REVIEW · AKUREYRI
Goðafoss Waterfall, Santa Claus House and Forest Lagoon
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by MEMORY TRAVEL ICELAND · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Winter in North Iceland hits different. This 5-hour tour bundles three classic stops into one smooth day: Goðafoss Waterfall, Akureyri’s Santa Claus House, and the Forest Lagoon geothermal soak. I love how it mixes big nature (powerful water) with cozy people-time (festive traditions and a local Santa vibe). I also like that you get guided context at Goðafoss, then freedom to wander at the Santa house without feeling rushed.
One catch: Forest Lagoon admission is not included, so you’ll pay extra for the soak. Also, you’ll need proper winter boots and warm layers because the day starts outdoors and ends with a brief swim-style moment in geothermal water.
In This Review
- Quick hits before you go
- A 5-hour winter loop that stays fun and focused
- Goðafoss Waterfall: Waterfall of the Gods in snow and ice
- The Santa Claus House in Akureyri: Christmas spirit, year-round
- Forest Lagoon in Akureyri: warm geothermal soak in a snowy forest
- Price and value: what $176 really covers
- Time, timing, and how the day feels on the ground
- What to pack for winter comfort (and easier photos)
- Who should book this tour, and who should skip it
- Should you book this Goðafoss, Santa Claus House and Forest Lagoon tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What is included in the price?
- Is Forest Lagoon admission included?
- What about meals and drinks?
- Is the tour guided and in English?
- What should I bring?
- Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?
- Is smoking allowed?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
- Is there an option to pay later?
Quick hits before you go
- Goðafoss Waterfall, the Waterfall of the Gods: winter views with snow and ice changes everything.
- Santa Claus House in Akureyri: see the Christmas mood any time of year.
- Jólasveinn energy: meet Iceland’s version of Santa in his own world.
- Forest Lagoon geothermal soak: warm water after cold air, in snowy forest views.
- Hotel pickup, English guide: easy logistics with a live guide for the key stops.
A 5-hour winter loop that stays fun and focused
This tour is built for winter pacing. You’re not stuck “all day” on one road. Instead, you get a clear sequence: waterfall first, then festive Akureyri, then a geothermal reset at Forest Lagoon.
The best part of a tight plan like this is mental. You arrive and you know what matters: get your photos at Goðafoss, enjoy the Christmas house experience, then warm up properly at the lagoon. You’ll also get a real guide for the parts that benefit from a bit of local storytelling.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Akureyri.
Goðafoss Waterfall: Waterfall of the Gods in snow and ice
Goðafoss is the kind of Iceland stop that doesn’t need hype. In winter, the scene turns sharper and more dramatic, with snow and ice shaping the edges of the falls and the surrounding rocks. Even if you’ve seen waterfalls before, this one has a distinct punch, and the name Waterfall of the Gods feels earned.
You’ll get a guided visit focused on what you’re seeing and why it’s significant. That matters because Goðafoss isn’t just “pretty water.” It’s tied to Icelandic identity and local history, and having the guide explain it helps you spot the details you might otherwise miss.
What I’d aim for during your time there is simple: slow down for the photo angles, then look at the whole system, not just the biggest splash. In winter, footing and wind can play tricks with how close you feel comfortable getting, so plan to enjoy the view from your safest spots.
Practical note for comfort: wear sturdy boots. Cold wind plus wet ground is a classic Iceland combo, and your feet will decide how much you enjoy the stop.
The Santa Claus House in Akureyri: Christmas spirit, year-round
After the waterfall, you shift gears to Akureyri and the Santa Claus House. This is where the mood changes from wild nature to family-friendly wonder. The house is designed to make you feel like Christmas is happening now, not sometime later.
You’ll get time to explore the Santa Claus House atmosphere and learn about Icelandic festive traditions. And yes, you can meet the Icelandic version of Santa, often linked to the Jólasveinn idea. It’s the kind of experience that works even if you’re not a dedicated Christmas person, because it’s more about folklore and local interpretation than commercial set dressing.
One thing to know: the Santa Claus House visit can feel short if you want to linger. In winter especially, you may want extra time for photos, small details, and browsing. If you’re the type who likes to take your time, go in with a game plan: which rooms you want to hit first, and where you want your best shot.
If you end up with a guide like Marcus, you’ll likely get extra help with photo timing and good viewpoints around Akureyri. That can turn a basic visit into a smoother one, because the guide can point out where to stand so you’re not just freezing in the wrong spot.
Forest Lagoon in Akureyri: warm geothermal soak in a snowy forest
The day ends where winter finally becomes comfortable: Forest Lagoon. This geothermal spa is all about the contrast. You’re surrounded by snowy nature, then you sit in warm water that takes the edge off cold muscles and stiff fingers.
You should expect a relaxed pace here. The value of the lagoon isn’t just the heat. It’s the setting: warm soak against a winter backdrop, with calm views and a chance to stop rushing. This is where your day feels like it’s wrapped up the right way.
There’s one financial detail you should plan for upfront: admission to Forest Lagoon is not included. In one example from a recent run of this tour, the lagoon admission was 6900 ISK, so budget for an extra spend when you’re pricing the day. If you’re trying to keep things simple, assume the lagoon will add a chunk to your final total.
What to bring matters for this stop. You’ll want swimwear, because the whole point is getting into the warm water. You’ll also be glad you packed warm clothes for afterward, since you’ll be stepping back into cold air once you’re done soaking.
Price and value: what $176 really covers
At $176 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to see these highlights, but it can be good value because it bundles the hard parts. You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation between stops, and a live English guide for the key experiences—especially the guided Goðafoss visit.
The trade-off is that some costs sit outside the base price. Meals and drinks are not included, and Forest Lagoon admission is extra. That means you should think of the $176 as paying for the guided mix and transport, not for everything.
So is it worth it? Usually yes if you want:
- an organized plan that doesn’t require navigation in winter conditions
- an English guide for Goðafoss context
- a geothermal soak at the end without having to figure out logistics on your own
If you prefer total DIY freedom and you’re comfortable driving in winter or handling all admissions and timing alone, you might compare alternatives. But for a compact 5-hour day, this price can make sense.
Time, timing, and how the day feels on the ground
The tour lasts 5 hours. That sounds short because it is. In return, you get less waiting and fewer long stretches sitting in a car. The day is designed to keep energy up: waterfall, festive house, then soak.
This pacing also means you’ll be walking in cold conditions for at least part of the day. Even if your sightseeing pace is relaxed, you’re still managing winter time: wind shifts, snow changes the footing, and temperatures can drain energy.
A helpful mindset is to treat each stop like a “mini mission.” At Goðafoss, focus on the waterfall viewpoints and guided context. At the Santa Claus House, focus on the atmosphere and meeting experience. At Forest Lagoon, focus on actually relaxing in the water—not just touring around the area.
What to pack for winter comfort (and easier photos)
This tour is simple, but winter packing is not optional. Here’s what you should bring to keep the day comfortable and enjoyable:
- Comfortable shoes with real grip (this is the big one)
- Warm clothing in layers
- Swimwear for Forest Lagoon
- Optional: a warm hat and gloves if you run cold easily
Your guide will handle the route, and hotel pickup reduces hassle. Still, your comfort is on you. If your hands and feet stay warm, you’ll enjoy Goðafoss more because you won’t be rushing away from the cold.
Also, smoking isn’t allowed on the tour. If you smoke, plan to step outside the vehicle and keep it to designated areas only.
Who should book this tour, and who should skip it
This tour fits best if you want a classic Iceland winter trio in one shot: Goðafoss, Akureyri’s Santa Claus House vibe, and a geothermal finish.
It’s especially good for:
- couples who want a romantic winter day with warm reset time
- families who like the Christmas-themed stop
- first-timers who want the big-name waterfall plus local Akureyri charm
- people who prefer guided interpretation rather than reading everything on their own
Skip it if you have mobility impairments or you use a wheelchair. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility limitations. Winter ground conditions and the nature of the stops mean you’d likely need more accessible planning than this tour offers.
Should you book this Goðafoss, Santa Claus House and Forest Lagoon tour?
I’d book it if you want an organized, English-guided winter day that hits three highlights without turning into an exhausting marathon. The combination is smart: Goðafoss for drama, Santa Claus House for cozy culture, then Forest Lagoon for the warm-water payoff.
I’d hesitate only if you strongly dislike paying extra on arrival for admission and you want meals included. Also, if you need long time at each stop, note that the Santa Claus House visit can feel brief.
If you’re ready for a compact 5-hour winter itinerary with pickup, transport, and a guide to help you see more than just photos, this tour is a very practical choice.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It lasts 5 hours.
What is included in the price?
You get a guided tour of Goðafoss Waterfall, a visit to the Santa Claus House, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Is Forest Lagoon admission included?
No. Forest Lagoon admission is not included.
What about meals and drinks?
Meals and drinks are not included.
Is the tour guided and in English?
Yes. There is a live English-speaking tour guide.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and swimwear.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?
No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.
Is smoking allowed?
No, smoking is not allowed.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is there an option to pay later?
Yes. You can reserve now and pay later.
