Home Vegetables Waterfall of the gods Meaning of godafoss (lit. "waterfall of the gods") in the directory of characters and cult objects of Greek mythology. Description and facts

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Waterfall of the gods Meaning of godafoss (lit. "waterfall of the gods") in the directory of characters and cult objects of Greek mythology. Description and facts

Iceland is not like that big Island. The maximum length from north to south is only 310 kilometers, and from east to west - 500. There is no place here so long and big rivers like the mainland Danube, Rhine or Dnieper. But the whole map of Iceland is covered with blue veins. Due to the humid North Atlantic climate, the island has a lot of precipitation, and the proximity to the Arctic Circle caused the appearance of huge glaciers covering a tenth of the country's territory. These two factors contribute to a large number full-flowing rivers, and mountainous relief does not allow them to flow calmly, now and then forming stormy rapids and high waterfalls. All of them are diverse and beautiful, attracting hundreds and thousands of tourists every year. In this article, we will introduce you to the most interesting and unusual waterfalls in Iceland.

Dettifoss - the most powerful waterfall in Europe

Since everything is the best in Iceland, it is not surprising that the most powerful waterfall in Europe is also located here.

Dettifoss (from Icelandic - “falling waterfall”) is located in the northeast of the island and is the middle link in a chain of three largest waterfalls on the river Jokulsau-au-Fiodlum ("glacial river in the mountains"). Its dimensions are really impressive: width - about 100 meters, height - 45. The route to Dettifoss is usually laid from the port city of Husavik in the north (this is where whale watching comes) through the unique Asbirgi Canyon.

Gullfoss - Iceland's most popular waterfall

In the southern part of the island, not far from the capital, the Khvitau River flows. It is notable for the most popular and beloved by tourists waterfall - Gullfoss ("golden waterfall").

This attraction, together with the Thingvelir National Park and nearby geysers, form Iceland's Golden Circle. The waterfall is interesting in that it consists of two steps (11m and 21m high) located at right angles to each other, after which the river falls into a deep gorge.

Gullfoss still exists today thanks to Sigriudur Thumasdouttir, the daughter of a local farmer. In the 1920s, the waterfall was almost sold for the construction of a power plant. Sigriudur actively fought for the preservation of Gullfoss and even threatened to throw herself into the waterfall. The authorities realized that the girl was not joking, after which he again went over to the state and was taken under protection. A memorial stone near the waterfall reminds of this story.

Skogafoss - the visiting card of the country

The Skouga River originates in the south of Iceland, between the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers, and flows into Atlantic Ocean. On it, near the town of Skogar, there is the Skogafoss waterfall - one of the most famous in Iceland. This is where the popular tourist route Laugavegur ends.

A 25-meter-wide waterfall breaks off a 60-meter cliff, crumbling into thousands of sprays, which, hanging in the air, shimmer in the sun with all the colors of the rainbow.

Legend has it that the first Viking who settled in these parts hid the treasure in a cave behind a waterfall. Years later, an Icelandic youth found the chest. But as soon as he managed to take hold of the ring at the end of the chest, he disappeared. The ring remained in the hands, was transferred to the local church and was used as a door ring. Don't believe? It can be seen at the Skogar Museum.

But the Skouga River can be proud of not only the splendor of Skogafoss. The mentioned waterfall is the last on its way to the ocean, and upstream there are more than 20 more not so high, but no less beautiful.

We will see all of them in our trip to Iceland - Landing on Mars. Not only waterfalls, but also the most beautiful rocky canyon, decorated with greenery of moss, will accompany us all the way.

Morsaurfoss - the highest waterfall in Iceland

Few people know about this (even Russian-speaking Google did not know before us)! In fact, Iceland's highest waterfall is located at national park Vatnajokull in the southeast of the island and was discovered only in 2007, and measured in 2011. It is located at the branch of the Morsauryokull glacial tongue from the Vatnajokull ice cap. There is a sheer cliff, originally hidden under the glacier. But, due to global warming, Morsaurjokull melted so much that it “broke off” from the ice cap and the rock wall was exposed. From its 227-meter height and break melt water Vatnajökull, forming several waterfall ribbons. The river, which is formed by the melt waters of the glacial tongue, is called Morsau. In honor of her, by free voting, the waterfall was named Morsaurfoss. One of the few photos of this waterfall.

More famous is the second highest waterfall in Iceland - Glymur, which until 2011 was considered the highest. Its height is 196 meters.

Svartifoss - black waterfall

Very beautiful, unusual and popular waterfall. What could be so unusual about a waterfall? In particular, the color and shape of the rock from which it falls.

Hexagonal black basalt columns were created inside a lava flow that cooled very, very slowly. The breed crystallized and acquired such unusual shape. The pressure on the upper poles is very high and often they do not withstand and break. The bottom of the waterfall is strewn with their debris. Black Falls is undoubtedly one of the most amazing and unusual in Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss - the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland

Seljalandsfoss can be called the most beautiful and picturesque waterfall in Iceland.

It has one feature that turns it from an ordinary Icelandic waterfall into a very unusual and beautiful one. You can safely walk around the stream of water, watching it from the inside.

The setting sun plays especially beautifully in the running jets.

The waterfall is located on the Seljalandsau River, the height is 60 m. We can walk behind the waterfall when we return from the Glacier Lagoon to Reykjavik. The waterfall is located almost at the very track and the bus stops here for half an hour.

Godafoss - waterfall of the gods

Another popular among tourists is the Godafoss waterfall (“waterfall of the gods”).

It is located on the Skjaulfandafljot River, fifty kilometers from the city of Akureri - the largest in the northern part of the country and beloved by tourists. A water stream 30 meters wide falls from a height of 9-17 meters. Not tall but very beautiful waterfall with turquoise water, it is no less attractive in winter than in summer.

According to legend, around the year 1000, when the state recognized Christianity, in rough waters Godafoss were cast down by the pagan idol gods, hence the name. One of the stained glass windows of the Akureri Cathedral depicts this story.

Dunyandi - rumbling

Dunyandi (“raging, roaring”) or Fjadfoss (“mountain waterfall”) is not only the largest waterfall on the Westfjords (“western fjords”) peninsula, but also a very beautiful waterfall on the small river Dunjandisau.

It does not fall like a wall, but spills over lava steps, the total height of which is 100 meters; the lava here is about 13 million years old. The width of the waterfall in the upper part is 30 meters, in the lower part it reaches 60.

Hrøynfossar - lava waterfalls

In the lava field, in the western part of the island, the Hvitau River originates. It is fed by both springs and a glacier, the stream is powerful and impetuous. But only until porous rocks meet on its way. The waters of Hvitau seep into them one kilometer deep! Then they gradually return outside in the form of numerous (more than 100) small waterfalls flowing directly from the lava and flow into the Borgarfjordur River.

The foaming streams of Hrøynfossar (“lava waterfalls”) stretch for 900 meters and are pleasing to the eye and ear.

Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss

A kilometer upstream from Dettifoss is Selfoss, only 10 meters high.

From this, the waterfall is no less impressive: the river, 100 meters wide, breaks here from a flat basalt slab and, bypassing Dettifoss, continues to move to Hafragilsfoss - the third of the largest waterfalls on the river, 91 meters wide, 27 meters high.

Here the channel enters the Khafragil gorge, whose name the waterfall bears. The banks around the gorge are decorated with greenery and seem to be protected by rocks on both sides. There are four more smaller waterfalls downstream.

Finally

This is just a small part of the amazing and unique waterfalls in Iceland. Many of them do not even have names, but they amaze with their beauty. Due to the mountainous terrain and the predominance of volcanic rocks, no matter which river your

Godafoss waterfall is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the north of the state, near the city of Akureyri, on the river with the intricate name Skjaulfandafljout.

Like all the nature of this amazing northern country, the Godafoss waterfall is famous for its crystal clearness and richness of colors of the rocky and vegetative landscape surrounding it.

Its name - "Waterfall of the Gods" - Godafoss received more than a thousand years ago. According to one version, the inhabitants, who converted to Christianity in 999-1000, threw pagan idols, which they used to worship, into the waterfall; according to another, the waterfall was named because of the wooden figurines of the gods, for a long time standing over him at the behest of the local pagan priest.

Despite its modest size (12 meters high and 30 wide), the Godafoss waterfall, thanks to a cloud of spray rising high around it, is visible from a great distance.

Godafoss is formed from the waters of the Skjaulfandafljot, falling in a semicircle into a gorge with basalt columns. The waterfall has an unusual shape, it is divided into several streams. Two wide and one narrow, as if separating one wide stream from another and dividing the entire waterfall into two relatively even parts. The narrow stream is enclosed in a kind of stone channel. Geometric rigor is rare in natural formations, which gives the Waterfall of the Gods an additional charm.

Godaffos Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland. On the stones located next to it, you can comfortably sit and enjoy the beauty of not only the streams of falling water, but also the surrounding environs.

Godafoss waterfall - PHOTOS

Let's talk about one of the most amazing waterfalls in Iceland - Godafoss. Description, location, tourist infrastructure and even the closest hotel to Godafoss.

Iceland is called the land of 1,000 waterfalls. How wrong they are - in fact, there are 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. Glaciers covering 10% of the island's area give rise to many rivers. Thanks to the ocean and the warm Gulf Stream, there is a lot of precipitation here, so the rivers are wide and deep. Stormy volcanic activity and ongoing mountain building created great amount waterfalls and rapids.

One of the most famous in the country is the Goðafoss waterfall.

Description and facts

This is not the largest waterfall in Iceland. Its height is about 12 meters and its width is about 30 meters. It is located on the Skjaulfandafljot River, which originates from the Vatnajökull glacier.

The name of the river is translated as "river with trembling breath". Its waters crash down from a horseshoe-shaped basalt ledge, raising a huge cloud of spray visible from afar. It looks very beautiful at sunrise.

The stream is divided by basalt columns into three parts: two wide on the sides, and between them another narrow one. An almost symmetrical picture is formed. The water under the waterfall is bright turquoise and very clear. In winter, the Godafoss waterfall sometimes freezes, the water freezes right in the air, giving the impression of time standing still. During this period, it impresses travelers even more.

Godafoss - from time immemorial

The name "Godafoss" is translated from Icelandic as "waterfall of the Gods". There are several versions of its origin. But to combine them together, it will turn out quite long history dating back to 1000 AD. e.

At that time, the inhabitants of Iceland converted to Christianity. Here it is necessary to deviate from the topic and mention that it is one of the few countries that adopted Christianity peacefully, without violence and bloodshed. This happened thanks to the wisdom of the local pagan leadership in the person of the "legal speaker" Thorgeir Thorkelson. Seeing the inevitability of the adoption of Christianity and understanding the inadmissibility of violence and division in society, he was able to offer a reasonable compromise.

Officially, Iceland accepted Christianity, but every citizen could privately conduct pagan rituals, which eventually died out by themselves.

Such splendor awaits you near the city of Akureyri

Godafoss in winter time. Most importantly, dress warmly!

But back to the waterfall. On the basalt columns around Godafoss, figures of pagan gods were installed: Odin, Thor, Loki and others. And Thorgeir, in order to secure the treaty, threw them into the water with his own hand. The church in the neighboring town has stained glass windows depicting this event, which gave Godafoss its name.

Godafoss waterfall location

Godafoss is located in the very north of Iceland, 50 km from city of Akureyri. It is the fourth largest city in the country. Counts northern capital. Its population is 18,000 people. The main attraction of the city is the Lutheran Church of Akureyrarkirkya, in which the famous stained-glass windows are located.

The waterfall is located very close to the main ring road No. 1, but because of this there are always a lot of tourists, and in summer period even traffic jams happen.

Tourist infrastructure

Paths are laid along the banks of the river, there is a pedestrian bridge. On the stones surrounding the waterfall, it is comfortable to sit and enjoy nature. You can go down to the water itself from the eastern shore, from there you can see the best views. Fans of extreme recreation raft down the river in kayaks and even overcome the waterfall in this way. A kilometer downstream is the tourist complex Foshoutl. There is a hotel and a restaurant there.

How to get to Godafoss waterfall

To get to the Godafoss waterfall, you must first get from Reykjavik, where all tourists fly from, to Akureyri.

This can be done in two ways:

by bus or car - 4 hours;
by plane of local airlines - 45 minutes;

You can drive from Akureyri to the waterfall in about an hour along highway number 1:

with a private tour;
by regular bus;
on a rented car.

An excellent road leads to Godafoss from the town of Husavik located to the north, where tourists go to watch whales, and from Lake Myvatn, famous for its pseudo-craters. Waterfall address: Nordurland-Eistra, 640, Iceland.

The best time to visit Iceland is traditionally summer. But starting in September, prices for hotels and car rentals drop dramatically, so it makes sense to consider traveling to other seasons, each of which can please the traveler in its own way.

The shape of the waterfall resembles a crescent moon, flowing streams of water flow down the basalt columns and fall from a height of 12 meters onto a flat piece of land.

Columns separate water flow into three parts, two parts of which are almost the same in width, the third part seems to be enclosed in a stone channel. This is another mystery of the waterfall, because regular geometric shapes are extremely rare in nature. What is remarkable: despite its small size, the spray from falling water rises high into the sky, which is impossible not to notice even from a long distance. This waterfall always amazes the viewer, in a particularly cold season: the falling water freezes before reaching its destination.

At such moments, it seems that a certain magician, by the power of his gift, stopped time, and only at his request, the water is about to begin its eternal dance with a hard and impregnable stone again.

The name Godafoss in translation from the local language means "Waterfall of the Gods". This name is associated with a legend according to which locals threw the idols of the first religions into the water before accepting Christianity in 999-1000 CE. e. According to another legend, the locals named the waterfall in honor of the statues of the gods that once surrounded the approaches to the waterfall. Despite all the legends, the sight that can be seen "riding" one of the stone columns of the waterfall is beyond description, especially in early autumn, when the fog, meeting the morning sun, spreads over the water surface and changes reality, taking the observer far away.