Akureyri: Goðafoss, Laufás & Christmas House Half-Day

Four hours through North Iceland's quietest corners, starting with a waterfall that stops you cold

You visit three distinct stops (a major waterfall with easy access, a furnished 19th-century turf house with a working church, and a year-round Christmas attraction) in a single 4-hour loop from Akureyri. A qualified guide handles the history, folklore and logistics. All entry fees are included, and you're back in town by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Akureyri Botanical Gardenpass by
2. Godafoss40m

Visit waterfalls, museums, and town sights

• Drive to Goðafoss waterfall
• Explore Goðafoss waterfall area
• Drive to Laufas Turfhouse Museum
• Visit Laufas Turfhouse Museum
• Drive to the Christmas House and Gardens
• Tour the Christmas House and Gardens
• Drive around Akureyri town
• Pass by Botanical Garden and other sights
• Drop off passengers at Botanical Garden or town

The experience

The drive out of Akureyri takes 35 minutes, and somewhere in that stretch the landscape shifts. You're heading toward Goðafoss, one of Iceland's most accessible waterfalls, and the guide is already talking: about the basalt columns that frame it, about how the river cuts through them, about what the name means. When you arrive, you step out and the waterfall is there, wide and powerful, surrounded by dark rock. The guide knows the best angle and the safest path. You get time to stand in front of it without rushing.

From Goðafoss it's another 30 minutes to Laufás, a turf-roofed farmhouse that's been standing since the middle of the 1800s. The current buildings are furnished with period household items and clothes, and there's a church on the grounds built in 1865 with a pulpit from 1698. The guide walks you through long corridors and interconnected rooms. One of them is the Bridal Room, where brides prepared for their weddings. It's the kind of place where you can feel the weight of how people actually lived, not just read about it. The Visitor Centre has refreshments and a small shop if you need a break.

Then comes the Christmas House, another 30 minutes down the road. It's open year-round and decorated as if December never left: log fire warmth, festive scents, songs playing. The garden has hidden things scattered around to find, and inside every corner is filled with Christmas detail. There's a troll mother character (Gryla) hidden in a cave somewhere in the grounds, and a shop next door selling local jams and souvenirs. It sounds like it could be kitschy, but the guide explains the Icelandic traditions behind it, which changes how you move through the space.

On the way back to Akureyri, the driver takes a short route through town: past the old town, the Botanical Garden, the Church of Akureyri, and the town centre. You can ask to be dropped off at any of these if something catches your eye. The whole tour is 4 hours from start to finish, all travel time included, and entrance fees are already paid. WiFi is on the bus if you need it.

What’s included

Your tour includes entry to Laufás Turfhouse Museum and the Christmas House, WiFi on board, and a qualified guide who shares local history and Icelandic folktales throughout the 4-hour loop. All travel between Akureyri, Goðafoss, Laufás and the Christmas House is included, as are entrance fees.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by The Traveling Viking

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see North Iceland's main attractions in one morning or afternoon without arranging transport or buying tickets separately: the fixed 4-hour schedule and included entry fees mean you just show up and move through three very different places with someone who knows them.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the tour?

4 hours total, including all driving time between stops.

What's included in the price?

Entry to Laufás Turfhouse Museum and the Christmas House, plus WiFi on board. Entrance fees are paid upfront.

How far is Goðafoss from Akureyri?

About 35 minutes by car.

Can I be dropped off somewhere other than my hotel?

Yes. During the Akureyri town loop at the end, you can ask the driver to drop you at the Botanical Garden, the church, or the town centre instead.

What if I have a service animal?

Service animals are allowed on the tour.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Walking is minimal and at your own pace.

What's the Christmas House like in summer?

It's decorated and open year-round with the same festive atmosphere, scents and log fire warmth as winter.