Akureyri: Goðafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon Day Trip

Summary

North Iceland waterfalls heritage stops and geothermal forest baths

You’ll travel from Akureyri along Eyjafjordur’s coast to explore a turfhouse museum, feel Goðafoss waterfall’s spray on your face, and finally soak in Forest Lagoon’s geothermal pools with a towel included. Expect honest stories from your local guide—and moments of real stillness you might not forget.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our guide, Jónas, waving us onto the minibus at Akureyri port with this big woolly hat—he joked it was “summer fashion” up here. We set off along Eyjafjordur’s edge, low clouds hanging over the water. It was quiet except for the hum of the road and someone unwrapping a cinnamon bun behind me (the smell made me hungry). Our first stop was Grenjaðarstaður Turfhouse Museum—these grass-roofed houses almost disappeared into the hillside. Inside, it felt close and earthy, like stepping back a century. Jónas told stories about families who’d lived there; I tried to imagine sharing those tiny rooms through an Icelandic winter. Hard to picture, honestly.

After that we drove maybe half an hour to Goðafoss waterfall—the main reason I’d booked this day trip from Akureyri. You hear it before you see it: that low thunder of water. The spray hit my face as soon as I got near the edge (my glasses fogged up instantly). Jónas explained how Goðafoss means “waterfall of the gods,” and pointed out where the old chieftain supposedly tossed his idols in. There were rainbows in the mist if you squinted right. I took too many photos but none really caught how cold and alive it felt standing there.

I didn’t expect to end up floating in a geothermal pool surrounded by trees, but that’s what Forest Lagoon is like—a bit surreal after all that wind and stone. They gave us towels at check-in (included), so no stress there. The water was hot enough that my skin tingled, steam rising around my ears while I watched clouds drift over the fjord through glass walls. Someone nearby ordered a drink straight to the pool—I should’ve done that too. After everything—the stories, the waterfall roar, even Jónas’ bad jokes—I still think about how quiet it felt just drifting in that warm water before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Akureyri to Goðafoss?

It takes about 30 minutes by road from Akureyri to Goðafoss waterfall.

Is entry to Forest Lagoon included in this tour?

Yes, admission to Forest Lagoon and a towel are included in your booking.

What is Grenjaðarstaður Turfhouse Museum?

It’s a heritage site where you can see traditional Icelandic turf houses and learn about local history.

Does this day trip include pickup from Akureyri port?

Yes, pickup from Akureyri port is included for this tour.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting points.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is provided; only entry fees and a towel are included.

How long do we spend at each stop?

The itinerary allows roughly 30 minutes travel between each stop; time at each attraction varies but is unhurried.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Akureyri port with WiFi onboard, entry tickets for both Grenjaðarstaður Turfhouse Heritage Museum and Forest Lagoon (with towel provided), so you can just show up ready for waterfalls and hot pools—no extra planning needed.