Goðafoss is loud, then the spa gets quiet. This 4-hour Akureyri outing strings together Iceland’s famous waterfall, a hilltop fjord viewpoint, and a geothermal soak at Forest Lagoon under birch and pine trees. I like how the schedule stays focused, so you spend your time looking, not driving in circles.

Two things I especially like: you get Forest Lagoon entry included, and you’re guided by a licensed driver/guide who actually helps with timing and photo stops. The other big plus is the small-group feel, capped at 19 travelers, and some days can feel close to private.

One drawback to consider: the itinerary lists specific stop lengths, but weather and cruise timing can compress things, especially at Goðafoss and on the way back. If you’re on a tight cruise schedule, keep expectations flexible and plan for real-world timing.

Key highlights at a glance

• Godafoss Waterfall history and viewpoints, including its nickname Waterfall of the Gods
• Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur hilltop views over Akureyri and the fjord
• Forest Lagoon geothermal spa time (included) with scenery over Eyjafjörður
• Small group size (max 19), often making it feel more personal
• Licensed guide/driver and photo-stop help, praised by multiple guests

Why Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon work as a single 4-hour plan

Akureyri is a convenient base for North Iceland day trips, but full-day tours can feel long when you just want the highlights. This one is built for momentum: waterfall first, then a quick scenic break, then a thermal reset at the end.

I also like the rhythm. Goðafoss gives you the big natural wow, and then Forest Lagoon turns that intensity into calm, warm water views over Eyjafjörður.

The price, $222.28 per person, may look like a lot until you factor in what’s included. You’re not just paying for transport and a guide, you’re also paying for Forest Lagoon admission, which is usually the priciest part of any spa-themed stop.

The day in order: pickup, Akureyri drive, and smooth timing

The tour starts at 10:00 am and runs about 4 hours total. If you’re staying in Akureyri, you’ll pick the correct accommodation for pickup, and they’ll confirm booking details after you reserve.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, you’ll meet them at one of two ports, and the meeting spot matters. In both cases, look for a Star Travel sign and, at Oddeyrarbryggja, a colleague in a bright yellow jacket.

You’ll also get a short intro to Akureyri, plus a drive through town for key facts. It’s not a deep lecture, but it helps you connect what you’re seeing, especially before you go chasing waterfalls and fjord views.

One more practical note: you’ll have a mobile ticket, so keep your phone charged. Also, bottled water and lunch are not included, so if you get hungry, plan accordingly.

Stop 1: Goðafoss Waterfall, the Waterfall of the Gods

Goðafoss is the star, and it earns it. The falls drop about 12 meters over a width of roughly 30 meters, and they’re famous for being called the Waterfall of the Gods because of the Christianity conversion story around the year 1000.

What that history does for your visit is simple: you don’t just see water. You understand why Icelanders treat this waterfall like a cultural moment, not just a scenic one.

Time on site is listed at about 1 hour 30 minutes, and that’s enough to do more than the instant photo and leave. You’ll be able to walk around, pick a viewing angle, and take your time with the sound and mist.

A real-world consideration: one guest noted their time at the waterfall felt shorter than expected, and another mentioned annoying flies. I’d plan for both possibilities. Bring insect repellent, and pack a light layer because mist can make you feel cooler than you expect.

Stop 2: Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur for Akureyri and fjord photos

After Goðafoss, you’ll head to a viewpoint called Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur. The main draw here is the photo angle, looking over the fjord to Akureyri.

The listed time is short, about 30 minutes, which is perfect if you want a change of scenery without stretching the day. You get a break from waterfall mist and you get a sense of where you are on the map: town, coastline, and the fjord shape that defines North Iceland’s geography.

This stop also tends to be where guides earn their keep. Several guests praised their guides for driving them to the best spots, and this is exactly the kind of stop where a quick suggestion helps you avoid awkward angles and backtracking.

If the weather shifts, viewpoint stops can get less comfortable fast because wind can be strong. Bring a windproof layer even if the morning looks calm.

Stop 3: Shogarbod Geothermal Spa and Forest Lagoon’s fjord-side soak

Then comes the payoff: Shogarbod Geothermal Spa, with Forest Lagoon as the main experience. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and entry is included, so you’re not doing the annoying end-of-tour add-on math.

Forest Lagoon sits with views overlooking one of Iceland’s longest fjords, Eyjafjörður, and it’s surrounded by birch and pine trees. That matters more than it sounds. It makes the soak feel like you’re in an outdoor room, not just a pool next to a parking lot.

From the reviews, the vibe is “clean, relaxing, and easy to enjoy.” Guests talked about a large geothermal pool, a hot sauna and cold plunge, and water temperature that feels just right. One person even described the result as silky-smooth skin, which is very believable for geothermal water.

Food and drinks are available at the spa area. A guest said cocktails were good, and another said drinks can be pricey, so bring cash or a card mindset and don’t assume everything is bargain-friendly.

The best time strategy: don’t rush to your first pool. Take a few minutes to adjust, then find a spot with the view. The fjord-facing scenery is a big part of why this lagoon feels different from other Iceland spa options.

Also, if you’re prone to getting cold quickly, use the hot areas to warm up before you go for the plunge. The temperature swing is part of the experience, but you should control it.

What I’d pack and how to make the most of 4 hours

This tour moves through outdoors to outdoors to outdoors, with a short indoor-ish break at the spa. So pack for weather changes, not comfort in one stable climate.

Bring:

• A water-resistant jacket or at least a layer you can handle with mist
• Warm socks and footwear you can walk in on uneven ground
• Sun protection, because Iceland can surprise you with bright glare between cloud breaks
• Insect repellent for Goðafoss, since flies can be a problem

At Forest Lagoon, plan to change into your spa gear smoothly. You’ll want to feel comfortable enough to actually relax for the full 1 hour 30 minutes, not spend half the time rushing.

And yes, plan a bathroom break. It sounds obvious, but short tours punish slow pacing. If you need to use the restroom, do it earlier rather than during your best soaking window.

Price and value: what $222.28 buys you here

Let’s break down the value in plain terms.

You’re paying $222.28 per person for a half-day with:

• Pickup offered
• A licensed guide/driver
• Entry fee to Forest Lagoon
• Stops at Goðafoss and the viewpoint, plus an Akureyri intro drive

Goðafoss itself has free admission, so the waterfall visit is essentially “included sightseeing time.” The big paid portion that you would otherwise pay separately is the lagoon admission, and that’s why this tour can feel like good value if you specifically want a geothermal spa after the waterfall.

What you don’t get: bottled water and lunch. If you want water, snacks, or a full meal, budget for that yourself. Also note that drinks at the lagoon can be a mixed bag for price, so decide before you order if you’re treating yourself or sticking to basics.

For group size, you’re capped at 19, which usually helps with comfort. One review described the experience as almost private when booked with only two people, so there’s a chance you’ll get more attention from the guide.

Who this tour suits best, and who might skip it

This fits best if you want three things in one short window:

• A major waterfall stop, with enough time to actually see it
• A quick fjord viewpoint that gives you context for Akureyri
• A geothermal spa at the end, without needing to plan it separately

It also makes sense if you’re on a cruise day and want a clean schedule with a clear meeting point. The tour provides specific meetup instructions for Tangabryggja and Oddeyrarbryggja, and that reduces the stress level a lot.

It might not be your best pick if you want a slower pace or deep explanations at every stop. The day is built around motion and highlights, not a long, multi-stop nature lecture.

Finally, if spa time is your only priority, you could compare costs and schedules with other Iceland lagoons. But this one gets points for being less hectic and for the fjord views described by guests.

Should you book this Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

I’d book it if your ideal Akureyri day looks like this: waterfall photos first, fjord views second, then a relaxing soak that ends the day feeling better, not busier. The big value driver is Forest Lagoon entry included plus the guide time, within a 4-hour window.

I’d book with flexible expectations if you’re traveling on a cruise where timing can tighten the schedule. Keep your plans simple, bring the right outdoor gear, and treat the stops as “best possible under real weather,” not perfectly timed clockwork.

If you care about the human side, this tour also seems strong on guiding. Multiple guests praised guides like Siggy and Krista for being smart, funny, and helpful with timing and photo spots.

Overall, it’s a well-structured half-day for people who want Iceland’s wow in a manageable package.

FAQ

What time does the Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour start, and how long does it take?

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

What stops are included, and how long do you spend at each?

You’ll visit Goðafoss (about 1 hour 30 minutes), Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur (about 30 minutes), and Forest Lagoon at Shogarbod Geothermal Spa (about 1 hour 30 minutes), with a short Akureyri introduction drive during the route.

Is Forest Lagoon admission included in the price?

Yes. Entry fee to the Forest Lagoon is included, along with a licensed guide/driver.

Where do I meet if I’m arriving at Tangabryggja port by cruise ship?

Meet at Tangabryggja Port just outside the cruise ship area. Look for Star Travel at house number 3, among the small wooden houses.

Where do I meet if I’m arriving at Oddeyrarbryggja port by cruise ship?

Meet at Oddeyrarbryggja Port right outside the ship near the Icewear shop, next to the designated tour agent area. They’ll be there with a Star Travel sign, and a colleague will be wearing a bright yellow jacket.

Does the price include bottled water or lunch?

No. Bottled water and lunch are not included.

Is the tour dependent on good weather?

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