Manage booking
479 km
About 7 h 30 min
Car 1–4 · Van 5–7
Free cancellation 24 h
North · from KEF
About Goðafoss and the drive
Goðafoss, the "waterfall of the gods", is one of the best-known waterfalls in North Iceland: a broad horseshoe of falls on the Skjálfandafljót river, right beside Route 1 between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn. Its name is linked to the story of Iceland's conversion to Christianity around the year 1000, when the lawspeaker Þorgeir is said to have thrown his statues of the old gods into the falls. Paths on both banks lead to viewpoints above and below the water.
From Keflavík Airport the route follows Route 1 the length of the country to the north: through Reykjavík, past Borgarnes, over the Holtavörðuheiði and Öxnadalsheiði passes to Akureyri, and on east to the waterfall. It is a very long day, especially after an overnight flight, so plan proper breaks. Many travellers book Goðafoss as a stop on the way to Mývatn or Húsavík, or as the drop-off for accommodation nearby; if you want time at the falls or elsewhere, agree it with us in advance on WhatsApp.
Some travellers fly from Reykjavík to Akureyri instead and do the last short stretch by road; we can take you from Keflavík to Reykjavík's domestic airport for that. Otherwise your driver takes you door to door to your accommodation in the area. Our Lake Mývatn guide covers the sights further east. The return trip to the airport costs the same fixed price.
Seasons and roads
In winter the northern mountain passes on the way can close temporarily in storms, and the paths around Goðafoss can be icy, so good shoes or spikes help. December days are very short. We check the forecast before every long winter drive and may suggest a different time or splitting the journey.
