Godafoss and the Forest Lagoon

Two stops, one unforgettable geothermal unwind. In a single half-day from Akureyri, you’ll go from the roar of Goðafoss to the quiet heat of Forest Lagoon, with photo viewpoints and a guided drive in between. It’s a simple plan, but the contrast is the point, waterfall drama first, then a birch-and-pine spa reset.

I really like the small-group size (up to 19) because it makes the stops feel un-rushed, and you get help finding the best angles. I also like that the tour includes Forest Lagoon admission, so you’re not juggling extra tickets right when you want to relax.

One thing to consider is time tightness. At least one experience ran shorter than expected at Goðafoss and some parts of the route did not happen, and that can make you feel rushed. If you want extra time in the lagoon, double-check the return plan.

Key things I’d plan around

• Goðafoss in 90 minutes gives you breathing room for multiple viewpoints and photos before the next stop.
• A quick Akureyri fjord viewpoint at Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur is built for skyline-style photos across the water.
• Forest Lagoon is the main event, with 90 minutes and entry included, plus sauna and cold plunge options at the spa.
• Pickup works from both cruise ports in Akureyri, but you must match the right port and meeting point.
• Expect spending money on drinks once you’re at Forest Lagoon, since water and lunch are not included.

Goðafoss then Forest Lagoon: the smart “north Iceland reset”

This tour is designed for people who want maximum payoff without a full day of driving. You start at 10:00 am, and you’re back on a realistic schedule after about 4 hours. The core idea is straightforward: a world-famous waterfall, then a geothermal bath with fjord views.

Why it works: Goðafoss is a fast-moving, high-impact stop. Even if you’ve seen waterfalls before, the way it drops into that broad basin is hard to forget. Then Forest Lagoon switches gears. You go from wind and spray to warm water, saunas, and a place where you can actually slow down.

The value part is simple. You pay one price, you get a licensed guide or driver, and you get Forest Lagoon entry included. Goðafoss admission is free, so your money is mostly going toward transportation, guidance, and that spa time.

Goðafoss Waterfall: the 12-meter drop with a Christianity-era twist

Goðafoss is 12 meters high and about 30 meters wide. That scale matters because the waterfall doesn’t just look good from one spot. It fills the view, and you’ll naturally want to move around for different angles.

What makes this place more than a photo stop is the story tied to it. Around the year 1000, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. Part of the event was throwing statues of the old gods into this waterfall, which is why Goðafoss is nicknamed the Waterfall of the Gods.

You’ll get about 1 hour 30 minutes here. That’s a good amount of time for a waterfall, because you can:

• Find a viewing spot that matches your comfort with spray and wind
• Take photos without feeling like you’re watching the clock the whole time
• Browse and re-position if the light changes

A practical note from real-world experience: you might run into flies near outdoor attractions like this. If you’re sensitive to it, consider packing bug spray or a small light cover to protect your face and camera area.

Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur: a 30-minute fjord photo hit over Akureyri

Between the waterfall and the spa, you’ll stop at Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur. This is a short stop, about 30 minutes, but it’s the kind of photo break that makes a half-day tour feel complete.

The payoff is the view across the fjord toward Akureyri. Even if you only snap a few shots, this stop helps your brain “place” where you are in North Iceland. You go from waterfall geology to town geography, so the whole day clicks together.

Is it perfect for everyone? If you hate quick transfers and want nonstop time at one location, this kind of photo stop can feel like a brief pause. But in a 4-hour plan, it’s a strong use of time because you’re not paying extra and you’re getting context.

Akureyri drive-through: get your bearings fast

You’ll also get a short introduction to Akureyri town, including a drive through the town and key facts about its history. This is the kind of “orientation” stop that pays off later, even if you don’t plan to see museums or churches that day.

Think of it as mental navigation. Once you hear the quick context, street names and waterfront areas start to make sense. If you’re visiting on a cruise day, this drive can also help you connect what you see from the ship area to the town’s layout.

One tip: since it’s a drive-through, bring a phone with enough battery and be ready to glance up when the guide points out key spots. The best photos here are often the ones you catch in a single pass.

Forest Lagoon at Shogarbod Spa: birch, pine, and geothermal comfort

Forest Lagoon at Shogarbod Spa is where the tour turns into relaxation. You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and entry is included in your tour price.

The setting is part of the appeal. The spa sits near Eyjafjörður with views over one of Iceland’s longest fjords. You also get the forest feel, surrounded by birch and pine trees, which helps the whole experience feel more private and calmer than big open-air pools.

What you can expect inside is the geothermal spa mix. Guests have praised a large geothermal pool with options like a hot sauna and cold plunge. You’ll also find drinks available on-site, and people have mentioned cocktails as a highlight. The trade-off is cost: water and lunch aren’t included, and drinks are extra.

For first-timers, here’s how to make your 90 minutes feel longer:

• Change into swimwear early so you can get in quickly when you arrive
• Spend a few minutes floating before you decide where you like it best
• Use the sauna and cold plunge like a cycle, not as a rushed checklist
• Keep your phone and valuables secure, geothermal days can be busy and wet

One more practical consideration: this tour runs on a schedule. If you want extra soaking time, ask before you arrive if you can extend your stay and how getting back is handled. On at least one occasion, guests reported confusion about pickup timing at the lagoon, so being proactive protects your day.

Price and timing: why $222.28 can be a fair deal

The price is $222.28 per person for about 4 hours. For a half-day tour in Iceland, that’s not a bargain, but it can be good value because you’re paying for three things together: transportation, guide time, and Forest Lagoon entry.

What you’re not getting matters too. Bottled water and lunch are not included. You should budget for drinks inside the spa, and you may want a light snack before you go, especially if you’re coming from a cruise excursion where breakfast or lunch is complicated.

Arrival and weather also shape the experience. This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled for poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Pickup from cruise ships and hotels: the meeting point details actually matter

Pickup is offered, and you start at 10:00 am. If you’re cruising into Akureyri, you should provide the vessel name because there are multiple ports.

Tangabryggja Port meeting point: just outside the cruise ship area, you’ll see small wooden houses. Star Travel meets at house number 3.

Oddeyrarbryggja Port meeting point: right outside the ship, look for an Icewear shop. Next to it is the designated agent area where all tour agents wait. Star Travel will be there with a colleague in a bright yellow jacket.

If you’re staying in town, make sure you select the correct accommodation for pickup. Also keep the phone number you provide reachable, because updates can happen.

This matters because the day is short. If you miss the pickup window, you can lose your best chance to see both Goðafoss and the lagoon at the planned time.

The guide makes the day: small-group comfort and real humor

The tour includes a licensed guide or driver, and the overall vibe from past experiences is that they know how to keep things moving without making it feel like a race. People have specifically praised guides like Siggy, Krista, and Reynir for being smart, funny, and informative.

Even with a full van, you’re not packed into a giant bus. The group limit is 19, which is a sweet spot for Iceland day trips. You get enough people for energy, but not so many that you feel stuck waiting for the slowest bathroom break.

If you’re the type who wants photo help, this is a strong fit. Guests have mentioned guides taking them to good viewing spots and allowing time for what they want to see. That small flexibility can be the difference between feeling rushed and feeling satisfied.

One more sign of quality is how people describe the vehicle. Reports include comfortable, clean transport and drivers who feel safe behind the wheel. In North Iceland conditions can change fast, so safe driving is not a minor detail.

Should you book Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon?

Yes, if you want a half-day that mixes iconic nature with a true sit-down soak. This is especially good for:

• Cruise passengers who want a strong itinerary in limited time
• Couples and small groups who enjoy guided photos and smooth logistics
• People who prefer calm after dramatic sights, geothermal spa time is the payoff

I’d hesitate if you’re very sensitive to strict timing, because in the real world, a short stop can feel shorter if conditions change. If you care most about a full soak, plan to ask about return timing from the lagoon so you’re not left wondering what happens next.

If you book, do one thing that improves your day a lot: confirm you know your exact pickup meeting point for your port, and keep an eye on your phone for updates.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The tour starts at 10:00 am and runs for about 4 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

You get a licensed guide or driver and entry to the Forest Lagoon. Goðafoss admission is free.

Is bottled water or lunch provided?

No. Bottled water and lunch are not included.

Do you offer pickup in Akureyri?

Yes. Pickup is offered, including specific meeting points for Tangabryggja Port and Oddeyrarbryggja Port, and you should select the correct accommodation if you are staying in town.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 19 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.