From Akureyri: Goðafoss Waterfall & Santa Claus House Tour

Experience the magic of Iceland with our Godafoss Waterfall and Santa Claus House tour. Discover the history and beauty of Godafoss, then explore the festive world of the Christmas House.
Embark on a magical journey to the heart of Iceland’s natural beauty and folklore with our Godafoss Waterfall and Santa Claus House tour.

Begin your adventure at the Godafoss Waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, located in the northern part of the country. The waterfall, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is steeped in history and legend. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót cascades from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The waterfall is easily accessible, with a well-marked sign and a spacious parking lot situated west of the waterfall. A 1.8-mile hiking trail loops around the waterfall area, offering different perspectives of this natural wonder.

The name Godafoss is rooted in a pivotal moment in Iceland’s history when the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland. Upon returning home from the Alþingi, Þorgeir supposedly threw his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall, hence the name “Waterfall of the Gods”.

After immersing yourself in the natural beauty and historical significance of Godafoss, continue your journey to the Akureyri Christmas House, or Jólahúsið, a shop and tourist attraction near the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri. Open year-round, the Christmas House is a magical world of Christmas, filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the festive season.

The Christmas House offers two floors packed with Christmas trinkets, including decorations, food, music, artworks, books, toys, homeware, and ornaments, all associated with the Yuletide. Many of the products are Icelandic, with many authentic local handicrafts for sale. The staff are experts on Icelandic folklore and how it relates to the festive season, and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

The Christmas House also features several buildings other than the shop itself, including a tower with what may be the world’s largest advent calendar, and the Christmas Garden, a beautiful festive space[2]. The garden has a miniature replica of an Icelandic turf church, and is home to the Wishing Well of Unborn Children, where guests are encouraged to make a wish for future generations.

This tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and festive cheer, making it an unforgettable experience for all visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a Christmas enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.