Hot springs and waterfalls, private super jeep tour

The best part of this private Akureyri tour is the change of scene. You move from the famous Goðafoss to two quieter waterfalls, then head into Iceland’s uninhabited highlands for a hot bath at Laugafell. Three waterfalls and one geothermal pool make this a full, varied day rather than a single-stop outing.

I like the private format, since your group of up to four can travel with a certified local guide and hotel or port pickup. I also like the way the day mixes sightseeing with time to slow down in a natural hot spring. The main drawback is the price: at $1,179.95 per group, this makes the most sense when four people share the cost, and food is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• Goðafoss is the easy opening stop: You get a short visit to one of northern Iceland’s best-known waterfalls.
• Aldeyjarfoss is the visual standout: Basalt columns frame the falling water and give this stop a very different look.
• Hrafnabjargarfoss adds a quieter break: The 15-minute visit is brief but helps fill out the waterfall route.
• Laugafell is the reward at the end: You have about 50 minutes for a geothermal bath surrounded by the Icelandic highlands.
• Private transport keeps the day flexible: Pickup and drop-off are available at hotels and the port, and only your group participates.
• Pack for a long, cold day: Bring hiking shoes, warm clothes, swimsuit, towel, and a picnic.

From Goðafoss to Iceland’s highland interior

This is a long day, roughly nine to ten hours, so the route matters. You are not simply ticking off one waterfall and returning to Akureyri. The day begins with Goðafoss, continues to Aldeyjarfoss and Hrafnabjargarfoss, then leaves the more familiar sightseeing routes behind for Laugafell.

I like that progression. The first stop gives you an accessible landmark, the middle stops add more unusual scenery, and the hot spring gives the day a clear finish. On the return, you get a broad view over Eyjafjörður, bringing you back toward Akureyri with one last major look at the region.

A private super jeep is useful here because the tour is designed around Iceland’s highland interior rather than just the main road network. The exact road conditions can vary with weather, which is why the operator requires good weather and may reschedule or refund the tour if conditions are poor.

The trip is offered for groups of up to four. That is a good size for a family or a small group of friends. You avoid sharing the day with a busload of people, and pickup can be arranged from your hotel or the port. If you are visiting Akureyri from a cruise ship, port pickup is an especially practical feature.

Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods

The first stop is Goðafoss, known as the Waterfall of the Gods. You have about 20 minutes here, and admission is included at no extra cost.

That is not a long visit, but it is enough for a focused look and photographs. Goðafoss is a strong first stop because it gives you an immediate sense of northern Iceland’s powerful rivers and open scenery without asking you to spend much of the day on foot.

The short timing also tells you how to approach this tour. It is not built around long walks or extended time at each waterfall. You will get a look, take pictures, listen to your guide, and move on. Bring good shoes anyway, since the operator specifically recommends them and the weather can be cold in the region.

Because Goðafoss is the best-known waterfall on the route, it may feel more like a classic sightseeing stop than the later locations. That is not a flaw. It gives the day a recognizable start before the route becomes more remote.

Aldeyjarfoss and its basalt columns

Aldeyjarfoss gets another 20-minute stop. Its appeal is the setting: falling water framed by dark basalt columns.

This is the stop I would especially look forward to if you enjoy geology and strong shapes in photographs. The basalt gives the waterfall a more sculptural feel than Goðafoss. You are looking not only at moving water, but also at the rock formations that shape the falls.

Twenty minutes is enough for a compact visit, though you should not expect a long hike or a leisurely picnic here. Keep your warm layer handy and use the time well. The weather can change quickly in Iceland, and a stop beside moving water can feel colder than the temperature suggests.

Aldeyjarfoss also helps justify the private route. It adds a less routine stop to the day, and your guide can provide context as you look. The tour description does not promise a set amount of walking or a particular viewing platform, so pack shoes that are comfortable on uneven ground rather than ordinary city footwear.

Hrafnabjargarfoss, a short and quieter stop

The third waterfall is Hrafnabjargarfoss, with about 15 minutes set aside for the visit.

This is the briefest stop, so think of it as a quick scenic pause rather than a full visit. It adds another type of waterfall setting to the route and breaks up the drive toward Laugafell. The attraction here is its quieter character and the sense that you are seeing a less familiar part of the region.

Since the stop is short, you may want to keep your camera and outer clothing ready before you arrive. There is little value in spending several minutes getting organized when the available viewing time is limited.

The route works well as a sequence: Goðafoss gives you the major name, Aldeyjarfoss gives you striking rock formations, and Hrafnabjargarfoss gives you a smaller, more secluded stop. None of the waterfall visits is long enough for a full hike, but together they create a varied morning or early afternoon.

Laugafell, the day’s main reward

After the waterfalls, the tour heads through the uninhabited Icelandic highlands toward Laugafell. This is where the outing changes from sightseeing to a more restful outdoor experience.

Laugafell has a geothermal pool surrounded by nature, and about 50 minutes is allowed for the bath. That is enough time to change, soak, and enjoy the setting without turning the stop into an all-day spa visit.

I like this part because it gives the route a purpose beyond collecting viewpoints. A warm pool in the highlands feels connected to Iceland’s geology and climate in a way that a standard indoor facility does not. You are still outside, still in the region you came to see, but the pace becomes slower.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. The operator also asks you to bring warm clothes, which matters before and after the bath. Even if the pool is comfortable, the air around it can be cold, and you do not want to depend on whatever you happened to wear for the drive.

The 50-minute stop is included in the price, including the geothermal pool service fee. Food and drinks are not included, so this is the right point in the day to appreciate the value of the picnic you packed. There is no promise of a meal stop, and the tour information specifically recommends bringing a picnic for the road.

The return to Akureyri and Eyjafjörður

The ride back includes a spectacular view over Eyjafjörður. This gives the tour a final scenic chapter instead of ending immediately after the hot spring.

The fjord view is also a useful contrast to the highlands. Earlier, the route takes you into a remote interior setting. On the return, you look out across the water toward the broad surroundings of Akureyri. The day therefore covers waterfalls, geothermal water, highland terrain, and fjord scenery in one loop.

You should expect a full day in the vehicle, with several short stops and one longer break. That suits you if you prefer seeing several places in one outing. It may not suit you if you want to spend an hour or more at every waterfall or if you dislike long drives.

What the private format adds

The tour costs $1,179.95 per group of up to four. Split four ways, that works out to about $295 per person. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, so the value depends heavily on your group size.

For a full vehicle, the price covers the driver-guide, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, private transport, and the geothermal pool service fee. You are also paying for a route that reaches the Icelandic highlands, not simply a transfer between major public sights.

The private format is particularly useful if you are arriving by ship. A port pickup removes the need to arrange your own transport into Akureyri, and the return transfer is included. Families with older children or young adults may also appreciate having the entire vehicle to themselves.

The tour is not a bargain excursion. You still need to buy or pack your own food and drinks, and the day depends on suitable weather. But if four people share the cost and you want waterfalls plus a geothermal bath without organizing a vehicle yourself, the price becomes easier to defend.

A strong point is the guide. Kristjan is named as the guide for this outing, and the available account describes him as friendly and well informed. Since the tour is led by a certified local guide, you should expect local explanation along the way rather than a simple drive with no context.

What to pack for this particular day

The packing list is simple, but each item matters:

• Good hiking shoes for waterfall stops and outdoor ground
• A swimsuit and towel for Laugafell
• Warm clothing, even in summer
• A picnic and drinks
• A mobile phone for the mobile ticket and photographs

Do not treat the warm clothing suggestion as optional. Icelandic highland weather can be cold, and the day includes time outdoors near water. Layers are more useful than one bulky item because you can adjust them between the vehicle, waterfall stops, and hot spring.

The tour is described as suitable for most travelers, but the itinerary includes several outdoor stops and a long day. If you need a highly accessible route, ask the operator about the current walking surfaces and access before booking. The supplied details do not promise specific accessibility features.

Weather, timing, and cancellation

The stated operating hours for the supplied date range are Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The actual start time should be confirmed when you book, especially if you are connecting with a cruise ship or another activity in Akureyri.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.

Weather is the key condition. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is sensible for a highland trip, but you should avoid placing an important same-day connection immediately afterward.

Who should book this Akureyri tour?

I would recommend it to a small group that wants a broad day out without handling Icelandic driving and route planning. Four friends or family members get the best financial value, while the private setting gives you a quieter ride and direct access to the guide.

It is also a good match if you want more than famous waterfalls. The Aldeyjarfoss basalt columns, Hrafnabjargarfoss stop, Laugafell pool, and Eyjafjörður view give the day several distinct moods.

I would think twice if your main goal is a long soak, a slow hike, or a low-cost outing. The bath lasts about 50 minutes, the waterfall stops are short, and the total price is high for one or two people. You also need to pack food and accept that weather can change the plan.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you have a full day in Akureyri, can share the cost with up to three companions, and want a private route that combines waterfalls with a highland hot spring. The strongest reasons are the varied itinerary, port pickup, certified local guide, and the chance to relax at Laugafell after a day outdoors.

Skip it if you want a cheaper public excursion or prefer to spend long periods at one site. For the right small group, though, this is a well-shaped Iceland day: three very different waterfalls, a geothermal bath, and a final fjord view, all without the burden of driving yourself.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately nine to ten hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The tour is private for your group, with space for up to four people.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is port pickup available?

Yes. Port pickup and drop-off are included.

Which waterfalls are visited?

The tour visits Goðafoss, Aldeyjarfoss, and Hrafnabjargarfoss.

Is the geothermal pool included?

Yes. The Laugafell geothermal pool visit and service fee are included. About 50 minutes is allowed for the stop.

Should I bring food?

Yes. Food and drinks are not included, and you are advised to bring a picnic for the road.

What should I bring for the hot spring and weather?

Bring good hiking shoes, a swimsuit, a towel, and warm clothing. The region can be cold.