Akureyri: Goðafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon Geothermal Bath

Waterfall & Hot Spring: North Iceland's Two-Stop Introduction

You're driven from Akureyri to Goðafoss Waterfall with a stop at a heritage turfhouse museum, then finish with a soak in the Forest Lagoon geothermal bath. Entry fees, towel and WiFi are included. The tour takes about six hours with thirty minutes of travel between each stop. Book this if you want North Iceland's essentials without arranging transport or timing the stops yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Godafoss45m
2. Forest Lagoon1h 30m · entry included

Explore heritage, waterfall, and geothermal bath

• Depart from Akureyri
• Visit Grenjaðarstaður Turfhouse Museum
• Drive to Goðafoss Waterfall
• View and photograph Goðafoss Waterfall
• Travel to Forest Lagoon geothermal baths
• Relax and soak at Forest Lagoon
• Return to Akureyri

The experience

"So we're actually going to soak in a geothermal lagoon after seeing the waterfall?" That's the question most people ask when they book this tour from Akureyri, and yeah. The day is built around both. You start in Eyjafjord and drive the coastline north, and about thirty minutes in you're standing in front of Goðafoss, which is the kind of waterfall that stops you mid-sentence. The Skjálfandafljót glacier river powers it, and the spray hits you even from the viewing platform. It's not a hike to get there, just a short walk, and the whole stop gives you time to shoot photos and actually stand with it for a minute instead of rushing through.

Before the waterfall, though, you stop at Grenjaðarstaður, a turfhouse heritage museum about thirty minutes from Akureyri. It's one of those places that changes how you think about living in Iceland: the turf walls, the way the rooms are arranged, the tools people actually used. Your guide walks you through it, and it's not a long stop, but it grounds the landscape you're about to see. After Goðafoss, you head back down toward Eyjafjord for the Forest Lagoon, which is the newer geothermal bath in the area. Entry and a towel are included, so you just change and soak. The water is warm, the setting is quiet, and it's the kind of thing that makes the whole day feel intentional instead of rushed.

The tour runs about six to seven hours total with travel time between stops. WiFi is on the bus, so you can download photos or check messages if you need to. Lunch isn't mentioned as a separate stop, but the pace gives you time to grab something in Akureyri before you leave or bring snacks for the drive. The whole thing is designed for people who want to see North Iceland's main attractions without renting a car or figuring out the route themselves. You get picked up, driven to three places that actually matter, and dropped back at the port or your hotel.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Akureyri, entry to Grenjaðarstaður Turfhouse Heritage Museum, transport to Goðafoss Waterfall with viewing time, admission to the Forest Lagoon geothermal bath, a towel, WiFi on board, and return transport to your starting point.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 14 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Saga Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docking in Akureyri or staying nearby and want North Iceland's main sights in one morning or afternoon without arranging a rental car: the fixed stops and included entry fees mean you're not coordinating logistics between three separate places.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

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 drive from Akureyri to Goðafoss?

About thirty minutes each way.

Is the Forest Lagoon soak included in the price?

Yes. Entry, towel and admission are all included.

What is Grenjaðarstaður?

A heritage museum at a turfhouse farm showing how people lived in North Iceland historically.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

No. It's suitable for all fitness levels and involves short walks, not hiking.

Is lunch included?

No, but the stops are spaced to give you time to eat before departure or bring snacks.

What should I bring for the geothermal bath?

A swimsuit. Towels are provided.

Is WiFi available on the bus?

Yes, WiFi is included on board.

Can I book this if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Yes. The tour departs from Akureyri Port and returns there, timed for cruise schedules.