Godafoss and the Forest Lagoon

Goðafoss gives this half-day outing its drama, but Forest Lagoon gives it its easygoing finish. You’ll see a broad waterfall tied to one of Iceland’s key historical moments, then spend time in warm geothermal water among birch and pine trees with Eyjafjörður spread below.

I like the strong pairing of nature and relaxation. I also like the small-group format, which can make the ride feel personal, especially when guides such as Siggy, Krista, or Reynir are leading. The main consideration is time: the waterfall stop may feel short, and the advertised viewpoint above Akureyri may not always happen.

Key points to know before booking

• Goðafoss is wide rather than towering: The 12-meter drop stretches about 30 meters across, creating several useful photo angles.
• The Forest Lagoon is the main comfort stop: You get 90 minutes in the geothermal spa, with access included in the tour price.
• The tour is built for a half-day schedule: The outing lasts about four hours and starts at 10:00 a.m.
• Small groups can mean better guiding: The vehicle holds no more than 19 people, and some departures have had only two or three participants.
• Cruise pickup needs careful attention: Akureyri has more than one port, so you must provide your ship name and choose the correct pickup point.
• Bring protection for tiny flies: The area around Goðafoss can have small insects, especially when you are standing near the water.

Goðafoss, where Iceland changed direction

The first major stop is Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. It is not Iceland’s tallest waterfall, but its shape makes a strong first impression. Water pours over a low, broad ledge, dropping about 12 meters across a span of roughly 30 meters.

I like the way this waterfall rewards a short visit. You do not need a long hike or special equipment to appreciate it. You can move between viewpoints, watch the water break into several channels, and frame the falls against the surrounding rock and open country.

The name carries more weight than a simple scenic label. Around the year 1000, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði helped settle Iceland’s religious dispute by making Christianity the official faith. According to the story, he threw statues of the old Norse gods into the waterfall. That gives the stop a useful piece of context, especially if your guide explains the decision while you are looking at the water.

The scheduled time here is about 90 minutes, though the actual stop has not always felt that long. You may have only 40 minutes at the falls, so keep that in mind if you want to see both sides, browse the small shops, and take your time with photographs.

I would use the first few minutes to get your bearings and take the obvious pictures. Then ask your guide which side offers the best angle that day. Conditions, access, and the group schedule can affect how much ground you cover.

The falls are beautiful, but the setting can have small flies. If you are sensitive to insects, pack a light face covering or net. One useful feature of a guided stop is that you can spend less time figuring out where to go and more time enjoying the view.

The Akureyri introduction and the fjord overlook

The drive includes a short introduction to Akureyri. You will pass through town and hear basic facts about its history. This is not a full city tour, so you should think of it as an orientation rather than a detailed walking visit.

That brief introduction still has value. Akureyri is your base for the outing, and seeing the town from the vehicle helps you understand where the cruise ports, lodging, and surrounding roads fit together. If you have only one day in the area, this quick overview gives you a little local context without taking time away from Goðafoss and the spa.

The planned viewpoint, Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur, offers a look across the fjord toward Akureyri. It is the kind of stop that can turn a simple transfer into a useful photo pause. From higher ground, you may get a broader view of Eyjafjörður and the town below.

Here is the important practical detail: the viewpoint has not been included on every departure. One departure skipped it, while some guides added other scenic stops when the group was small. That means you should treat this part as a possible bonus, not the central reason to book.

If the viewpoint is operating as planned, you will have about 30 minutes there. That is enough for photographs and a quick look around. If the route changes, the guide may use the time differently or continue toward Forest Lagoon.

Forest Lagoon is the tour’s best reward

After Goðafoss, the day shifts from sightseeing to rest. Forest Lagoon sits among birch and pine trees, with views toward Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. The setting feels different from a simple public pool because the trees and fjord give the bathing area a stronger sense of place.

Your entry fee is included, and the scheduled stay is about 90 minutes. That is enough time to get changed, spend a proper stretch in the warm water, and try some of the other facilities without turning the stop into a rushed photo visit.

The geothermal pool is the main attraction. You can expect warm water, outdoor views, and the chance to slow down after the colder, more exposed waterfall stop. The facility also has a hot sauna and a cold plunge, giving you more than one way to use your time.

Drinks are available, including cocktails. They are an extra cost, and prices can be high, so check before ordering if you are watching your budget. The spa itself is included in the $222.28 tour price, but food, bottled water, and drinks are not.

I like the contrast here. Goðafoss asks you to walk, look, and take pictures. Forest Lagoon asks you to sit still. That makes the pairing work well, particularly if you have spent the morning on a ship or have more driving planned later.

The lagoon can also be busy, even though it may feel calmer than larger Icelandic geothermal spas. You should not expect complete solitude. Still, the trees, clean facilities, warm water, and fjord view give it a peaceful feel that many people prefer to the more famous Blue Lagoon near Reykjavík.

One practical warning deserves attention. The standard tour description can leave some confusion about the return from the lagoon. The spa has a shuttle option for people who want more time there, but you should confirm your return arrangement with the guide before you leave the vehicle. Do not assume that being dropped off means the same transport will automatically wait for you.

How the four-hour schedule works

The tour begins at 10:00 a.m. and lasts about four hours. In broad terms, you will spend the first part on the road and at Goðafoss, have a short Akureyri or fjord viewing segment, and finish with about 90 minutes at Forest Lagoon.

That timing makes this a useful choice for a half-day in Akureyri. You get two major sights without committing the whole day to a long excursion. The tradeoff is that the schedule has little spare room. A late departure, slow loading, weather issue, or longer waterfall stop can reduce time elsewhere.

You should wear shoes that are comfortable for standing and walking near the falls. Pack a swimsuit and whatever you need for the spa. Bottled water is not included, so bring your own if you prefer not to buy one during the day.

The vehicle has been described as clean and comfortable, and the maximum group size is 19. That is small enough for a more direct exchange with the guide, though a full van will naturally feel less flexible than a nearly private departure.

The guide can make a real difference. Siggy has been praised for his friendly approach, while Krista has been described as smart, funny, and informative. Reynir has also led very small departures and added extra scenic stops when the schedule and group size allowed. The level of commentary can vary, so if you want more information about Iceland during the drive, ask questions early.

Is the $222.28 price fair?

At $222.28 per person, this is not a bargain-priced transfer. It is a guided outing with spa admission, transportation, and pickup, so the price needs to be compared with the cost and effort of arranging those pieces separately.

The value is strongest if you want an easy day with no need to rent a car, navigate unfamiliar roads, or arrange Forest Lagoon entry on your own. The included admission matters because the spa is the main paid attraction, and the guide adds structure to the waterfall visit.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a ride to Goðafoss or prefer to spend several hours at the spa. The waterfall stop may feel too brief for serious photographers, and the standard tour does not include lunch or drinks.

I would also consider the value in relation to your port schedule. If you are arriving by cruise ship, pickup near the terminal saves time and reduces stress. If you are staying in Akureyri, hotel pickup can make the day simple, but you need to select the correct accommodation when booking.

A small group improves the price equation. On some days, the outing has operated with only two people, giving the guide room to adjust stops and answer questions. You cannot count on a private experience, but the group limit of 19 keeps the trip more manageable than a large coach tour.

Cruise pickup requires a close look

Akureyri has multiple cruise ports, and this is the most important booking detail for ship passengers. At Tangabryggja Port, Star Travel meets you at house number 3, just outside the cruise ship area.

At Oddeyrarbryggja Port, look for the Icewear shop and the designated agent area beside it. The local representative will have a Star Travel sign, and staff may wear a bright yellow jacket.

Provide the name of your vessel when you book. Make sure the phone number on your reservation can receive calls or messages, since the operator may need to contact you about a change.

If you are staying in town, double-check the selected accommodation. A wrong pickup location can create an avoidable problem on a tour with a tight four-hour schedule.

The experience is offered in English and comes with a licensed guide and driver. Confirmation is sent at booking. Most people can take part, but no specific accessibility details are provided, so you should ask the operator directly if you have mobility concerns.

Weather, cancellations, and who should choose it

I would choose this outing if you want a clear mix of scenery and comfort. It suits you especially well if you have one free morning in Akureyri, want to see Goðafoss, and would rather relax in a geothermal spa than fill the entire day with stops.

It also suits cruise passengers who want a guided outing close to the port. The pickup instructions are detailed, and a small vehicle is easier to manage than a large coach when you are working around a ship schedule.

You may want another option if your top priority is a long visit at Goðafoss, a full tour of Akureyri, or a guaranteed high-country viewpoint. You should also think twice if you dislike fixed schedules or want to stay at the lagoon well beyond 90 minutes.

The tour depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels it, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum group size is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 10:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

I would book this tour for a balanced Akureyri day, not for an exhaustive sightseeing program. Goðafoss delivers the memorable view, while Forest Lagoon gives you a warm, clean, comfortable place to unwind afterward.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the included spa entry, convenient pickup, English-speaking guide, and possibility of a very small group. The main cautions are the price, the limited time at the waterfall, and the need to confirm the lagoon return plan.

If those tradeoffs fit your plans, this is a smart way to combine North Iceland’s scenery with a proper break. Bring a swimsuit, protect yourself from small flies near the falls, keep your phone secure around the water, and ask your guide about the viewpoint before the vehicle leaves town.

FAQ

How long does the Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours. It starts at 10:00 a.m. and includes Goðafoss, a short Akureyri introduction, a possible fjord viewpoint stop, and about 90 minutes at Forest Lagoon.

Is Forest Lagoon entry included?

Yes. The Forest Lagoon admission fee is included in the tour price. Bottled water, lunch, and drinks are not included.

How large is the tour group?

The maximum group size is 19 people. Some departures may be much smaller, depending on bookings.

Where do cruise passengers meet the tour?

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

Is the viewpoint above Akureyri guaranteed?

The listed viewpoint is Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur, but it may not occur on every departure. The route can vary, so you should confirm the stop with your guide.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If weather or insufficient participation cancels the tour, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.