Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour

Goðafoss is the star here, but the real appeal is the pairing: a powerful waterfall first, then a warm geothermal soak with views over Eyjafjörður. I like the sensible four-hour plan, which gives you two very different sides of North Iceland without trying to cram in half the region.

I also like the local guiding. Siggi, Ean, and other Akureyri-based guides have been praised for clear explanations, photo stops, and useful local detail. The small-group feel and newer minibus can make this more pleasant than a large cruise excursion. The main drawback is the pickup: port meeting points are not always easy to spot, and Forest Lagoon entry does not include towel hire.

Key points to know before booking

• Goðafoss is a short, memorable stop: See the 39-foot waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót River, with time to walk around and take photos.
• Forest Lagoon changes the pace: After sightseeing, you get a warm geothermal spa visit among birch and pine trees.
• Eyjafjörður provides the views: The route follows one of Iceland’s longest fjords, with views toward Akureyri and the water.
• Local guides add useful context: Guides such as Siggi and Ean explain the area, answer questions, and may add photo stops.
• Cruise timing shapes the tour: Pickup is arranged around Akureyri port calls, but you must identify the correct pier and ship.
• The price reflects convenience: At $203 per person, you are paying for port transport, an English guide, and Forest Lagoon admission, not a budget bus ride.

From Akureyri port along Eyjafjörður

The tour begins with pickup at Akureyri port, then follows the coast of Eyjafjörður. This is one of Iceland’s longest fjords, and the drive gives you a useful introduction to the area before the main stops.

I like this opening because it does not waste your limited port time on a long transfer with no sense of place. You get views over the fjord, Akureyri, and the surrounding countryside while your guide fills in the local picture. Guides from the area, including Siggi, have been especially good at pointing out details and explaining how the town fits into North Iceland.

The vehicle matters here. Several bookings have used a small minibus, and one group had only four people. That setup makes it easier to ask questions and hear the guide than it would be on a full-size coach. It also gives the outing a more personal feel, although group size can vary by departure.

Your pickup instructions depend on your ship. Akureyri has more than one cruise port, so give the operator your vessel name when booking. At Tangabryggja, look for several small wooden houses just outside the cruise area. Star Travel is at house number 3.

At Oddeyrarbryggja, go outside the ship toward the Icewear shop. Tour operators wait in the designated agent area nearby. The Star Travel team uses a sign, and staff may wear bright yellow jackets.

This is worth taking seriously. One person had trouble finding a clear sign and staff at the meeting point, while others found the guide promptly and easily. I would leave the ship with enough time to check both the meeting instructions and the exact pier. Keep your phone reachable in case the operator needs to send an update.

Goðafoss and the sound of falling water

Goðafoss means Waterfall of the Gods, and its broad, rushing drop makes the name feel appropriate. The waterfall is about 39 feet tall and lies on the Skjálfandafljót River. It is not Iceland’s highest waterfall, but its shape and volume make it one of the country’s most memorable stops.

The first sight is usually the strongest. Water pours over a curved rock edge in several sections, creating a wide wall of white spray. You can walk around the viewing area, change your angle, and look for different photo compositions rather than simply stepping off a bus for one quick picture.

Your guide should give you time to explore and ask questions. Guides such as Hogni and Siggi have made a point of allowing photo stops and explaining the waterfall and nearby area. That flexibility is important because the best view can depend on weather, light, and how crowded the viewing area feels.

Bring a waterproof layer. Even if the weather looks calm at the port, conditions can change during the drive, and spray near a waterfall is rarely kind to light clothing. Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably, since the stop involves moving between viewpoints rather than remaining beside the vehicle.

The time here is a strength, but the schedule still has limits. You are not getting a full day around Goðafoss or a long walk beside the river. This is a focused sightseeing visit designed to fit a cruise call. If you want extended hiking or a slower photography session, a private full-day trip would suit you better.

Forest Lagoon, with trees and fjord views

After Goðafoss, the route returns toward Akureyri and stops at Forest Lagoon. This geothermal spa is the relaxing half of the outing. The pools are heated by geothermal water, and the setting among birch and pine trees gives the place a different feel from a bare volcanic hot spring.

The view over Eyjafjörður is the detail that makes this stop more than a simple warm pool. You can sit in the water while looking toward the fjord and Akureyri, combining a classic Icelandic bathing experience with a wide view over the region.

This part of the tour works well after Goðafoss. The waterfall is active and outdoorsy, while the lagoon gives you time to slow down. One hour in the water can feel ample for a port excursion, especially when you still need to return to the ship or continue into town. Exact time can depend on the day’s traffic, pickup schedule, and group arrangements, so do not assume you have unlimited time.

Forest Lagoon entry is included in the price. Towel rental is not, so plan for that extra cost. Meals and drinks are also excluded. You should treat this as a spa visit, not a meal stop, and eat before the tour or arrange food separately if your schedule requires it.

The lagoon is also where the tour can split operationally. On one outing, part of the group stayed at Forest Lagoon while the guide took others to the botanical gardens, then returned for pickup. That option is not presented as a standard feature for every booking, so you should confirm arrangements if your group does not want the same activity. The main promise of this tour is the lagoon, and that is the stop to plan around.

What the $203 price really buys you

At $203 per person, this is not a low-cost sightseeing shuttle. The useful question is what you would have to arrange on your own. The price includes port pickup, an English-speaking guide, transport to Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon, and admission to the lagoon.

For a cruise passenger, that bundle has real value. You do not need to find a taxi, work out the route to the waterfall, purchase separate spa admission, or judge how much time to leave for the return to the ship. The guide also gives you local context and handles the timing.

The price is easier to justify if you want a relaxed day with two major stops. It is harder to justify if you only care about Goðafoss or plan to spend most of your port call walking around Akureyri. A simple waterfall transfer would likely offer less value, but this tour adds the spa experience and the convenience of a guided return.

There is also a useful comparison with cruise-line excursions. A booking on this tour has cost less than a similar cruise excursion while including the Forest Lagoon, according to one passenger’s direct experience. Prices can change, so compare the current cost before booking, but the independent operator may give you a better deal than the ship’s version.

Remember the extras. Towels are not included, and food and drinks are also on your own. Those are small costs compared with the tour price, but they matter if you are watching your port-day budget.

A local guide can make the short schedule work

The strongest part of this experience is not only the two attractions. It is the way a good guide uses the driving time. Siggi has been praised for being a native of Akureyri and for sharing local information. Ean was also described as friendly, informative, and waiting at the agreed meeting point with a sign bearing the passenger’s name.

That kind of attention helps on a port excursion. You are not just being transported between attractions. You can ask about Akureyri, the fjord, the waterfall, and the lagoon while the vehicle is moving. Guides have also added short viewing stops along the way when time allows.

There is no guarantee that every departure will feel identical. The group size, guide, traffic, weather, and ship schedule can affect the rhythm. Still, the repeated praise for the guides points to a genuine strength: Star Travel appears to rely on people who know the area and understand the pressure of a cruise timetable.

Who will enjoy this Akureyri tour most?

I would choose this tour if you want a clear taste of North Iceland without spending your whole port call in a vehicle. You get a major waterfall, a geothermal bath, fjord views, and a guide who can connect the places.

It suits couples, families, and small groups who like a mix of sightseeing and rest. It is also a good fit if you have already seen plenty of museums or town streets during your trip and want something outdoors.

The four-hour length is especially useful for cruise passengers. You get a substantial outing while keeping the day manageable. The operator also arranges pickup within Akureyri for people staying in town, provided the correct accommodation is selected.

I would hesitate if you dislike changing into swimwear, paying separately for a towel, or following a fixed port schedule. The tour is not designed for long independent walks, a full meal, or extended time at each stop. Anyone wanting a slower, more private day should consider arranging a private vehicle instead.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is important for many visitors. Since the specific arrangements can depend on the vehicle, port, and stop, contact the operator with any access questions before booking.

Practical details for a smoother outing

Book with your ship name and exact arrival port clearly entered. Akureyri uses Tangabryggja and Oddeyrarbryggja, and the meeting arrangements differ.

At Tangabryggja, go toward the small wooden houses and look for Star Travel at number 3. At Oddeyrarbryggja, head toward Icewear and the agent area, then look for the Star Travel sign or bright yellow jacket.

Keep your phone turned on and reachable. The operator may need to contact you about a change, and this is especially important when several ships or piers are active.

Wear layers and bring a waterproof outer shell. The route includes time outside at Goðafoss, where wind and spray can make conditions feel colder than they did at the port.

For the lagoon, bring a swimsuit and budget for towel rental. Since no meals or drinks are included, eat beforehand or plan food for after the tour. Some passengers have been dropped in Akureyri after the outing instead of returning directly to the ship, making it possible to walk back and explore, but confirm that option with your guide on the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability against your ship’s arrival and departure schedule.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if you want Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon in one efficient outing, especially from a cruise ship. The guide quality, smaller vehicle reports, port pickup, and included lagoon entry make the $203 price reasonable for convenience.

I would skip it if your priority is a long, independent visit to Akureyri, a full day at the waterfall, or a cheaper sightseeing option without spa admission. Before paying, confirm your port, check the pickup description, and remember the towel and food costs.

For most cruise passengers, this is a well-balanced way to use four hours in North Iceland: one dramatic natural stop, one warm and easygoing spa stop, and enough fjord scenery to make the drive part of the experience.

FAQ

How long is the Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

The tour lasts four hours.

Where does the tour pick up in Akureyri?

Pickup is available at Akureyri cruise ports. The exact meeting point depends on whether your ship uses Tangabryggja or Oddeyrarbryggja.

What should I do at Tangabryggja Port?

Go just outside the cruise ship area to the small wooden houses. Star Travel is at house number 3.

What should I do at Oddeyrarbryggja Port?

Walk outside the ship toward the Icewear shop. Tour operators wait in the designated agent area, where you should look for a Star Travel sign or a colleague wearing a bright yellow jacket.

Is the Forest Lagoon entrance included?

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

Is towel rental included?

No. Towel rental is an additional cost.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals and beverages are not included.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact the operator before booking if you need to confirm specific arrangements.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.