Afternoon trip to Goðafoss — Family-friendly minibus from Akureyri
A short, family-friendly 2-hour minibus excursion from Akureyri to Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods). Ideal as an afternoon outing after a morning whale-watching trip — comfortable transport, English-speaking guide and easy walking at the falls.
In Collaboration with Star Travel. Updated on March 31, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Star Travel, inspired by the tour Afternoon trip to Goðafoss. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Goðafoss Waterfall (Waterfall of the Gods)
- Comfortable minibus transfer with guide commentary
- Short, stroller-manageable walks and photo stops
Explore all itineraries in Akureyri.
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon Goðafoss Express Minibus Tour — designed for families (easy walking, short transfers). Tour time chosen at 14:00; total approximate duration 2 hours.
Meet & check-in — Akureyri Harbour (Cruise Ship Harbour)
Gather at the Akureyri cruise/visitor harbour for check-in with the Star Travel guide. Short welcome, safety briefing and quick bathroom check before departure.
- Monday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 2:55 PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to allow time for restroom use and to strap strollers; the harbour area has level pavement for easy stroller access.
- Bring a light waterproof layer — even in summer sea breezes can be chilly at the harbour while you wait.
- If your child needs a booster or car-seat, bring a portable booster — organized minibus tours rarely provide child car seats.
Minibus transfer from Akureyri to Goðafoss — comfortable scenic drive
Board a comfortable minibus with an English-speaking guide. Enjoy short, family-friendly commentary about the region as you drive to Goðafoss.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a small bag with snacks, wet wipes and a spare top for kids — the minibus ride is short but useful for quick clean-ups.
- If anyone in the family is prone to motion sickness, sit near the front and look at the horizon; the guide can stop if someone needs fresh air.
- Use this time to review the short walking route at the falls with kids so they know to stay behind barriers and close to you.
Explore Goðafoss Waterfall — easy family-friendly viewpoints
Spend time at Goðafoss for photos and short, safe walks along the main viewpoints. The paths are generally short but can be uneven — plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the cascades.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip — paths near the waterfall can be wet and slightly uneven; hold small children’s hands near viewing edges.
- There is limited shelter near the falls; keep a lightweight rain jacket and a towel for kids in case of spray or sudden weather changes.
- Plan for quick bathroom breaks before leaving—public facilities near rural falls may be basic or limited; bring hand-sanitizer and small toilet paper pack just in case.
Return transfer to Akureyri — relaxed drive back
Board the minibus and return to Akureyri. The guide will provide final tips on local sights and answer family questions during the ride back.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the return ride as quiet time for younger children — pack a small book or tablet with headphones to keep them comfortable.
- If you traded warm clothing for sun earlier, re-layer kids before disembarking in Akureyri since evening temperatures can drop.
- Ask the guide for local restroom or family-friendly restaurant recommendations in Akureyri if you plan to eat after the tour.
Optional: Family-friendly dinner — Rub 23 (Akureyri)
After the tour, enjoy casual family-friendly dining at Rub 23 — seafood-forward menu with options for kids. Good for groups and families with flexible menu choices.
- Monday11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Friday11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday5:00 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday5:00 – 10:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table near the window for views and more space for a stroller; the staff are used to families and can adapt dishes for children.
- Menus often include fish fingers or pasta for picky eaters; mention allergies so the kitchen can accommodate (Icelandic kitchens are allergy-aware).
- If you want to keep the evening early and calm, request a quick-service option — many items are prepared quickly and are child-friendly.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Attraction, Restaurant |
Akureyri in 1 Days - Family-friendly afternoon trip to Goðafoss by minibus
Why this experience
You want to see Iceland's most dramatic waterfall but don't have a full day or a rental car to manage. This afternoon minibus trip from Akureyri gets you to Goðafoss—the Waterfall of the Gods—and back with time to spare. A small group minibus handles the drive on narrow mountain roads while you relax and take in the Icelandic landscape. You'll arrive mid-afternoon, explore the falls for an hour or more, and return to Akureyri by early evening. It's the perfect way to fit a major natural wonder into a busy itinerary without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads or the cost of a private rental. Families love the simplicity; photographers love the afternoon light on the water.
Before you go
- Best time: Summer (June–August) for stable weather and long daylight; spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and moody light. Winter is possible but roads may require careful timing.
- Budget: Budget-friendly sightseeing. Bring spending money for a café meal in Akureyri before or after the trip.
- Difficulty: Easy. Short walks around waterfall viewpoints; minimal climbing required.
- What to bring: Waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, and camera or phone for photos. The spray from the falls can soak you—bring a waterproof bag for electronics.
- Getting there: Minibus pickup from central Akureyri or your hotel (confirm exact location when booking). Return is typically early evening, leaving time for dinner in town.
- Accessibility: Gravel paths and uneven terrain around the falls. Ground conditions vary by season. Ask your operator about wheelchair access and accessibility options.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the afternoon trip? Typically 4–5 hours total from pickup to return, including drive time and 1–2 hours at the waterfall site for exploration and photography.
What's the best time to visit Goðafoss? Afternoon light (after noon) highlights the water and canyon beautifully. Summer offers the brightest light; autumn and spring create moodier, more dramatic skies. Your operator times the trip for optimal lighting.
What's included in the minibus trip? Professional driver, transportation in a small group minibus, and guidance to the best vantage points at the falls. Entrance fees or facilities costs (if any) depend on your operator—confirm when booking. TheNextGuide connects you with family-oriented Icelandic operators who know the safest and most scenic routes to Goðafoss.
Is the minibus crowded? Minibuses typically carry 8–15 people, so it's intimate without feeling private. You'll share the experience with other travellers, often leading to new friendships on the road.
Can I bring young children? Yes. The minibus is family-friendly, and walks around the waterfall are easy. Keep children close near the canyon edge—the views are dramatic and the terrain drops steeply.
Complete your trip in Akureyri
Pair this with a morning rafting experience on the West Glacial River or an evening Northern Lights tour in winter. For adventure lovers, try husky sledding with aurora viewing.
Browse all Akureyri itineraries at TheNextGuide.
