From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon tour

Godafoss and the Forest Lagoon make a smart pairing: one stop gives you Iceland’s rushing water and old legends, while the other gives you warm geothermal pools among trees. I especially like the 45-minute visit at Godafoss and the route through Fnjoskadalur Valley, which shows you more of northern Iceland than a simple out-and-back drive.

I also like the 75 minutes at the Forest Lagoon, long enough to enjoy the pools, sauna, lounge, and in-water bar without turning the spa into a rushed photo stop. The main caution is timing: some people would prefer another 15 minutes at Godafoss, and past departures have had occasional confusion over spa entry arrangements or a faulty bus sound system.

Key points to know before you book

• Godafoss gives you a real sightseeing stop: You have about 45 minutes to walk, take photos, and possibly buy a coffee nearby.
• The Forest Lagoon is the tour’s relaxing finish: Allow 75 minutes for the geothermal pools, sauna, lounge, and pool bar.
• The route is more than a waterfall transfer: You pass through the Akureyri countryside, Fnjoskadalur Valley, the old mountain road, and the Eyjafjordur area.
• Ritchie has led particularly strong departures: He is described as friendly, enthusiastic, and generous with information about Akureyri.
• Plan for a port-day schedule: The tour lasts about four hours, but you should still confirm the return plan and ship departure time.
• Bring swimwear and a towel: Lunch and drinks are not included, and food or beverages are not allowed on the vehicle.

Why this Akureyri shore excursion works so well

Akureyri is a good base for seeing northern Iceland. It sits beside Eyjafjordur, the country’s longest fjord, with mountains rising around the water. This excursion uses that setting well. You are not confined to the town or sent straight to one attraction and back.

The route combines nature, local culture, and Icelandic history in a compact half-day. You begin near the cruise port, travel toward one of the country’s best-known waterfalls, then return by a different route before soaking in a modern geothermal spa.

At $148 per person, the price is not small, but it includes transport, an English-speaking guide, and admission to the Forest Lagoon. The spa ticket matters. If you paid separately for transportation and entry, the tour would likely cost more in both money and planning time. The value is strongest for cruise passengers who want several northern Iceland sights without arranging a rental car or navigating unfamiliar roads.

The tradeoff is that you do not control the pace. Godafoss receives a fixed 45-minute stop, and that may feel short if you want to walk between viewpoints or linger over photographs. The spa receives 75 minutes, which is more generous but still not a full afternoon visit.

Meeting the bus at Akureyri Port

Pick-up takes place at the Akureyri harbor where your ship lands. Look for the Soleil de Minuit bus and an agent wearing a green jacket.

That detail is worth taking seriously. Cruise-port departures can involve several buses and tour companies in the same area. Arrive with enough time to identify the correct vehicle rather than relying only on a phone screen or a general meeting point.

The tour is guided in English. Guides have been praised for explaining Akureyri in a friendly, lively way. Ritchie, in particular, is described as enthusiastic and well informed, with a pleasant manner that helps during the drive.

There has been one practical problem on a past departure: the bus sound system did not work properly. The guide adjusted by moving through the bus, repeating information, and speaking outside during stops, but the problem reduced the commentary for some passengers. It is not a reason to reject the tour, but it is a reminder that the scenery remains the main attraction if transport equipment has a bad day.

The drive through northern Iceland

The first drive takes about 45 minutes and gives you time to settle into the rhythm of northern Iceland. The scenery changes from Akureyri’s urban edge to open countryside, with mountain views and broad stretches of road.

The tour includes the old mountain road and the Fnjoskadalur Valley. These names matter because the drive is part of the experience, not just a way to fill time between stops. You get views of the valley, hills, and changing terrain as the bus works its way through the region.

Your guide also provides context about Akureyri and the surrounding area. This is useful if you are seeing Iceland for the first time, since a good explanation can turn a passing valley or distant mountain into part of a larger story.

The route back toward Eyjafjordur uses different scenery from the outward drive. That variety helps keep the excursion from feeling repetitive. Still, the exact view depends on weather, cloud cover, and the season. Northern Iceland can change quickly, so bring a warm outer layer even if Akureyri looks mild when you leave the ship.

Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods

Godafoss is the first major stop, and it earns the attention. The Icelandic name is Goðafoss, meaning Waterfall of the Gods. Water drops roughly 12 meters over a broad, curved section of rock, forming a horseshoe-like shape about 30 meters across.

It is not Iceland’s tallest waterfall. Its appeal comes from width, shape, and the way the water breaks into several rushing curtains. Spray hangs in the air, and the low profile lets you appreciate the whole formation rather than seeing only a narrow fall from below.

You have about 45 minutes here for walking and photographs. That is enough for a useful visit, especially if you stay focused, but it is not generous. I would head directly toward the viewpoints rather than spending the first few minutes browsing near the bus.

The area also has the Godafoss Coffee Shop, so you may be able to buy a coffee during the stop. Lunch is not included, and this is not a scheduled meal break, so do not count on a full snack or restaurant visit.

A little extra time would improve this section. One departure was felt to need another 15 minutes at Godafoss, and I can understand why. The waterfall deserves a calm look, not just a quick photograph. If you love waterfalls or want a slower walk, keep your expectations realistic.

The Eyjafjordur viewpoint and return route

After Godafoss, the bus travels back toward Akureyri by way of the countryside and Fnjoskadalur Valley. The route then leads toward Eyjafjordur Bay, where you get a brief photo stop of about 10 minutes.

Eyjafjordur is the longest fjord in Iceland. Its water reaches inland between mountain ranges, and snow may remain on higher peaks depending on the season. From the road and viewpoint, you can see the connection between Akureyri, the bay, and the surrounding mountains.

The tour also includes an Akureyri viewpoint. This is a useful stop because it lets you look back at the town from above rather than seeing it only from the port. You can photograph the town, the fjord, and the mountain setting in one frame.

Ten minutes is enough for photos but not for a long walk. Have your camera ready before the bus stops. Wind can be strong at exposed viewpoints, and the short pause goes quickly.

This part of the trip is especially useful for cruise passengers who might otherwise see only Akureyri’s central streets. You get a clearer sense of the town’s setting and why Eyjafjordur shapes life in the north.

Soaking at the Forest Lagoon

The Forest Lagoon is the final major stop and the tour’s most restful one. You have about 75 minutes to use the geothermal pools, sauna, relaxing lounge, and in-water pool bar.

The setting is a key part of the appeal. The lagoon is surrounded by trees, which give it a different feel from the stark volcanic surroundings associated with many Icelandic bathing sites. You can soak in warm water while looking toward Eyjafjordur Bay and listening to birds.

This is not just a short dip added at the end of a sightseeing tour. Seventy-five minutes gives you time to change, enter the water, enjoy the views, and use more than one part of the facility. You will still need to watch the clock, especially if you want time for the sauna or lounge.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Those are specifically listed as required items, so do not assume you can board the bus and solve the problem later. Lunch and refreshments are not included, and drinks or food cannot be taken onto the vehicle.

There has been some confusion at the Forest Lagoon entrance on past departures, with staff eventually sorting out the tickets. Keep your booking details available and allow a little patience at check-in. The entrance process may be perfectly smooth, but it has not been perfect every time.

Also remember that spa time can be affected by the rest of the schedule. If the waterfall stop runs late or transport takes longer than planned, the operator may need to keep the group moving. The stated 75 minutes is a useful guide, not a promise that you can ignore the meeting time.

Returning to Akureyri after the spa

After the Forest Lagoon, a free shuttle bus takes you back to central Akureyri in about 10 minutes. The stated drop-off is at HOF Culture House, about a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal.

The tour information also identifies the Forest Lagoon as the finish point, so check the exact return arrangement when you meet the guide. In practical terms, the included shuttle is intended to get you back toward the city center rather than leave you searching for transport.

This return plan is helpful on a port day. You can stay at the lagoon for the scheduled visit and then make your way back without arranging a taxi. Still, check your ship’s all-aboard time carefully. A four-hour excursion plus a short walk to the terminal is comfortable for many schedules, but you should not treat a port tour as if you had an entire free day.

Timing, comfort, and mobility

The total duration is listed as four hours, with some descriptions giving four to four and a half hours. The main scheduled parts are roughly 45 minutes of scenic driving, 45 minutes at Godafoss, another 45 minutes of scenic travel, a 10-minute Eyjafjordur stop, about 10 minutes to the lagoon, 75 minutes in the spa, and a final shuttle of about 15 minutes.

That makes this a manageable choice for a short visit to Akureyri. You see several sights without spending the whole day in a bus.

The excursion is described as suitable for all fitness levels, but the restrictions are important. It is not suitable for children under seven, people with certain medical conditions, people with vertigo or motion sickness, non-swimmers, or people with recent surgery. The information also says wheelchair accessible in one place, while separately excluding wheelchair users and non-folding wheelchairs. If you use a wheelchair or need mobility assistance, contact Soleil de Minuit before booking and ask for a clear answer about the vehicle, waterfall access, spa access, and shuttle.

The tour is not suitable for babies under one year, and baby strollers or carriages are not allowed. Alcohol cannot be taken into the vehicle, and food and drinks are also prohibited there.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would choose this excursion if you want a well-organized taste of northern Iceland and do not want to rent a car. It suits cruise passengers, first-time visitors, and anyone who values a warm spa stop after outdoor sightseeing.

It is also a good match if you want a guide to explain Akureyri and the region as you travel. The strongest guide feedback centers on friendly, energetic commentary, with Ritchie singled out for his clear interest in the area.

I would hesitate if Godafoss is your main reason for visiting northern Iceland and you want a long, unhurried walk. The 45-minute stop is practical, but some people will want more time.

I would also think twice if your priorities are food, shopping, or a long spa session. Lunch is not included, the coffee shop stop is optional, and 75 minutes at the lagoon is pleasant but not a full-day spa visit.

Booking is flexible, with cancellation allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms are useful when your cruise schedule or weather plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Godafoss and Forest Lagoon tour?

Book it if you want two very different Iceland experiences in one half-day: the force of Godafoss and the calm of a geothermal soak. The route adds real value because it includes Fnjoskadalur Valley, the old mountain road, Eyjafjordur, and an Akureyri viewpoint rather than limiting you to a single attraction.

At $148, it is best value for someone who needs transport, a guide, and spa admission bundled together. Go in knowing that Godafoss time is fixed, food is not included, and spa entry arrangements have occasionally needed sorting out.

Bring your swimwear, towel, warm layers, and a little schedule discipline. If that sounds like the right balance of scenery and relaxation, this is a strong use of a port day in Akureyri.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour is advertised as about four hours, with some descriptions allowing four to four and a half hours. The final shuttle back toward central Akureyri takes about 10 minutes.

Where does the tour meet in Akureyri?

Pick-up is at the Akureyri harbor where your ship arrives. Look for the Soleil de Minuit bus and an agent wearing a green jacket.

What language is the tour guided in?

The live guide speaks English.

How much time do you get at Godafoss?

You have about 45 minutes for the waterfall, photographs, walking, and possibly a coffee stop at the Godafoss Coffee Shop.

How much time do you get at the Forest Lagoon?

The scheduled spa visit lasts about 75 minutes.

Is admission to the Forest Lagoon included?

Yes. The Forest Lagoon ticket is included in the tour price.

Is transportation back to Akureyri included after the spa?

Yes. A free Forest Lagoon shuttle takes you to HOF Culture House in central Akureyri. From there, the cruise terminal is about a 10-minute walk.

What should you bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Lunch and refreshments are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children and wheelchair users?

The minimum age is seven. The information says the activity is wheelchair accessible but also says it is not suitable for wheelchair users and excludes non-folding wheelchairs. If you need mobility assistance, confirm the arrangements with Soleil de Minuit before booking.