Aurora / Northeastern Region (Norðurland eystra)
Aurora: Goðafoss
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Where to stand
Park at the waterfall car park, on either the east or the west side of the river, and walk the path to the viewpoint. The river flows north, so looking down the valley gives you an open northern sky. The hotel and filling station by the bridge are bright and close, so walk a little way along the path.
View towards the pole
The Skjálfandafljót valley opening to the north, with low hills
Sky darkness (Bortle scale): 2
Rules and safety
Goðafoss is a protected natural site, so stay on the marked paths and do not go past the barriers. The rocks at the edge are icy in winter and the current is strong. Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland.
About the spot
Goðafoss is a waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót river, about 35 km east of Akureyri on Route 1. It is about 12 m high and 30 m wide. The area is thinly populated, and at a geomagnetic latitude of about 70° the aurora often crosses high above the valley.
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