Godafoss and warm baths in one tight day. You get the dramatic Waterfall of the Gods story at Goðafoss, then unwind at Forest Lagoon with fjord views in a birch-and-pine setting. I like how this tour mixes iconic Iceland sights with real downtime, plus the small-group feel and photo stops that make it easier to see the good angles.

One thing to watch: time on-site can run on the tight side, and a stop or pickup detail may change if the day’s schedule gets shuffled. If you’re counting on a specific moment, keep a little flexibility in your plan.

This is a 4-hour outing that starts at 10:00 am, with English-speaking guidance and a maximum of 19 people. If your guide is one of the team members named in recent trips, you may meet folks like Siggy or Krista, and that human touch really matters when you’re moving between viewpoints and a spa.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group, real pacing: Max of 19 means less waiting and easier photo timing.
• Goðafoss is free to enter: You’ll still get guidance and prime viewing time.
• Forest Lagoon entry is included: You’re paying for the soak, not just a photo stop.
• Fjord views are the big draw: The lagoon overlooks Eyjafjörður from a forest edge.
• Cruise ports can be tricky: Akureyri has more than one port, so meet at the exact spot listed for your ship.

Goðafoss Waterfall of the Gods: the stop everyone remembers

Goðafoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, and it’s not just for the scenery. The nickname Waterfall of the Gods comes from a specific moment in Iceland’s early conversion to Christianity: in the year 1000, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði helped make Christianity official, and then threw pagan gods’ statues into the waterfall.

On paper, the numbers sound neat: the water drops from about 12 meters and spreads across roughly 30 meters. In real life, what hits you is the way the water looks both powerful and oddly calm-looking at the same time, like a wide curtain you can’t stop staring at.

You’ll typically have time here, and your guide’s job is to get you to the viewpoints that actually work. That matters because Goðafoss has angles—some give you more width, others focus on height and spray—so it’s worth being ready to move if your guide suggests a different spot. Keep an eye out for flies if you’re sensitive to them; at least one guest called them out as annoying near the falls.

Practical tip: wear shoes you don’t mind getting a bit damp. Even when it isn’t raining, you can get mist around the waterfall area.

Vaolaheiði Utsýnispallur: a short fjord-view breather

The plan includes a quick stop at Vaolaheiði Utsýnispallur, a viewpoint where you can look out across the fjord toward Akureyri. This is one of those “small time, big payoff” pauses—about 30 minutes—especially if you want a clean photo over the water instead of another waterfall shot.

If the day runs smoothly, this viewpoint is the break between the main wow-factor (Goðafoss) and the relaxing finish (the lagoon). If timing gets tight, understand this stop can be the first thing that gets reduced or skipped.

What I like for you: this kind of viewpoint stop turns the day from two unrelated stops into a simple story—waterfall, town, then geothermal calm. It also gives your camera a different subject for variety.

Akureyri drive-and-intro: useful context without slowing you down

You’ll also get a short introduction to Akureyri town, including driving through and picking up key history facts as you go. You’re not doing a full walking tour here, so don’t expect museum-level depth.

Still, this kind of “get your bearings fast” orientation helps you enjoy the places you see later. Akureyri sits by the fjord, and once you’ve heard the basic story of the town, the views and street layout make more sense.

My advice: keep your phone camera ready during the drive. Even when the tour isn’t stopping, the fjord-side angles can be photogenic.

Forest Lagoon geothermal spa: why this one feels different than a big-name bath

After Goðafoss, you shift from cold-water drama to geothermal soaking, and that contrast is exactly why this tour works. Forest Lagoon is described as a spa set in birch and pine trees, with views overlooking Eyjafjörður.

That forest-and-fjord combination is the key. A lot of hot springs look like hot pools in a facility. Here, the setting helps you feel like you’re taking a breather outdoors, even though the water is doing the heavy lifting.

The tour includes entry fee to the Forest Lagoon, so you’re not stuck paying again for access. Plan on spending around 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is long enough to do the full routine for most people: soak in the geothermal pool, then change it up with other options if you want.

From recent visitor notes, Forest Lagoon commonly offers a range of spa experiences—things like sauna time and a cold plunge were specifically mentioned. People also praised that the facility is clean and offers services and products that feel more “spa” than “just a bath.”

One small heads-up: drinks are available, including cocktails, and the cost can add up. Some guests felt it was reasonably priced, while one called the drinks pricey. Either way, treat it as part of the spa experience, not something included.

If you’re the type who wants extra time: in cases where your schedule ends and you still want more water-time, you have the option to use the lagoon shuttle to spend more time.

How the timing really feels in a 4-hour day

This is listed as about 4 hours, with a 10:00 am start. That’s a good length for a “north Iceland highlights lite” day: long enough to feel like you did something, short enough that you’re not wiped out afterward.

The most important timing reality: you’re moving between a waterfall and a spa. That means weather and daylight matter more than usual. If it’s windy or wet at Goðafoss, your time on the viewpoints can feel tighter because you’ll want to stay dry and comfortable.

It also means you should treat this tour like a sequence. The waterfall stop is the emotional peak; the lagoon is your reward. If you arrive at the lagoon already rushed or cold, you won’t enjoy the spa part as much as you should.

Price and value: where the money actually goes

The price is $222.28 per person for about four hours. That sounds steep until you see what you’re paying for.

You’re not just buying transport and a driver. The tour includes the Forest Lagoon entry, and it also includes a licensed guide/driver. Goðafoss itself is free to enter, so the money isn’t mainly covering admissions—it’s paying for guided time, the route, and the paid spa access that you’d otherwise have to book separately.

It’s also a small-group experience (max 19). That helps on a short tour like this because you’re not stuck waiting behind big crowds to move between viewpoints.

One more value point: on days when the booking is tiny—recently, the group was only two people—it can feel close to a private tour. That usually means less time wasted and more flexibility in where you stop for photos and views.

Pickup and cruise ship logistics at Akureyri: don’t guess

If you’re starting from a cruise ship, don’t assume there’s just one meeting spot in Akureyri. The tour notes multiple ports and specific meeting areas, and missing the right one can cause real headaches.

Here’s what to do:

• For Tangabryggja Port, you meet just outside the cruise ship area near several small wooden houses. Star Travel is at house number 3.
• For Oddeyrarbryggja Port, meet right outside the ship near an Icewear shop. Next to it is a designated agent area where tour agents wait. Look for someone with a Star Travel sign and a bright yellow jacket.

If you’re staying in Akureyri, make sure you selected the correct accommodation for pickup. Also, give a phone number you can actually answer during the tour window—updates can happen.

My practical tip: take a screenshot of the meeting instructions on your phone. If the port area is crowded, this saves time.

What to bring for a smooth waterfall-to-spa day

You won’t need a long packing list, but you do need to think like you’re doing two weather zones in one morning and afternoon: outdoors spray and then geothermal water.

Bring:

• Warm layers you can add or remove fast (especially if the wind hits)
• Shoes with solid traction for damp ground near Goðafoss
• Swimwear or something easy to change into for the lagoon
• A phone you can protect (mist happens, and you’ll likely take lots of photos)

If you’re sensitive to bugs, consider light protection. Flies came up as a minor annoyance near the falls for at least one guest.

Should you book this Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

I’d book it if you want a day that balances the two best kinds of Iceland time: big natural spectacle and real relaxation. The included Forest Lagoon entry is the main reason this feels like good value, and the small-group setup makes the short schedule easier to enjoy.

Skip it or choose a different style if you’re the type who needs guaranteed long, slow stops at every location. The day runs on a schedule, and in real life, timing can shift—especially for shorter viewpoint stops.

If you’re on a cruise, also book only if you’re willing to follow the exact meeting spot instructions. When the pickup goes right, this tour feels like a simple win: waterfall first, then soak, then you’re done.

FAQ

How long is the Godafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

It’s listed as about 4 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

Where do I meet for a cruise ship at Tangabryggja Port?

Meet just outside the cruise ship area by several small wooden houses. Star Travel is at house number 3.

Where do I meet for a cruise ship at Oddeyrarbryggja Port?

Meet right outside the ship near an Icewear shop. Next to it is the designated agent area for tour agents; look for a Star Travel sign and a colleague in a bright yellow jacket.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes entry to the Forest Lagoon and a licensed guide/driver.

What is not included?

Bottled water and lunch are not included.

Is admission to Goðafoss included?

Goðafoss admission is free.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 19.

What happens if weather is poor?

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