Godafoss and the Forest Lagoon

Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon make a smart North Iceland pairing: one stop gives you rushing water and a slice of Icelandic history, while the other gives you warm geothermal water among birch and pine trees. I especially like the short four-hour format, which works well for a cruise day or a limited stay in Akureyri. I also like that the tour includes the Forest Lagoon entry fee, so the price is easier to judge up front.

The main point to check is the timing. The advertised waterfall visit is 1 hour 30 minutes, but some departures have allowed closer to 40 minutes. The promised viewpoint above Akureyri may also depend on the day’s schedule, and you should confirm whether your vehicle returns from Forest Lagoon or whether you will use the lagoon shuttle.

Key points at a glance

• Goðafoss is the star opening stop: See a 12-meter waterfall spread across roughly 30 meters, with a story tied to Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.
• Forest Lagoon is included: Your $222.28 price covers admission to the geothermal spa, along with a licensed guide and driver.
• Small groups keep the ride manageable: The vehicle holds no more than 19 people, and some departures have operated with only two guests.
• The schedule suits cruise passengers: Pickup is offered from Akureyri accommodations and from the Tangabryggja and Oddeyrarbryggja cruise ports.
• The return transfer needs attention: The tour description and actual arrangements have not always matched, so ask before you set off.
• You get two very different Iceland experiences: A dramatic waterfall and an easygoing hot-water stop, all in about four hours.

Why Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon Work Together

This outing succeeds because the two main stops have different moods. Goðafoss is open, noisy, and powerful. Forest Lagoon is quiet, warm, and made for slowing down. You get a little sightseeing, a little local history, and a proper soak without giving up a whole day.

The tour starts at 10:00 a.m. and is offered in English. Pickup is available, which makes this especially useful if you are staying in Akureyri or arriving by cruise ship. The maximum group size is 19, although some departures have been much smaller. That can make a real difference when you are trying to hear the guide or get in and out of the vehicle without fuss.

The cost is $222.28 per person. That is not a bargain-basement excursion, but Forest Lagoon admission is included, and transportation, driving, and guiding are bundled in. If you were planning to arrange a taxi or separate transfer to the spa, the package becomes more appealing. Drinks at the lagoon cost extra, and there is no lunch or bottled water included, so bring your own water and eat before the tour if needed.

Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods

Goðafoss is a fine first stop because it offers both spectacle and a clear story. The water drops about 12 meters across a broad 30-meter span. It is not Iceland’s tallest waterfall, but its width and curved shape make it easy to appreciate from the viewing areas.

The name means Waterfall of the Gods. Around the year 1000, Iceland formally adopted Christianity, and Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, a law speaker and religious leader, is said to have thrown statues of the old gods into the falls. That story gives the stop more weight than a quick photo break. You are looking at a natural site tied to one of the country’s major turning points.

Plan for wind, spray, and small flies near the water. One useful tip is to bring a light face covering or insect net if you are bothered by flying insects. The spray can also make your phone or camera slippery, so keep it secure, especially if you are moving close to the viewpoints.

The scheduled time is 1 hour 30 minutes, enough in theory to see more than one side and take photographs without rushing. In practice, at least one departure gave the waterfall about 40 minutes. That shorter visit still allowed time to see the falls, but not both sides at a relaxed pace. If Goðafoss is your main reason for booking, ask how much time is planned for your departure.

I like that the guide can help you find the best photo angles. Guides called Siggy, Ziggy, Krista, and Reynir have all been praised for being friendly, entertaining, or attentive. The exact guide varies, but the best version of this stop includes a little context and enough free time for you to look around rather than simply step out, snap one picture, and leave.

The Akureyri Viewpoint and Town Drive

The listed viewpoint, Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur, is intended to give you a high view over the fjord, Akureyri, and the surrounding mountains. It is a strong idea for a short tour because you see the town from above before or after driving through it.

This stop is planned for about 30 minutes and admission is free. It is also the part of the schedule most worth confirming. At least one departure did not include the viewpoint, while other small-group outings added extra high viewpoints and valley stops when time allowed. Weather, road conditions, and the pace at Goðafoss can affect the order and length of stops.

The drive through Akureyri provides a quick introduction to town history and local geography. Do not expect a full walking tour. You will be seeing Akureyri from the vehicle and picking up key facts as you go. That is enough to orient you, but if you want museums, cafés, or a closer look at the town center, leave time elsewhere in your schedule.

One past small departure included additional stops not listed as standard, including a high point over the town, a mountain tunnel rest area, and a valley with a lake and mountain views. Treat these as possible extras, not promised stops. The fixed value of the tour is Goðafoss, the town drive, and Forest Lagoon.

Forest Lagoon Beside Eyjafjörður

Forest Lagoon is the relaxing payoff. The spa sits among birch and pine trees with views toward Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. The setting feels different from a bare lava-field bathing site. You have trees around you, a broad fjord view, and a warm pool designed for lingering.

Your included 1 hour 30 minutes is enough for a proper soak rather than a quick dip. The facilities include a large geothermal pool, a sauna, and a cold plunge. Drinks are available, including cocktails, but they are not part of the tour price. Prices have been described as high by some customers, while others found the drinks reasonably priced, so budget for an extra purchase only if you want one.

The water temperature has been praised as comfortable, and the spa is described as clean, attractive, and well maintained. Spa-quality products and helpful staff add to the sense that this is a polished facility rather than a simple public swimming pool. The main pool, sauna, and cold plunge give you several ways to spend your time.

I would protect the full lagoon time if you can. Goðafoss is worth seeing, but the Forest Lagoon is where the schedule can feel most generous. It is a good match after a morning of driving, especially if you prefer a calm spa to a packed sightseeing list.

One practical warning matters here: confirm the return ride. The advertised experience includes pickup, but one departure dropped people at Forest Lagoon without bringing them back. The explanation given was that the lagoon shuttle could be used if people wanted to stay longer. That may work for some schedules, but it should be clear before you book, particularly if you need to return to a cruise ship.

Guides, Vehicles, and Group Size

The tour includes a licensed guide and driver, and the vehicle is limited to 19 people. That is small enough to keep the day more personal than a large coach excursion, though a full van will not feel private.

Guide quality is one of the stronger parts of the experience. Siggy has been described as excellent, Krista as smart, funny, and informative, and Reynir as enthusiastic and willing to keep a tour running even with only two people booked. A safe, careful driver and a clean, comfortable vehicle also matter on a four-hour outing with several stops.

The amount of commentary can vary. Some departures have received plenty of information and extra stops, while one person wanted more facts about Iceland during the drive. If you want a nonstop lecture, this may feel light. If you prefer a guide who gives useful background and then lets you enjoy the view, it may suit you well.

Small groups can also make the day more flexible. A guide may have more time to answer questions or suggest a better photo stop. Do not count on private-tour treatment, however. The group can still fill the van, and the fixed schedule may limit changes.

Cruise Pickup and Timing Details

Cruise passengers need to give the company the name of their ship because Akureyri has more than one port. At Tangabryggja, look for Star Travel at wooden house number 3 just outside the cruise area. At Oddeyrarbryggja, the meeting area is beside the Icewear shop, where you should look for a Star Travel sign or a staff member in a bright yellow jacket.

If you are staying in Akureyri, select the correct accommodation for pickup and keep the phone number in your booking reachable. These details are small, but they prevent the kind of confusion that can ruin a short excursion.

The 10:00 a.m. start works well for many cruise schedules, but you should compare it with your ship’s arrival and departure times. Allow room for disembarking, finding the correct port meeting point, and returning with time to spare. Since the Forest Lagoon return arrangement can vary, ask the operator exactly where and when the tour ends.

Who Gets the Best Value

I would choose this tour if you want the two most appealing add-ons from Akureyri without arranging separate transport. The mix suits first-time visitors who want a major waterfall, a brief look at town, and a geothermal spa in one outing.

It also fits cruise passengers who prefer a small vehicle to a big shore-excursion coach. The pickup instructions are specific, and the tour is short enough to leave some time for the port area before or after, assuming the return plan is confirmed.

You should think twice if you want a slow, detailed visit to Goðafoss. The waterfall time may be shorter than the advertised 90 minutes, and the viewpoint above Akureyri may not happen on every departure. You may also prefer a different outing if you need guaranteed transportation all the way back to your original pickup point.

Pack water, a swimsuit, a towel if the operator does not confirm one is supplied, and a secure case for your phone. The lagoon is a wet place, and one person lost a phone in the water. Wear shoes with a firm grip for the waterfall area, and consider an insect net if flies bother you.

Booking, Cancellation, and Final Verdict

The tour costs $222.28 per person and is commonly reserved well in advance, with an average booking lead time of about 70 days. That suggests you should not wait if your cruise date or Akureyri stay is fixed, particularly during a busy season.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Book this tour if you value convenience, a small-group vehicle, and the contrast between Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon. It gives you a well-chosen taste of North Iceland without using an entire day.

Before paying, confirm three things: the actual time at Goðafoss, whether Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur is included that day, and the exact return arrangement from the lagoon. If those details work for your schedule, the included spa admission and capable guiding make this a solid Akureyri outing. If you want a leisurely waterfall visit or a guaranteed round-trip transfer, choose a longer or more clearly structured tour instead.

FAQ

How long is the Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours. The planned time is about 1 hour 30 minutes at Goðafoss, 30 minutes at the Akureyri viewpoint, and 1 hour 30 minutes at Forest Lagoon, with driving time included in the overall schedule.

What is included in the price?

The price includes entry to Forest Lagoon and a licensed guide and driver. Bottled water and lunch are not included.

Is pickup available from Akureyri?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Akureyri accommodations and from specified cruise ports. You must select the correct accommodation and provide the name of your cruise ship if you are arriving by ship.

Which cruise ports does the tour serve?

Pickup instructions are provided for Tangabryggja Port and Oddeyrarbryggja Port. The meeting location differs at each port, so check the instructions for your vessel.

Is the Forest Lagoon admission included?

Yes. The Forest Lagoon entry fee is included in the tour price. Drinks and other personal purchases at the spa are extra.

Does the tour always include the viewpoint above Akureyri?

The tour description includes Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur as a 30-minute stop, but the stop has not occurred on every departure. Confirm the planned stops when booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. Weather or minimum-group cancellations may result in a new date, another experience, or a full refund.