That one waterfall has major gravity.

This short trip mixes Goðafoss with a proper soak at the Forest Lagoon, with a guided drive through Akureyri along the way. You get a mix of big natural drama (a waterfall with a famous past) and a calmer geothermal break set above Eyjafjörður fjord views, right in a birch-and-pine setting.

I love two things here. First, you’re not rushed at the falls and you get time for photos from good viewing spots. Second, Forest Lagoon gives you real spa value with a geothermal pool plus extras like hot sauna and cold plunge, and the facilities are kept clean.

One thing to think about: the timing is tight in a good way, but if conditions run behind, you might get less time at one stop or a viewpoint could be skipped. For that reason, I’d plan your photos with the expectation you’ll be outside moving around and then swap gears to soaking.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Small group feel (max 19): easier conversation and more flexible photo stops than bigger buses.
• Forest Lagoon entry is included: you pay for the experience once, then just relax.
• Eyjafjörður views from the spa: you’re soaking with fjord scenery, not just a tub.
• Two waterfall-friendly viewpoints: more than one angle to work with for photos.
• Guides like Siggy, Krista, and Reynir: people highlighted for clear info and upbeat driving.
• A realistic half-day pace: it’s compact, so wear layers and be ready for a smooth schedule.

Why Godafoss and Forest Lagoon fits a half-day perfectly

This is the kind of tour that works when you want the best of North Iceland without burning your whole day in the van. You start with Goðafoss, a waterfall that’s small enough to handle in a couple hours, but dramatic enough to make you pause mid-sentence. It drops about 12 meters over a 30-meter width, and it’s famous in Icelandic storytelling as the Waterfall of the Gods—connected to a moment in the year 1000 when Christianity became official, and old pagan statues were thrown in.

Then you switch from wind-and-water energy to warm-and-quiet at Forest Lagoon. The spa’s location matters: it’s surrounded by birch and pine trees and looks out toward Eyjafjörður. That combo turns your soak into something more than a soak. You get a chance to slow down while you watch the light change over the fjord.

The best part for most people is the rhythm. You’re outdoors and active at the falls, then you get a proper geothermal break with time to take your time.

Getting to the tour start: Akureyri pickup and cruise port details

The tour starts at 10:00 am and pickup is offered, but where you meet depends on how you’re arriving.

If you’re coming in by cruise ship, there are multiple ports in Akureyri, so don’t wing it. At Tangabryggja Port, you’ll see small wooden houses just outside the ship area; Star Travel meets at house number 3. At Oddeyrarbryggja Port, find the Icewear shop right outside the ship, then look next to it for the agent area marked with a Star Travel sign; staff are also wearing a bright yellow jacket.

If you’re staying in town, you’ll want to make sure the accommodation you selected matches the pickup you requested. Also, keep your phone number reachable. Small updates happen when weather or timing shifts.

One practical tip: bring a charged phone and keep the mobile ticket ready, since that’s your way in.

Goðafoss first: timing, viewing angles, and what to pack

Goðafoss is one of those waterfalls where you’ll feel the sound before you fully see it. The good news is you can handle it with a simple plan: arrive, look for the best angle, take photos, and then do a second sweep to catch a different side.

The schedule gives you about 1 hour 30 minutes at the falls. Still, based on how the day can run, I’d keep your expectations flexible. On a busy or weather-shifty day, you may end up with less time for both sides than you hoped. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it does affect how you pace your photos.

What I’d pack for Goðafoss:

• Windproof outer layer (even if the day seems calm)
• Water-resistant shoes or at least grippy soles
• Bug protection if you’re sensitive to insects

One person noted small flies at the waterfall, and that kind of detail is worth taking seriously.

The waterfall’s history adds a nice layer to the experience. When you hear the story about the statues being thrown in around the year 1000, you get a reason to pay attention beyond the visuals.

Vaolaheioi Utsýnisispallur viewpoint and Fjord photo time

After the waterfall, you get a short photo stop at Vaolaheioi Utsynispallur, with time to look across the fjord toward Akureyri. It’s listed as about 30 minutes, so treat it like a stretch break plus camera time, not a long hike.

This stop is valuable because it gives you perspective. After staring at a waterfall, you get to see the bigger picture—city, fjord, and the way Akureyri sits in the North.

One consideration: if the day’s schedule gets tight, this exact viewpoint stop may not happen. If photos of Akureyri from above matter a lot to you, I’d go in knowing the waterfall is the guaranteed anchor, and the viewpoint is a bonus when conditions allow.

A short drive with Akureyri context (what to watch for)

Between the falls and the spa, you also get a drive through town with a short introduction to Akureyri’s key facts and history. The time here is brief, but that’s actually part of the value.

In real life, Akureyri can look like a normal Northern town until you know what you’re seeing. A quick orientation helps you connect dots during your own free time after the tour—where the city grew, what shaped it, and how people live with fjord weather.

Think of this part as your mental map. It’s also a good way to warm up after the outdoor portion.

Forest Lagoon: geothermal soak time with real scenery

Then comes the main relaxation portion: Forest Lagoon for about 1 hour 30 minutes, with entry included. This is where the tour earns its keep.

First, the spa setting is built for calm. The views over Eyjafjörður and the surrounding birch and pine trees make the place feel tucked-in but not closed off. You’re not just sitting in a pool; you’re sitting in a landscape that changes as clouds move.

Second, the facilities are the kind you can plan your own way around. People mention multiple soak options and the classic extras: a hot sauna and a cold plunge, plus a larger geothermal pool where the water feels great. One review specifically called out that the skin felt smooth after soaking, and another said the water temperature was perfect.

Third, the experience includes the small comforts that stop a spa day from feeling like work. The place offers drinks, and cocktails were mentioned as good. There’s also mention of reasonable pricing for drinks and helpful staff. In plain terms: you can relax without feeling like you need to sprint back to your room for a snack.

Two practical notes so you enjoy this part more:

• Bring flip-flops or water shoes if you prefer it for walking around.
• Plan your photo time before you soak too long. Once you’re comfortable, you’ll want to stay put, and that’s the whole point.

Price and value: does $222.28 make sense?

The price is $222.28 per person for about 4 hours total, and it’s often booked roughly 70 days in advance. The tour runs with a maximum group size of 19, which helps keep it conversational rather than chaotic.

Here’s where the value math gets real:

• Forest Lagoon entry is included (so you’re not adding another ticket cost on top).
• You also get a licensed guide/driver.
• Pickup is offered, and the tour uses a mobile ticket.

What’s not included is also clearly stated: bottled water and lunch. That means you’ll want to handle meals on your own, or plan something simple around the tour window.

Is it worth it? For most people, yes—especially if you want both a standout waterfall and a spa day in one clean package. If you already planned to visit Forest Lagoon separately, this format saves time and adds guided driving plus extra stops.

Who should book this tour (and who might want a different plan)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want one waterfall and one top spa without committing to a full-day drive
• Like a small group where you can ask questions and get better photo guidance
• Want a relaxation payoff, not just sightseeing

It’s also a good choice for cruise passengers who need a clear return window and don’t want complicated logistics. People specifically praised customer service, including a manager who helped with getting back toward the ship port when needed.

You might think twice if you:

• Are extremely photo-time focused and need every stop to run perfectly
• Dislike short schedules where viewpoint timing can shift

One person felt the waterfall time and the viewpoint timing were not what the day promised. That doesn’t sound like the norm, but it’s a fair caution.

Should you book Godafoss and Forest Lagoon with Star Travel?

I’d book it if your goal is simple: see Goðafoss, then recharge at Forest Lagoon with minimal hassle. The mix of outdoor drama and geothermal relaxation is exactly what North Iceland does best, and the inclusion of Forest Lagoon entry makes the price feel more grounded.

I’d also book it if you appreciate good guiding. Feedback highlights guides such as Siggy, Krista, Ziggy, and Reynir, with compliments on photo stops, smart humor, and clear information.

Two last points before you decide:

• This experience requires good weather. If the forecast is rough, it may change plans, so flexibility matters.
• Wear real outer layers. Fjord weather can switch from comfortable to chilly fast.

If that sounds like your kind of day, go for it. This is one of the cleaner ways to pack in North Iceland without turning your vacation into a stopwatch exercise.

FAQ

How long is the Godafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours total.

What time does the tour start in Akureyri?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Is pickup offered, and where do I meet for a cruise ship?

Pickup is offered. For Tangabryggja Port, meet at Star Travel house number 3 just outside the cruise area. For Oddeyrarbryggja Port, meet at the agent area next to the Icewear shop, looking for a Star Travel sign and a staff member wearing a bright yellow jacket.

Do I need to pay for Goðafoss admission?

Goðafoss admission is listed as free.

Is Forest Lagoon entry included in the price?

Yes. Forest Lagoon admission is included, along with the licensed guide/driver.

What’s not included?

Bottled water and lunch are not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 19 travelers.

Does weather affect the tour?

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

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