Goðafoss
North Iceland · Waterfall
Follow the paths beside a wide cascade on the Skjálfandafljót. This stop lies east of Akureyri, on the way toward Mývatn.
- 45 min visit
- 25 km from Akureyri as the crow flies
The gods in the waterfall
A famous tradition links Goðafoss to Iceland’s change of religion around the year 1000.
The story told at Goðafoss concerns Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, the lawspeaker involved in Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. According to the tradition, he cast his images of the old gods into this waterfall after deciding that Christianity should become the country’s official religion. The name Goðafoss is explained as the waterfall of the gods.
The adoption of Christianity belongs to Iceland’s history; the dramatic disposal of the idols is presented here as the place’s traditional story. From the paths beside the water, imagine why such an image has endured: a major change of belief made visible in a single act, beside a river that keeps moving.
Sources: northiceland.is, thingvellir.is
Further reading
- Iceland’s Diamond Circle: A GuideIceland Review · Route guide to North Iceland's Diamond Circle; the Goðafoss section covers its size and origin legend.
- Goðafoss Waterfall Receives Protected StatusIceland Review · Legal protection of Goðafoss, also naming Dettifoss and Selfoss among newly protected falls.
