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A compact 5–6 hour shore excursion from Akureyri that pairs the thunder of Goðafoss with a soothing soak at the Forest Lagoon, plus a stop at a turfhouse museum for local history.
A compact 5–6 hour shore excursion from Akureyri that pairs the thunder of Goðafoss with a soothing soak at the Forest Lagoon, plus a stop at a turfhouse museum for local history.
The van eases away from Akureyri's harbor and the town shrinks to a string of roofs along Eyjafjörður while the ocean keeps its low, gray conversation. In the front seat you can see the guides in red jackets—easy to spot when three cruise ships disgorge passengers that same morning—and the road runs close to the fjord before swinging inland toward centuries of human stories carved into turf and stone.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Saga Travel · Akureyri, Northeast Region
The van eases away from Akureyri's harbor and the town shrinks to a string of roofs along Eyjafjörður while the ocean keeps its low, gray conversation. In the front seat you can see the guides in red jackets—easy to spot when three cruise ships disgorge passengers that same morning—and the road runs close to the fjord before swinging inland toward centuries of human stories carved into turf and stone.
Your first stop is Grenjaðarstaður, where a turfhouse museum lays out how people lived on this edge of the island. The low rooflines and peat walls feel deliberate: wind-managed architecture that kept families safe through long winters. Museum exhibits are compact but informative—simple tools, layered clothing, and a sense of household rhythm that makes the hard landscape legible.
The tour moves on to Goðafoss, where the Skjálfandafljót river throws itself off a basalt lip with a confidence that makes cameras tilt instinctively. Water here is glacier-born: cold, voluminous, and impatient. Paths approach viewpoints from several angles, so you can feel the spray on your face on the lower trail or take a wide, panoramic breath from the rim. The falls are more than a picture; they’re a moment of force that undercuts any romantic idea of the gentle Icelandic landscape.
After the roar and the wind, the Forest Lagoon offers a different kind of elemental company: warm, mineral-rich water held in a minimal, modern complex on the shores of Eyjafjörður. It’s a relatively new geothermal bathing area—towels and admission included on the tour—and the pools are designed for slow travel, the kind where conversation thins and the muscles unclench. The lagoon’s constructed edges frame views of distant snow on ridges and the small coastal farms below.
Practical rhythm: this is a 5–6 hour shore excursion with about 30 minutes of drive time between each main stop. You’ll get roughly 45 minutes at Goðafoss, 40 minutes at the turfhouse, and about 90 minutes to soak at the Forest Lagoon. Terrain is easy: paved paths and short boardwalks, but the areas around the waterfall can be wet and slick.
Bring layers and a waterproof shell, a camera with a quick lens change option, and swimwear under your clothes if you want to skip changing at the port. Leave cameras on straps near the waterfall—spray comes unexpectedly. Respect signage at historical sites and keep to marked trails to protect fragile vegetation. For travelers stepping ashore from a cruise, the guides’ meeting point is at the Saga Travel hut on Tangabryggja (or immediately outside the ship at Oddeyrarbryggja). The day balances Iceland’s human history with geology and geothermal calm—an efficient and sensory introduction to North Iceland.
easy.
5–6 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; walking is short and not steep but includes uneven, wet surfaces at viewpoints.
Meet at the Saga Travel hut on Tangabryggja; if your ship docks at the secondary port (Oddeyrarbryggja) staff will meet you immediately outside the ship and walk you to the meeting point.
Yes—this is rated easy and suitable for all fitness levels; paths are short though slippery near the falls so supervision and care are advised.
Yes—the tour includes admission to the Forest Lagoon and provides towels for guests.
Space on the tour vehicle is limited to daypacks and personal items; large luggage should remain on the ship or in port storage.
Yes—you get about 90 minutes at the Forest Lagoon which allows time to change, soak, and shower.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure; tours may be canceled for bad weather or insufficient travelers.
Turfhouses were a practical response to Iceland’s harsh climate—peat and stone provided insulation and a maintenance economy that lasted centuries.
Stick to marked trails around moss and grass; Iceland’s vegetation recovers slowly and foot traffic can cause long-term damage.
Saga Travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The van eases away from Akureyri's harbor and the town shrinks to a string of roofs along Eyjafjörður while the ocean keeps its low, gray conversation. In the front seat you can see the guides in red jackets—easy to spot when three cruise ships disgorge passengers that same morning—and the road runs close to the fjord before swinging inland toward centuries of human stories carved into turf and stone.
The van eases away from Akureyri's harbor and the town shrinks to a string of roofs along Eyjafjörður while the ocean keeps its low, gray conversation. In the front seat you can see the guides in red jackets—easy to spot when three cruise ships disgorge passengers that same morning—and the road runs close to the fjord before swinging inland toward centuries of human stories carved into turf and stone.
Your first stop is Grenjaðarstaður, where a turfhouse museum lays out how people lived on this edge of the island. The low rooflines and peat walls feel deliberate: wind-managed architecture that kept families safe through long winters. Museum exhibits are compact but informative—simple tools, layered clothing, and a sense of household rhythm that makes the hard landscape legible.
The tour moves on to Goðafoss, where the Skjálfandafljót river throws itself off a basalt lip with a confidence that makes cameras tilt instinctively. Water here is glacier-born: cold, voluminous, and impatient. Paths approach viewpoints from several angles, so you can feel the spray on your face on the lower trail or take a wide, panoramic breath from the rim. The falls are more than a picture; they’re a moment of force that undercuts any romantic idea of the gentle Icelandic landscape.
After the roar and the wind, the Forest Lagoon offers a different kind of elemental company: warm, mineral-rich water held in a minimal, modern complex on the shores of Eyjafjörður. It’s a relatively new geothermal bathing area—towels and admission included on the tour—and the pools are designed for slow travel, the kind where conversation thins and the muscles unclench. The lagoon’s constructed edges frame views of distant snow on ridges and the small coastal farms below.
Practical rhythm: this is a 5–6 hour shore excursion with about 30 minutes of drive time between each main stop. You’ll get roughly 45 minutes at Goðafoss, 40 minutes at the turfhouse, and about 90 minutes to soak at the Forest Lagoon. Terrain is easy: paved paths and short boardwalks, but the areas around the waterfall can be wet and slick.
Bring layers and a waterproof shell, a camera with a quick lens change option, and swimwear under your clothes if you want to skip changing at the port. Leave cameras on straps near the waterfall—spray comes unexpectedly. Respect signage at historical sites and keep to marked trails to protect fragile vegetation. For travelers stepping ashore from a cruise, the guides’ meeting point is at the Saga Travel hut on Tangabryggja (or immediately outside the ship at Oddeyrarbryggja). The day balances Iceland’s human history with geology and geothermal calm—an efficient and sensory introduction to North Iceland.