 Goðafoss waterfall | ||
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Goðafoss is a waterfall in the Northeast of Iceland
background
The Goðafoss is one of the most important tourist destinations in the northeast of Iceland. It is a waterfall with a width of around 30 m, the water of the river Skjálfandafljót Falls 12 m in depth. The waterfall is located in the area of the municipality of Þingeyjarsveit in an open area, about 700 m from the Þjóðvegur 1 (National road 1, ring road) away. There are some buildings on the right bank of Skjálfandafljót, and there is also a bus stop.
The name Goðafoss goes back to a legend. Accordingly, the Icelandic chief has Þorgeir around 1000 AD. decided that his people should adopt Christianity as the state religion. To prove that the old gods have no power, he threw their images into this waterfall. This was the one Gods waterfall. However, this version is a little less prosaic: the Norwegian King Olaf had threatened to stop delivering wood to Iceland if the people did not convert to Christianity. After a meeting of things, a sign was set in this way and the new faith was accepted.
With a length of 178 km, the Skjálfandafljót is the fourth longest river in the country, it has its source at Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in the country and flows into the Skjálfandi Bay.
getting there
By bus
In the street
The Goðafoss is next to the ring road, it is both from Akureyri as well as from Mývatn each 50 km away.
- On the left bank, a partially paved road leads about 700 m to a large one 1 parking spot. When buses with excursionists from cruise ships come from Akureyri, the space is quickly full. There is also parking available in the buildings around the inn Fosshóll on the right bank.
mobility
The area around the waterfall is relatively flat, but not paved and stony. Actually there are only well-trodden footpaths. Caution is advised on the shore. If you want to change from the parking lot at the waterfall to the opposite side, you have to go back to the bridge on the ring road.
Tourist Attractions
- 1 Goðafoss waterfall The only but impressive sight is the waterfall. There are several paths along the Skjálfandafljót River that lead to viewpoints. But also small things can be worth seeing: maybe it is the lava formations in the area, or it is the flora that has spread out on the barren and rough lava soil.
activities
shop
There is a gas station near the national road on the right bank and there is also a small grocery store.
accommodation
- 1 Fosshóll. Tel.: 354 464-3108. The guest house has 21 rooms and a restaurant. There is also a small camping area.Open: from May 15th to September 30th.
health
Practical advice
There is only a toilet on the right side of the river near the Fosshóll guest house.
