Godafoss and the Forest Lagoon

Goðafoss is the star here, but the real pleasure is the contrast: a powerful waterfall first, then a warm geothermal pool surrounded by trees. I like the small maximum group of 19 and the fact that licensed guides such as Siggy, Krista, and Reynir can add extra local stops when time and group size allow.

I also like the practical mix of included transportation, guiding, and Forest Lagoon admission for $222.28 per person. The main caution is timing. Some departures have allowed only about 40 minutes at Goðafoss, and the advertised viewpoint stop or return transfer may not always unfold exactly as expected.

Key points to know before booking

• Goðafoss delivers the biggest visual payoff: You get about 90 minutes scheduled at the waterfall, though the actual time may be shorter on some departures.
• The Forest Lagoon is the relaxing finish: Your 90-minute entry includes access to a polished geothermal spa with fjord views, sauna, cold plunge, drinks, and changing facilities.
• Pickup matters in Akureyri: Cruise passengers must identify the correct port, since Tangabryggja and Oddeyrarbryggja use different meeting instructions.
• Small groups can improve the day: The van holds no more than 19 people, and very small departures may allow for flexible photo stops.
• The tour includes more than the two headline stops: You may receive a short drive through Akureyri and a pause at Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur, a viewpoint over the fjord and town.
• Plan for extras: Lunch and bottled water are not included, and drinks at the lagoon can be expensive.

Why this four-hour outing works so well

This is a tidy North Iceland sampler. In roughly four hours, you see one of the country’s important waterfalls, get a quick look at Akureyri, stop for a broad view over Eyjafjörður, and finish in hot geothermal water.

That combination matters. Goðafoss gives you open air, spray, sound, and Icelandic history. The Forest Lagoon gives you warmth, quiet, and time to slow down. You are not spending the whole day in a vehicle, and you do not need to arrange separate admission or transportation to the spa.

The price is $222.28 per person. That is not a bargain-basement outing, but it includes the lagoon entry, a licensed guide and driver, pickup, and transportation between several stops. If you were planning to visit the waterfall and spa independently, the package can be sensible, especially if you are in Akureyri for only a short time.

The value depends heavily on how much time you actually receive at each stop. A well-paced departure feels like a good use of half a day. A rushed departure, particularly at Goðafoss, can feel less satisfying.

Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods

Goðafoss falls about 12 meters over a width of roughly 30 meters. It is not Iceland’s tallest waterfall, but its broad, curved shape gives it plenty of visual force. Water pours over the ledge in several sections, creating a wide wall of white water that photographs well from different angles.

The name means Waterfall of the Gods. In the year 1000, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði helped make Christianity the official religion of Iceland. According to the well-known story, he then threw statues of the old gods into the waterfall. That small piece of context gives the stop more weight than a quick photo break.

You are scheduled to have about 90 minutes here. That should be enough to walk to viewpoints, take pictures, and watch the water without hurrying. Still, the schedule seems to vary. One account describes only 40 minutes at the falls, which is enough for a quick look but not enough to explore both sides comfortably.

That is the first thing I would clarify before booking: How long will this departure actually stop at Goðafoss? The waterfall area has more than one useful viewing side, and a short stop may force you to choose. If you care most about the falls, stay close to the guide and keep your walking efficient.

Small flies can also be bothersome around the waterfall. A head net may be useful in the right season. It is not a glamorous souvenir, but it can make the stop more pleasant.

The Akureyri viewpoint and short town introduction

Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur is intended as a brief scenic stop. From here, you can look across the fjord toward Akureyri and take the classic wide photo of town, water, and surrounding mountains.

The scheduled time is 30 minutes. That is a good length for a viewpoint. You can step out, get your bearings, take photographs, and return to the van without turning the stop into a long walk.

There is one important qualification: this stop has not happened on every departure. If this viewpoint is a priority, ask about it when you meet the guide. Conditions, timing, and the needs of the group can affect the route.

The drive also includes a short introduction to Akureyri. You pass through town while hearing a few key facts about its past and character. Do not expect a full walking tour or a detailed city visit. Think of it as a useful orientation, especially if you are seeing Akureyri for the first time.

On very small departures, the guide may add stops beyond the published route. Reynir, for example, has taken a pair of visitors to extra viewpoints, a mountain tunnel area, and a valley with a lake and mountain scenery. You should treat these additions as possible bonuses, not guaranteed parts of the tour.

Forest Lagoon, the warm finish

After the outdoor stops, the tour heads to the Forest Lagoon, also known as Skógarböð. The spa is surrounded by birch and pine trees, with views toward Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. That setting gives it a different feel from a large, open-air pool with little shelter.

Your entry is included, and the scheduled spa time is 90 minutes. That is enough for a proper soak rather than a rushed dip. The geothermal pool is large, and the facility also offers a sauna and cold plunge. Drinks are available, including cocktails, though prices can be high.

The water temperature has been described as comfortable, and the facility is clean and well maintained. Spa products, helpful staff, and a pleasant setting add to the sense that this is more than a basic municipal swimming pool.

The Forest Lagoon is the strongest reason to choose this particular outing over a waterfall-only tour. It turns a sightseeing trip into a day with a clear rhythm: see something dramatic, then relax. If you have spent several days walking around Iceland in cold or wet weather, the hot water can feel especially welcome.

You do need to pay attention to the return plan. On at least one departure, the group was left at the lagoon without a direct pickup, with a shuttle available for the return. Ask the operator or guide whether your transport back to Akureyri is included, and how the return works, before you enter the water. It is much easier to settle in once you know how you are getting back.

Also protect your phone. One person lost a phone to the water at the lagoon, along with photographs from the day. Use a locker or another safe place for electronics rather than carrying them into the pool.

Guides, vehicles, and group size

The tour is offered in English with a licensed guide and driver. Names associated with the outings include Siggy, Krista, and Reynir. The guiding style can vary by person, but the strongest reports describe guides who are funny, informative, careful behind the wheel, and willing to answer questions.

Krista has been praised for mixing humor with useful information. Siggy has been singled out for making a small-group day enjoyable. Reynir has run the tour even when only two people were booked and has added scenic stops when the schedule allowed.

The maximum group size is 19. That is small enough to feel more personal than a large coach tour, though a full van will naturally feel less flexible than a two-person departure. The vehicle has been described as clean and comfortable.

The tradeoff is that the tour is not built around a fixed private itinerary. If the van is full, the guide has to balance photography, walking time, spa time, and the return schedule for everyone. If you want complete control over each stop, a private vehicle would be a better fit, but it would likely cost much more.

What the $222.28 price really buys

At $222.28, you are paying for convenience as much as sightseeing. The cost covers:

• Pickup in Akureyri
• A licensed guide and driver
• Transportation between stops
• Entry to the Forest Lagoon
• An English-language tour

You still need to arrange your own lunch and bottled water. Bring water with you, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors before the geothermal soak. Food is not listed as part of the experience, so eat before departure or carry something suitable.

Lagoon drinks cost extra, and prices may feel steep. If you want the spa experience without adding much to the bill, skip the cocktail and enjoy the pool, sauna, and cold plunge instead.

The tour is also useful for cruise passengers who do not want to rent a car or navigate unfamiliar roads on a tight port schedule. Pickup instructions are specific because Akureyri has more than one cruise port. At Tangabryggja, Star Travel meets near the small wooden houses at house number 3. At Oddeyrarbryggja, look near the Icewear shop and the agent area for a Star Travel sign or a staff member in a bright yellow jacket.

Give the operator your ship name and a phone number that works during the tour. If you are staying in town, select the correct accommodation for pickup.

Who should book this tour

I would choose this outing if you want two very different Iceland experiences without spending a full day on the road. It suits cruise passengers, first-time visitors to Akureyri, couples, and anyone who likes a scenic stop followed by a spa.

It is also a good choice if you prefer a small group and want a guide to handle driving. The English-language format keeps the day simple, while the short town introduction adds context without turning the tour into a long city program.

You may want something else if Goðafoss is your main purpose and you want a long, unhurried walk around both sides of the falls. The variable timing is the biggest weakness. You may also be disappointed if you expect every listed viewpoint and an automatic direct ride back from the lagoon.

The tour requires reasonably good weather. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of people is not reached, the operator offers another date or experience, or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Should you book Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon?

Book it if you want an efficient half-day with a strong visual stop and a genuinely relaxing finish. The waterfall is impressive, the lagoon is clean and comfortable, and the small-group format can produce a friendly, personal outing.

Before paying, confirm three details: the actual time at Goðafoss, whether Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur is included on your departure, and exactly how the return from the Forest Lagoon works. With those points clear, the tour offers a useful balance of scenery, local orientation, and geothermal relaxation for a busy day in Akureyri.

FAQ

How long is the Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours. The planned schedule gives about 90 minutes at Goðafoss, 30 minutes at Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur, and 90 minutes at the Forest Lagoon, with driving and the Akureyri introduction included.

Is Forest Lagoon admission included?

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

Is pickup available in Akureyri?

Yes, pickup is offered. Cruise passengers must provide the name of their ship because Akureyri has multiple cruise ports. People staying in town should select the correct accommodation for pickup.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes Forest Lagoon entry, transportation, pickup, and a licensed guide and driver. The tour is offered in English.

Are lunch and bottled water included?

No. Lunch and bottled water are not included, so you should plan to bring or purchase your own food and water.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 19 people. Some departures may be much smaller.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund.