Godafoss & Leisurely Akureyri

Behold the natural beauty of Akureyri and beyond by visiting dramatic Godafass waterfall and then the world's most northern botanical garden, which is surprisingly lush.

Depart from the pier and drive into the stunning countryside to thundering Godafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. Godafoss means "Waterfall of the Gods" and refers to a momentous event that supposedly occurred 1,000 years ago when an Icelandic chieftain threw statues of the Norse gods into the water to symbolically demonstrate Iceland's conversion to Christianity. It's quite a sight to behold the Skjalfandafljot River cascade over the horseshoe-shaped cliff and plummet into the roiling tempest below.

Returning to Akureyri, you'll drive through town admiring the Danish-inspired architecture and the beautiful backdrop of Iceland's longest fjord. The fertility of the surrounding land may surprise you; however, this area boasts a warm microclimate that's highly conducive to plant growth. The finest venue to view the land's fecundity is at the Akureyri Public Parkland Botanical Garden, the world's most northern botanical garden.

Although the attraction formally opened in 1957, many of its gardens were started in the early 1900s, when they were part of a public park. The botanical garden contains thousands of colorful native and exotic species, including the white-flowered Fairy Flax, Mountain Crowberry and Yellow Rattle. After a relaxing tour of the gardens, you'll have a short panoramic drive through town before returning to the pier.