Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour

Two famous Iceland stops, one smooth half-day. This Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour is built for cruise timing, yet it still gives you real time to enjoy both icons without feeling like a checklist. Along the way, you ride scenic roads with views over Eyjafjörður and Akureyri, plus a local English-speaking guide to connect the dots.

What I like most is how the tour pairs raw power with warm relief. You get to see Goðafoss, a 39-foot-tall waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót River, and then you soak in geothermally heated springs at Forest Lagoon, set among birch and pine trees. One heads-up: the pickup points can be easy to miss during busy cruise season, so plan to arrive a bit early and watch for the Star Travel sign or a colleague in a bright yellow jacket.

Key highlights you will actually care about

• Goðafoss in the morning: a major waterfall stop at the Skjálfandafljót River, with enough time for photos and views
• Forest Lagoon entry included: geothermally heated springs in a birch and pine setting, with fjord views
• Port pickup, cruise-season focused: meetings at Tangabryggja Port (house 3) and Oddeyrarbryggja Port (near Icewear)
• Small-group feel: several departures run in a minibus, which makes it easier to ask questions
• Fjord views from the drive: Eyjafjörður views and Akureyri scenery show up on the route back

A port-friendly half-day, with real time for both stops

This is a 4-hour tour designed around cruise schedules. You get pickup at Akureyri port, then you head out for a scenic drive along Eyjafjörður fjord, one of the longest fjords in Iceland. That first stretch matters, because it turns a quick transfer into part of the experience.

The plan keeps things efficient, but not sloppy. You are not stuck in one location all day, and you do get practical breaks: time for Goðafoss, then time to shift gears and relax at Forest Lagoon. If you need wheelchair accessibility, this tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, so it is a solid option for visitors who want a straightforward day.

Goðafoss: a 39-foot waterfall stop you can feel in your photos

Goðafoss is the star pull for a reason. This waterfall, about 39 feet tall, sits on the Skjálfandafljót River, and seeing it in person hits different than a screen grab. The river and the falls create that classic Iceland mix of spray, sound, and strong visual lines, which is great for both short walks and quick photo bursts.

What you will enjoy most here is the timing and attention. Your guide brings local context and typically pauses at viewing points along the way, so you arrive with a better sense of what you are looking at. In other words, you are not just watching water, you are learning how this area fits into the wider Eyjafjörður region.

Bring layers, even in mild weather. Falls mean mist, and the road also gets cooler once the wind picks up. Dress like you are going to stand still for a few minutes. That is usually when the best shots happen.

The Eyjafjörður drive back to Akureyri: built for views, not rushing

After Goðafoss, the tour turns back toward Akureyri. This is more than transportation. Eyjafjörður is a long fjord, and the route gives you a steady stream of viewpoints where you can look out over the water and understand the shape of the coastline.

On guided runs, you often get small stops to orient yourself. One guide named Siggi, for example, was praised for stopping at a couple of viewing points on the way to Goðafoss and sharing local info that made those stops feel worth it. That is the kind of detail that makes the drive feel like a guided experience, not just a bus ride.

If you are prone to motion sickness, you might still feel fine here. The drive is not described as extreme, and it is paced for photos and comfort. Still, if you are sensitive, bringing something for the ride is never a bad idea.

Forest Lagoon: geothermally heated springs in birch and pine

Then comes the payoff: Forest Lagoon. This is a spa built around geothermally heated springs, and the setting is part of why people love it. You are not in a bare, concrete tub. The lagoon sits in a quiet natural area with birch and pine trees, and you can look out toward Eyjafjörður.

Entry to the lagoon is included, which is a big part of the value. One practical detail to plan for: towel rent is not included, so either budget for it or bring what you need if you are the type who likes to be prepared.

How long do you get? On some departures, you get about an hour, and that is typically enough time to enjoy the heat, find a good spot, and take a few slow photos without feeling like you are on a schedule. The lagoon also feels like the kind of place where the day stops moving, which is exactly what you want after standing near Goðafoss.

Guides that make it feel local, not canned

The tour runs with a live English guide, and the guides are a major part of the experience. Names you may see on your departure include Sieggy, Siggi, Ean, and Hogni. Across these runs, the pattern is consistent: the guides are engaged, they explain what you are seeing, and they keep the day organized enough that you do not spend your energy worrying about timing.

Small-group size is another plus. Several departures have a minibus that carries only a few people, which makes the experience more personal. You are more likely to get answers to questions instead of listening to the same facts repeated for a large crowd.

One helpful detail: on some departures, guides arrive clearly for pickup and can display a sign with your name. That reduces stress, which matters when you are coordinating around cruise ship crowds.

Price and value: what $203 buys (and what it does not)

At $203 per person for a 4-hour tour, you are paying for a tight package: round-trip pickup from the cruise port area, an English guide, transport between stops, and Forest Lagoon entry. In practice, that means you are not cobbling together separate tickets and separate rides while keeping an eye on your ship’s departure time.

What is not included is also important:

• Meals and beverages are not included
• Towel rent is not included

So if you like to snack on tours, plan ahead. And if you know you will want a towel, treat that as a small extra cost rather than a surprise. Overall, the value comes from the combination of two major attractions plus transport that is timed for cruise schedules.

Where to meet in Akureyri: Tangabryggja vs Oddeyrarbryggja

This is the part you should take seriously, because pickup issues are the most common “it almost got annoying” risk on port tours.

If you are arriving by cruise ship, you need to provide your vessel name, since Akureyri has multiple ports. Also make sure your phone number is reachable in case there are any updates.

Tangabryggja Port (outside the cruise ship area)

Just outside the cruise ship area, you will see several small wooden houses. Star Travel is located at house number 3. Meet there.

Oddeyrarbryggja Port (right outside the ship)

Right outside the ship, look for an Icewear shop. Next to it is the designated agent area where tour agents wait. You should see someone with a Star Travel sign, and one colleague may be wearing a bright yellow jacket.

If you are staying in Akureyri (not cruising)

Pickup can be arranged to addresses within Akureyri, but only if you selected the correct accommodation for pickup. Double-check that choice before the day.

Should you book this Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

I would book it if you want a focused North Iceland hit, waterfall first and hot springs second, with pickup that fits cruise timing. It is also a smart choice if you care about guidance, because the guides are repeatedly praised for being engaging and for adding local context. If soaking in warm water after a cool waterfall stop is your idea of a perfect reset, Forest Lagoon is exactly that.

You might skip it if you are the type who wants tons of downtime or a very slow itinerary. This is a 4-hour plan, so you are getting a concentrated taste rather than a long stay. Also, if you are easily thrown off by meeting points, arrive early and watch for the exact location cues, since sign clarity can be hit or miss in busy areas.

If you decide to go, bring warm layers, confirm your pickup port details, and keep your phone ready. You will have a far smoother day, and you can spend your energy enjoying Goðafoss and the calm heat of Forest Lagoon.

FAQ

How long is the Goðafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

Is hotel pickup included or only port pickup?

For cruise passengers, pickup is included at Akureyri port. If you are staying in Akureyri, pickup to addresses within Akureyri can be arranged.

What is included in the price?

The price includes an English guided tour, pickup at Akureyri port, and entry to the Forest Lagoon.

Are meals included?

No. Meals and beverages are not included.

Is a towel provided at Forest Lagoon?

Towel rent is not included.

What are the meeting points for Akureyri cruise ports?

For Tangabryggja Port, meet at Star Travel house number 3 among the small wooden houses. For Oddeyrarbryggja Port, meet next to the Icewear shop at the designated agent area, where you will see a Star Travel sign or a colleague in a bright yellow jacket.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What is the cancellation option?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.