northern Iceland. The waters of the river Skjálfandafljót fall furiously over a horseshoe curve of rocks measuring 40 feet (12 metres) tall and 100 feet (30 metres) wide, making for a beautiful waterfall in the middle of a striking volcanic landscape.

The waterfall of the gods

Goðafoss translates from modern Icelandic as "the waterfall of the gods", a nickname said to come from a myth from Iceland's history. According to legend, after converting the country to Christianity, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði (one of the main rulers of the island at that time) threw all his pagan idols into the waterfall, thus changing the Viking gods for the Christian god.

Aldeyarfoss

Following the course of the river Skjálfandafljót about 24 miles (40 km) to the south is the Aldeyarfoss waterfall. After negotiating the bumpy unpaved Route 842, Aldeyarfoss is the best prize one can imagine: a spectacular waterfall cascading over dark basalt columns - breathtaking!

How to visit Goðafoss?

The easiest way to get to Godafoss is to rent a car and drive there from Akureyri or Lake Myvatn along the Ring Road. Another option is to take the bus that connects these two regions and get off at Godafoss, but this is less practical as you have to rely on the bus schedules.