Waterfalls in North Iceland

The Goðafoss waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters. The ring road goes past the waterfall, with parking available on both sides of the river and paved walking paths to viewing platforms. The history of the waterfall is connected to the conversion of Icelanders to Christianity. Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, the country's law speaker, decided that the official religion of the country should be Christianity as pressure grew from other European countries with Norwegians at the forefront. The original Icelandic settlers were mostly Norwegians, and in order to keep the peace, Þorgeir took the decision of conversion.  Afterwards, he threw his idols of the Old Norse religion gods into the waterfall. The Icelandic word for gods is goð, and so the waterfall has been called Goðafoss ever since.Goðafoss is part of the Diamond Circle.  https://www.northiceland.is/diamondcircle  

 As you drive along Víðidalur, you will come to Kolugil Farm which stands beside the Víðidalsá river. Just below the farm, the waters flow peacefully downwards to plunge into the deep, rugged gorge called Kolugljúfur. Their journey then sends them cascading over many waterfalls which bear the name Kolufossar Falls in honour of the giantess, Kola. It is a breathtaking sight to walk on the the viewing platform and watch the calm waters of the river suddenly leap and tumble onwards over so many impressive falls – a sight which will leave no one unmoved.

Aldeyjarfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Skjálfandafljót river. Located in the upper reaches of Bárðardalur valley, near the Sprengisandur highland route, the waterfall is renowned for the striking basalt columns that frame its powerful cascade. The contrast between the dark volcanic rock and the white glacial water creates a unique and dramatic landscape. The waterfall is one of the area's most remarkable natural attractions and a popular stop for visitors exploring the highlands and northern Iceland.  Visitors can drive most of the way to the waterfall and enjoy a short walk to the viewing area, where impressive views of the waterfall and its remarkable geological formations await. 

The Dettifoss waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, 200 cubic meters of water per second plunge over the edge. Dettifoss is 45 m high and 100m wide. A nice hiking trail, 34km, goes along the canyon from Dettifoss to Asbyrgi. Camping is possible in Vesturdalur. Road 864 goes from road 85 past Dettifoss on the east side towards road 1. This is a gravel road and driving speed depends on road conditions each time. Road 864 is closed during wintertime due to snow or wet conditions (muddy road) and does not open until early summer (end of May). Road 862 is on the west side of the waterfall. This road is paved but is not in winter service from January until the beginning of April. Dettifoss Waterfall is part of the Diamond Circle. 

The waterfall Selfoss is in the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum and is only a few hundred meters south of Dettifoss waterfall. It is 10 meters high but very wide. It is ideal to park in the car park by Dettifoss and take an easy walk to the two waterfalls. There are more beautiful natural phenomena in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon such as Hljóðaklettar and Hólmatungur.