Review: Godafoss, Santa Claus House & Forest Lagoon

Okay, so Iceland, right? Very well known for, like, these dramatic views, but some spots just stick with you, almost. I mean, think about Godafoss Waterfall. And then you have something completely out of left field, like the Santa Claus House. Lastly, you can kick back at the Forest Lagoon. That is pretty much what my trip was, and this is pretty much what I thought.

Godafoss: The Waterfall of the Gods

Godafoss, often referred to as the Waterfall of the Gods, is a sight. That’s what people say, anyway. The name, interestingly enough, comes from the sagas when, it’s almost like Iceland decided to ditch the old Norse gods. Stories say that statues of the old gods were thrown into the falls, signaling, like, this big change. Seeing it now, it is that impressive. What you have are these powerful, wide falls that cascade into a river below. I mean, it’s easy to spend a couple of hours just wandering around the different viewpoints, taking photos, and generally soaking it all in.

Anyway, the thing you really need to know when visiting Godafoss is that there are a couple of sides from which you can view it, okay? Both offer views, but the eastern side is generally thought of as a little bit easier to get to. And then there’s the western side. Now that is cool too, offering a viewpoint that lets you get closer to the falls. It can be pretty icy, or slick in the winter though, just a heads up. Be sure you wear good hiking boots. Really, the experience varies a lot with the time of year and the weather, you know?

When the sun is shining, like directly shining, you will get a pretty killer rainbow in the mist. If you can hang around for either sunset or sunrise? You probably want to because those times are supposed to bathe the falls in warm light, giving the scene some feels, just. During the colder months, usually everything around the falls is iced over and maybe snowy. Just plan for all these kinds of conditions if you do visit then. It makes everything feel very raw.

Santa Claus House: A Yuletide Stop

Okay, so the Santa Claus House in Iceland? A little surprising. But it’s a fun detour. I mean, who anticipates bumping into Santa way outside of December, anyway? It’s almost like it has this warm, cheery vibe the instant you walk up to it. Clearly the destination itself aims to keep the spirit of Christmas very present all year round. It’s probably a great spot, in a way, if you have young kids.

Of course, at the Santa Claus House, you’ll find a shop stocked with what can only be described as Yuletide decorations, gifts, and local crafts, obviously. You can even find that letter you wrote, apparently. What you can do is sip some hot cocoa or munch on cookies while the elves are all around you. Photo ops with Santa? You betcha, assuming he’s in. Like your photos.

It might sound touristy. Well, I mean, maybe it is very touristy, right? However, what you get is this enjoyable break if you want a lighthearted place. Especially so when everything else is usually some view. When you drive by, stop there, honestly. See if Santa is in. It’s kind of worth it, it just is.

Forest Lagoon: Soaking in Nature

Let me tell you, the Forest Lagoon is this newer spa just located close to Akureyri. What makes it unique is how it is literally in the middle of a forest. It has those views out over the Eyjafjordur fjord, I think it’s called. Picture this: you are submerged in warm water surrounded by trees. I mean, that alone sounds peaceful. That is a cool vibe right there. I kind of needed it, okay?

In the lagoon, what you get are two infinity pools. As well as that, there is a sauna, a cool pool for if you want to cool down some, and a restaurant. All of it is really modern looking. You know what you might like the most though? It’s just how serene and quiet it is there. Okay, so it is almost an awesome spot to, like, chill after doing things like running around seeing places or exploring.

If you intend on visiting the Forest Lagoon, I almost think you need to reserve your spot, really. What that does is it ensures that the pools don’t get too crowded, basically. As well as that, what I suggest is booking some massage. Now those are available, which add that something extra. The place is typically open well into the night so you can even enjoy, maybe, some stargazing if it is clear out.

Tips for Your Trip

Okay, so here’s the part where I just load you up with travel tips, I mean I know everything, just.

Best Times to Visit: For, like, the Northern Lights, try visiting from September through April, right? But for milder temps as well as long daylight hours, go from June to August. That is just what everyone does, by the way.
What to Wear: Always dress in layers. Now, always. Because Iceland’s weather has always been like that. Make sure you bring along waterproof stuff, good hiking boots, as well as that cozy sweater you can take lots of selfies in. You like selfies.
Getting Around: Renting a car usually makes sense in Iceland. But keep tabs on weather conditions. Particularly in winter, some of the roads close a lot. Maybe try a four-wheel-drive. That could make you feel safer.
Accommodation: To get places to stay you are typically going to use Hotels.com, Expedia, or maybe Airbnb to find spots to stay, that, and whatever fits what you want to spend. Places fill fast so don’t screw around and wait too long to book, so book now! I would!
Food: If you want some local eats, try lamb dishes, seafood, and also skyr, because it’s healthy. And you need to try everything local, honestly. Akureyri is the place to be when it comes to good food, so consider that, basically.

Getting the Most Out of the Icelandic Trio

Planning Your Trip: So, you want the most of all this? Map out what you want, like how long each spot needs to be. Is that important to you? Check that things are open too. Just see if things are open!
Time Allocation: Yeah, yeah, rushing around is no fun, anyway. Maybe keep three or four hours aside to see Godafoss, 90 minutes for Santa’s house, and perhaps half of the day to max out everything at the lagoon, so go, soak, then dine. Like I said, 90 minutes.
Blending Fun: Try sprinkling it up too, instead of keeping these separate. Begin your day, let us say, with the crash of a waterfall. Stop by Santa’s place in between. Now cool out when night rolls up over at the Forest Lagoon, it is a fun way to relax from it all. What did you like the most? I did all that.

Visiting Godafoss Waterfall, the Santa Claus House, as well as the Forest Lagoon gets you, more or less, this crazy contrast of seeing some views, some Christmas vibes, and relaxation time. Now I totally believe these can each, totally, provide something awesome in regards to creating experiences in Iceland’s beautiful, awesome North. Now go already.

Key Takeaways: