Godafoss and the Forest Lagoon

Goðafoss is the star here, but the best part of this outing is the contrast: a powerful waterfall first, then a warm geothermal soak overlooking Eyjafjörður. You get two of North Iceland’s finest pleasures in one half-day, without spending all day in a vehicle.

I like the small-group format, with no more than 19 people, and I like that guides such as Siggy, Krista, and Reynir have made the day feel personal even when only two people booked. The main thing to watch is timing at Goðafoss and the return from Forest Lagoon, since one itinerary left a guest to arrange the ride back using the lagoon shuttle.

Key points to know before booking

• Goðafoss gives you about 90 minutes on paper: The waterfall is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, with more than one viewpoint to explore.
• Forest Lagoon is the relaxing finish: You get about 90 minutes in the geothermal spa, with a sauna, cold plunge, drinks, and views toward Eyjafjörður.
• Akureyri adds a short town introduction: The drive includes basic facts about the town and a planned viewpoint above it.
• Small groups make a difference: The vehicle holds a maximum of 19 people, and the tour may run with only two or a few passengers.
• Cruise pickup needs care: Akureyri has more than one port, so give the company your ship name and confirm the exact meeting point.
• The price includes the spa entry: At $222.28 per person, the value depends largely on how much you want a guided outing and a thermal bath in one package.

Why this waterfall-and-spa combination works

Many North Iceland outings ask you to choose between scenery and rest. This one puts both into a compact four-hour plan. You begin with Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, then finish at Forest Lagoon, where the pace slows to a warm soak and a view of the fjord.

That order makes sense. Goðafoss is an active sightseeing stop, with walking and photography. Forest Lagoon is the part where you stop checking the clock, at least for a while. I especially like this pairing for a port day, when you want a real taste of the region without committing to an exhausting full-day excursion.

The tour costs $222.28 per person. That is not a bargain basement price, but the Forest Lagoon entrance is included, along with a licensed guide and driver. A separate visit to the spa would still require transport, admission, and your own planning. If you already have a car and only want to see the waterfall, the price will feel high. If you need an organized half-day from Akureyri, the package is easier to justify.

Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods

Goðafoss means Waterfall of the Gods, a name tied to an important moment in Icelandic history. Around the year 1000, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði supported making Christianity the official religion of Iceland. According to the well-known story, he then threw his pagan statues into the waterfall.

The story gives the stop a little more weight than a quick photo break. You are not only looking at falling water. You are looking at a place tied to Iceland’s change of faith and identity.

The falls drop about 12 meters across a broad span of roughly 30 meters. They are not Iceland’s tallest waterfall, but their width and shape make them highly photogenic. Water pours over a curved rock shelf, creating several possible angles for photographs.

The planned stop is listed as 90 minutes, which should give you time to walk, take pictures, and look at the falls from more than one side. In practice, timing can vary. One account described only about 40 minutes at the waterfall, with no time for the other side. That is worth taking seriously if you want a slow visit or hope to photograph every viewpoint.

I would ask your guide at the start how long you will have at Goðafoss and which viewpoints are planned. Wear shoes that can handle wet or uneven ground, and keep a rain layer close. Icelandic weather can change quickly, even during a short stop. Small flies can also be annoying near the falls at times, so a head net may be useful if you are sensitive to insects.

The waterfall admission is free. Your payment here is for transport, guiding, and the chance to combine Goðafoss with the spa without arranging the day yourself.

A high viewpoint over Akureyri

The tour also lists Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur, a viewpoint above the town. From there, you can look across the fjord toward Akureyri and take a wide photo of the town and surrounding mountains.

This is a short stop, listed at about 30 minutes. It helps you understand Akureyri’s setting better than a drive through the streets alone. The town sits beside Eyjafjörður, and seeing it from above gives you a useful sense of its position along the water.

There is one important qualification: the viewpoint was not included on at least one outing. If it matters to you, confirm that it is operating on your date rather than assuming every departure follows every listed stop. Weather, traffic, and the guide’s timing may affect the route.

The drive through Akureyri includes a brief introduction to the town and some key facts about its past. Do not expect a long walking tour or a museum visit. This is a quick orientation from the vehicle, useful if Akureyri is your base for only a day or if you are arriving by ship.

Some guides have added extra stops when time and group size allowed. Reynir, for example, has taken a very small group to additional viewpoints and unusual roadside places. Those extras should be treated as a pleasant possibility, not a promise. The written plan is still the best guide to what you are paying for.

Forest Lagoon among the trees

Forest Lagoon is the payoff for the sightseeing portion. The spa is surrounded by birch and pine trees, with views toward Eyjafjörður. Its setting feels different from Iceland’s more open geothermal bathing sites, where the eye runs across lava fields or bare ground.

You have about 90 minutes here, and admission is included. That is enough time for a proper soak rather than a rushed dip. The main pool is warm, and the spa also offers a sauna and cold plunge. Drinks are available, including cocktails, but they cost extra. Bring that detail into your budget, since spa drinks can add up quickly.

The facilities have been described as clean, with helpful staff and spa-quality products. The water temperature has also been praised as comfortable. The atmosphere can still be busy, so do not book this expecting private bathing. The appeal is the setting, the warm water, and the easy chance to rest after Goðafoss.

I like the spa as the final stop because it gives the afternoon a clear finish. After standing near a waterfall and riding through Akureyri, you can sit in warm water, look toward the fjord, and let the day slow down. The experience is especially well suited to you if relaxation matters as much as sightseeing.

Use care with your belongings around the pools. One person lost a phone to the water, along with photos from the day. Waterproof storage is a simple precaution.

Transport, pickup, and the return question

Pickup is offered from Akureyri accommodations and cruise ports, but you need to choose the correct location. Cruise ships may use Tangabryggja Port or Oddeyrarbryggja Port.

At Tangabryggja, look for the small wooden houses just outside the cruise area. Star Travel is at house number 3. At Oddeyrarbryggja, look for the Icewear shop and the designated agent area beside it. The company says to look for a Star Travel sign and a staff member in a bright yellow jacket.

Give the company your ship name when booking. This is not a minor detail, since the ports are different. Also provide a phone number that will work in Iceland in case the pickup plan changes.

The vehicles have been described as clean and comfortable. The maximum group size is 19, though departures may be much smaller. A small group can make it easier to ask questions or adjust a photo stop. It also explains why some outings feel almost private.

The return transfer deserves a clear question before you pay. One account described being dropped at Forest Lagoon without a ride back to the ship or town, with the option of using the lagoon shuttle instead. The company’s response said the lagoon shuttle can be used if you want to stay longer. That means you should confirm exactly what is included on your departure: Does the vehicle wait, return at a set time, or leave you to use a shuttle or taxi?

For a cruise day, this point matters a great deal. You should know the return plan, the expected arrival time, and whether you have enough margin before sailing. The tour is only about four hours, but a small change in transport can affect your whole day.

Guides and the feel of a small group

The guide can shape this experience as much as the waterfall or spa. Siggy, also spelled Ziggy in one account, has been praised for being entertaining and informative. Krista has been described as smart, funny, and helpful with local information. Reynir has led very small departures and shown strong attention to the people in his vehicle.

The guiding style seems to lean personal rather than formal. You might receive extra context on the drive, or you might find the commentary lighter, depending on the person leading the trip. One person wanted more information about Iceland during the drive, so if detailed narration is important to you, ask questions rather than waiting for a lecture.

I would choose this tour if you prefer a guide handling the roads, timing, and admissions. I would skip it in favor of a rental car if you want to linger wherever you like, visit both sides of Goðafoss at your own pace, or spend several hours at Forest Lagoon.

Is $222.28 good value?

The price includes three useful things: transportation, a licensed guide and driver, and entry to Forest Lagoon. The free waterfall does not carry an admission charge, but reaching it from Akureyri still takes time and a vehicle.

The strongest value comes when you want both stops. Paying separately for a spa visit and arranging transport can be inconvenient, especially if you are arriving by cruise ship. The price also becomes easier to accept when the group is small and the guide adds extra viewpoints.

The value is weaker if the day is shortened at Goðafoss, the viewpoint is skipped, or the return from the lagoon is unclear. I would not treat the listed 90-minute waterfall stop as guaranteed until the guide confirms it. You are paying for the complete combination, so the details of timing matter.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the required minimum group size can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this Akureyri outing?

This is a good match for you if:

• You have about four hours in Akureyri.
• You want a famous waterfall and a geothermal spa in one outing.
• You prefer a guide and vehicle to driving yourself.
• You are visiting by cruise ship and want a planned shore excursion.
• You like small groups and may appreciate a flexible guide.
• You want a calm finish rather than another demanding sightseeing stop.

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed long visit at every stop, want a detailed walking tour of Akureyri, or dislike uncertainty about the return transfer. It is also not the right choice if you only want Goðafoss, since you will be paying for a spa visit and organized transport you may not use.

Should you book Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon?

I would book this tour for a compact North Iceland day that mixes scenery with comfort. Goðafoss supplies the drama, and Forest Lagoon supplies the calm. That is a strong combination, especially when you are based in Akureyri for a short time.

Before booking, send the company your accommodation or ship details, confirm the pickup port, and ask how the return from Forest Lagoon works on your date. Also ask how much time is planned at Goðafoss and whether Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur will be included.

If those details are clear, $222.28 can be fair value for the transport, guide, small-group setting, and included spa admission. If your priority is complete independence, arrange the stops yourself. For most people seeking an easy half-day with one major natural sight and one excellent soak, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

How long does the Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours. The listed time includes about 90 minutes at Goðafoss, 30 minutes at Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur, and 90 minutes at Forest Lagoon, along with the driving and Akureyri introduction.

What is included in the tour price?

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

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $222.28 per person.

Is pickup available in Akureyri?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Akureyri accommodations and cruise ports, but you must select the correct accommodation or provide your ship name and port details.

Where do cruise passengers meet the tour?

At Tangabryggja Port, meet at Star Travel’s house number 3 among the small wooden houses outside the cruise area. At Oddeyrarbryggja Port, meet near the Icewear shop in the designated agent area and look for the Star Travel sign or a staff member in a bright yellow jacket.

Is Forest Lagoon admission included?

Yes. Entry to Forest Lagoon is included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and bottled water is also not provided.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 19 participants. Some departures may have only a few people or even two participants.

Can I cancel the tour for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes the company to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund.