Godafoss in Thingeyjarsveit

Goðafoss in Skjálfandafljót was protected as a natural monument on June 11th, 2020.

When measured by flow rate, Goðafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. It’s divided into two main waterfalls and a few smaller ones. The appearance of the waterfall varies according to the amount of water, weather and season. The waterfall is 9–17 m high and roughly 30 m wide.

The land on the western bank of Goðafoss is called Hrútey and is bounded by Hrúteyjarkvísl, which branches off from Skjálfandafljót river above Goðafoss but rejoins the river further downstream.

According to folklore, Þorgeir Þorkelsson Ljósvetningagoði is said to have thrown his idols of the Norse Gods into the waterfall after he was entrusted with the role of mediator between Christians and Pagans and having turned to Christianity himself. That is thought to be the origin of Goðafoss’s name.

Goðafoss is a popular tourist attraction, visited by a large number of tourists all year round. The main aim of the protection of the area is to preserve unique sites of natural interest, variations in geological formations and the waterfall itself, such as by maintaining natural water flow to the waterfall, because of the beauty, character and value for outdoor activity of the area.

The area is 0.224 km² in size.

Where is Goðafoss?

Goðafoss is in Skjálfandafljót in Þingeyjarsveit, just outside a farm called Fosshóll.