Godafoss, Waterfall of the Gods, was one of the last sights today and the Ring Road halfway mark between Lake Myvatn and Akureyri on the way back. Godafoss is considered to be one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Situated in the long Skjalfandafjot River, both the river and lava field it runs through have their sources far in the South. The water falls from a height of 12 meters/40 feet over a width of 30 meters/98 feet and rocky promontories in the horseshoe shaped edge divide it into two main falls and a few smaller one, depending on the flow.
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map of North Iceland
Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland sign
Around the year 1000 AD, the Parliament was split into two groups: pagans and Christians. Each had its own Law Speaker and refused to acknowledge the laws of the other side. The two Law Speakers agreed that the pagan Law Speaker should decide which religion to follow. The Law Rock (Logberg) in Thingvellir was the hub of the yearly Althing meeting. The Law Speaker was chosen by the Legislative Assembly for a three-year term and literally spoke the law to the people. He was also the most powerful person in the country but anyone attending the assembly was entitled to present his case on important issues from the Law Rock and the predicament facing the Althing is described in Njals Iceland Saga:
The following day both sides went to the Logberg, and Christians as well as heathens named witnesses and denounced each others laws and regulations. Then there arose such a tumult at the Logberg that no one could hear what anyone else said.
Pagan Law Speaker Thorgeir Thorkelsson meditated for one night and day and then returned to the Althing with a decision that all of Iceland should be Christian but those who wished could still worship their gods in private.
approach to Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland
Legend says that when he returned back to Ljosavatn, he threw his heathen gods into the falls and that is how Godafoss Waterfall got its name.
Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland
Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland
There are trails along both sides of Godafoss Waterfall, down by the river and lead to the parking lots with souvenirs ships, toilets, etc. Godafoss is impressive and worth visiting.
souvenirs at Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland
souvenirs at Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland
L’Austral departure board
L’Austral and National Geographic Explorer in Akureyri harbor, Iceland