Godafoss and the Forest Lagoon

A waterfall with a Viking-era story, then a warm geothermal soak in a birch and pine forest, makes this Akureyri day feel like two different worlds. You move from sharp, dramatic Iceland scenery to slow, steamy relaxation in about four hours.

I especially like the chance to get direct time at Goðafoss and the payoff of ending at Forest Lagoon, where the setting feels tucked in rather than industrial. I also like that the tour includes the Forest Lagoon entry and a licensed guide/driver, so you are not trying to figure out timing on your own.

The main consideration is that the day is weather dependent, and the schedule can tighten if conditions are rough. Also, one stop (the viewpoint) was skipped for at least one group in the past, so if you want every planned photo stop, bring a little flexibility into your plans.

Key highlights you will feel in real time

• Goðafoss first, with a classic waterfall view plus a quick history hook about Iceland’s conversion around the year 1000
• Photo-first viewpoint at Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur for a fjord-and-town angle
• Forest Lagoon in a forest setting, overlooking Eyjafjörður, with hot pools and relaxation time included
• Small group size (max 19), and in practice it can feel extra personal when fewer people book
• Real guide energy, with named examples like Siggy, Krista, and Reynir showing up in top-rated experiences

Why this combo works in Akureyri (waterfall drama, then geothermal calm)

This tour is interesting because it gives you a full arc. You start with a major waterfall you can see immediately, then you spend the last stretch easing into heat at Forest Lagoon. It is a smart format if you only have a short window in Akureyri and you want big scenery plus a proper recovery moment.

I like that it is not just drive-by sightseeing. You get time at each key moment, and the guide is there to help you hit the best viewing spots without rushing you into the next bus stop.

You also get the practical benefit of a set route. With pickup offered and a planned flow, you can stop thinking about logistics and start thinking about what to wear and where you want your photos.

First stop: Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods and practical photo tips

Goðafoss is the kind of waterfall that makes you stop talking. Water drops about 12 meters from a ledge, stretching roughly 30 meters across, so you get a wide view without needing hiking boots or complicated planning.

There is also a story attached to the waterfall, which helps the visit feel more than just scenic. The legend ties to the year 1000, when Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði helped make Christianity official in Iceland and then threw statues of the old gods into the waterfall. That context makes it easier to remember what you saw, even when the mist starts to get your lens wet.

Time matters here. The plan includes about 1 hour 30 minutes, but at least one group reported around 40 minutes at the falls. So I would treat Goðafoss as your priority, and if you arrive craving photos, you will do best if you come ready for changing light and spray.

Things to pack for Goðafoss

Cold mist is real at waterfalls, even when the day looks calm. Bring a waterproof layer, and consider a lens cloth or small towel.

Also, bring something for bugs if you are sensitive. One review called out flies being annoying at the falls, and another noted some people used netting.

Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur viewpoint for fjord-and-town photos

After Goðafoss, you head to Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur for a quick viewpoint stop. The payoff is a look over the fjord toward Akureyri, which is exactly the kind of angle that makes a North Iceland trip feel real.

This stop is listed as about 30 minutes. That is short, but it is enough time to grab photos and stretch your legs, especially if the weather is cooperating.

A note of realism: one review said this stop did not happen on their day, and the overall tour did not match the description. That does not mean it will happen to you, but it does mean you should plan your must-do photos at Goðafoss first.

If the viewpoint is included on your date, go early in the window. Fjord light can shift quickly, and the best spots can fill in.

Akureyri town drive, your quick orientation shortcut

The route also includes a short introduction to Akureyri town, mostly by driving through. This part is not about chasing monuments on foot. It is about helping you get your bearings fast, so later, when you wander on your own, you understand where you are.

Even a short orientation can help. Akureyri is easy to enjoy when you can place the hills, the water, and the way the town sits around the fjord.

Because this is a drive-by intro, it is also a good use of time when weather or wind makes long walks less fun. You still get context without losing half your day outside in the elements.

Forest Lagoon geothermal spa: what makes it better than a one-note soak

Forest Lagoon is the main relaxation win. It sits in a forest setting of birch and pine, with views over Eyjafjörður, so it feels more like a retreat than a single-purpose pool complex.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes there, and the entry fee is included. Based on reviews, the facilities are clean, and the staff are helpful, which matters when you are spending time in and out of changing rooms and want the place to feel smooth, not chaotic.

Heat variety is part of the experience. One review specifically mentioned a large geothermal pool, plus a hot sauna and a cold plunge. If you like contrast bathing, this stop is more interesting than a plain hot pool.

What the atmosphere is like

Many people choose Forest Lagoon because it is relaxing outdoors. One review described it as not crowded, with the chance to unwind.

That is a big deal in Iceland, where some popular geothermal spots can be packed at peak hours. Forest Lagoon is still social, but the forest setting helps you feel like you are taking a break from the sightseeing pressure.

Drinks and comfort (yes, you can plan around it)

Forest Lagoon is set up for more than just soaking. One review mentioned several options and drinks available, including cocktails, and another said drinks were reasonably priced. If you want to take your time, plan on ordering something warm or a cool drink while you wait for your muscles to calm down.

Also, expect to use the hot water responsibly. The best soak times tend to come when you pace it, not when you try to do everything at once.

How long is the day, and what you should expect from the pace

The tour runs about 4 hours total. It starts at 10:00 am, which is a comfortable time for a waterfall plus a late-morning or early-afternoon spa session.

The itinerary flow is straightforward: Goðafoss first, then a viewpoint and town intro, then Forest Lagoon to end. Ending with geothermal time is smart. Your day slows down right when you would normally be tired of driving.

Group size is capped at 19. Reviews also hint that when fewer people book, it can feel like a private or semi-private tour, which is a real quality boost for photography and questions.

If you are the type who wants to ask practical questions like where to stand for the best view, this format is built for you. Guides like Siggy, Krista, and Reynir came through as smart, funny, and informative in top feedback.

Price and value: why $222.28 can still feel fair

At $222.28 per person, this is not the cheapest way to do North Iceland. But it can be good value because you are buying three things at once: transportation, a licensed guide/driver, and Forest Lagoon entry.

If you tried to DIY this route, you would still need to solve pickup, driving time, and where to park near Goðafoss and the spa. The guide takes that mental load away and can also help you spend your time where it matters.

You also get structured time windows. Goðafoss is allocated up to 1 hour 30 minutes, and Forest Lagoon is 1 hour 30 minutes with entry included. When your day is short, having the schedule lined up can be worth more than the raw ticket price.

One more value signal: the tour is booked on average about 70 days in advance. That suggests demand is steady, and the small-group cap probably helps keep the experience from feeling like a mass excursion.

Pickup and meeting points: make this easy on yourself

Pickup is offered, so plan to be ready where the tour tells you to meet. The details matter most for cruise passengers, since Akureyri has multiple ports.

Cruise ship meeting points

If you arrive at Tangabryggja Port, look just outside the cruise ship area for small wooden houses. Star Travel meets at house number 3, and that is where you should go.

If you arrive at Oddeyrarbryggja Port, you will find an Icewear shop right outside the ship. Next to it is a designated agent area where tour agents wait. Look for someone wearing a bright yellow jacket with a Star Travel sign.

Staying in Akureyri

If you are not on a cruise, you need to select the correct accommodation for pickup. If you are unsure, you should double-check before you go, because the tour notes that pickup selection matters.

Also, keep your phone reachable. The tour asks that the provided phone number works in case they need to contact you with updates.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want something else)

This is a strong fit if you want a compact North Iceland day. It suits couples, solo travelers, and small groups who like a mix of sightseeing and relaxation without turning the day into a long checklist.

It is also good for people who value guided time. Reviews highlighted that guides helped find best photo spots and gave flexibility to what people wanted to see.

If you are the kind of traveler who loves deep history walking tours or long hiking routes, this may feel a bit too short. The stops are timed, not marathon-long, and the town piece is a drive-by orientation rather than an in-depth exploration.

Should you book this Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

I would book it if you want one efficient Akureyri afternoon with two high-impact experiences. Goðafoss delivers big waterfall views with a story, and Forest Lagoon adds the kind of warm reset that makes you feel like you actually lived in Iceland for a day, not just passed through.

I would pause and choose another option if you are extremely strict about the exact stop order and timing. One review described missing the viewpoint and a shorter-than-listed Goðafoss window, plus not being picked back up as expected. Most days likely run smoothly, but you should mentally prioritize Goðafoss and treat the rest as a bonus if your schedule is tight.

If you do book, do two things that pay off fast: wear waterproof layers for the waterfall, and bring patience for Iceland weather. Do that, and you will end the day in a forest geothermal soak that feels like the right ending.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Where do cruise passengers meet the tour at Tangabryggja Port?

You meet Star Travel at house number 3, outside the cruise ship area, near several small wooden houses.

Where do cruise passengers meet the tour at Oddeyrarbryggja Port?

You meet in the designated agent area right outside the ship near the Icewear shop, and you should look for a colleague wearing a bright yellow jacket with a Star Travel sign.

Are the waterfall and viewpoint admission tickets included?

Goðafoss has an admission ticket listed as free, and the viewpoint ticket is also listed as free.

Is entry to Forest Lagoon included?

Yes, the entry fee to Forest Lagoon is included.

How long do I spend at Goðafoss?

Goðafoss is listed for 1 hour 30 minutes, but one review reported their waterfall time was about 40 minutes.

Is Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur included?

The schedule includes Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur for about 30 minutes, but one review noted it did not happen on their day.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 19 travelers.

FAQ

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What do I need to bring for the lagoon?

The tour description lists drinks being available at the spa in reviews, but it does not mention what you must bring. Bottled water and lunch are not included, so plan accordingly.