From Akureyri: Godafoss and Lake Myvatn

Exploring Iceland’s Northeast: A Well-Rounded Day Trip from Akureyri to Lake Myvatn and Beyond

This tour from Akureyri offers a well-paced journey through some of Iceland’s most iconic and visually striking landscapes. For $216 per person, you’ll spend about 6 hours marveling at waterfalls, lava formations, bubbling mud pits, and volcanic craters. Led by friendly local guides like Graham or Lilja, this trip is perfect for travelers who want an authentic taste of Iceland’s natural beauty without the hassle of organizing their own transport or hikes.

What we love about this experience is how it balances spectacular scenery with informative storytelling — guides don’t just point out sights, they share stories that bring these places to life. Also, the stops are thoughtfully spaced, giving plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

A possible consideration is the price excludes entrance fees for the Myvatn Nature Baths and lunch. If you’re looking to soak in these famous geothermal pools, budget extra for admission, but keep in mind that many reviews suggest it’s worth it.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of nature walks, photo opportunities, and learning about Icelandic geology and folklore. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate small group experiences and want a guide to enrich their understanding of each stop.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering waterfalls, lava formations, geothermal sites, and volcanic craters.
• Knowledgeable guides like Graham and Lilja make the experience engaging and insightful.
• Flexible stops with plenty of time for photos, exploration, and questions.
• Includes transportation and hotel pickup, simplifying logistics for travelers.
• Entry fees for Myvatn Nature Baths are extra, so plan accordingly.
• Winter months add a special charm with snow, frost, and low sun.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour Stands Out

If you’re after a well-rounded introduction to Iceland’s volcanic northeast, this tour delivers. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want to see several highlights in one day without the stress of planning multiple transports or self-driving in unfamiliar terrain.

Starting with hotel pickup in Akureyri, the journey begins with a scenic drive through the rugged landscape, giving you a chance to get oriented with this fascinating region. The first stop offers panoramic views over Eyjafjörður — a quiet moment to soak in the mountain vistas before heading into the action.

Visiting Goðafoss Waterfall

A highlight for many is the famous Goðafoss, often called the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Its horseshoe shape and powerful cascade create a stunning photo backdrop. Several reviews mention how unforgettable this spot is, with some describing it as “absolutely stunning.” Your guide will explain its historical importance, adding depth to the visual feast. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, enough time to walk close to the falls and snap some memorable shots.

Exploring Lake Myvatn and Surroundings

The next key stop is the lake itself, Iceland’s 4th largest, and an area famed for its birdlife, volcanic craters, and geothermal activity. The pseudo craters at Skútustaðagígar offer a surreal landscape — volcanic explosions created these unique formations, perfect for a short walk and photo session.

A highlight here is the Dimmuborgir lava fields, often called the “Dark Castles” for their towering, bizarre lava pillars and caves. Guides like Graham and Lilja excel at sharing stories about their formation around 2,500 years ago and the local folktales about trolls that supposedly carved these shapes. Visitors love walking among these “castle ruins,” with one reviewer noting how the lava sculptures and caves are “amazing,” especially with fewer travelers during the winter.

Geothermal and Volcanic Wonders

Next up is Grjótagjá Cave, a small, warm underground cave where you can imagine local lore or even dip in if you bring swimwear (note: not included in tour price). It’s a short walk but packed with charm.

The tour then takes you to Hverir, a geothermal area with bubbling sulphur mud pools and steaming vents. The scenery here is both beautiful and a little bizarre — a reminder of Iceland’s ongoing volcanic activity. Watching the bubbling mud and steam, you get a real sense of the earth’s internal heat bubbling to the surface.

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Optional Relaxation and Final Stops

Many travelers enjoy the option to soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths — a less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon, with warm, mineral-rich waters. Keep in mind that entry isn’t included, but reviews suggest it’s a highlight for those who choose to indulge.

The tour wraps up with an 80-minute drive back to Akureyri, giving you a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights. Guides often share additional stories and insights, making the return journey part of the experience.

In-Depth Look at the Experience

Transport and Group Size

You’ll be traveling in a mini bus that’s comfortable and easy to navigate through Iceland’s sometimes narrow roads. The pickup is prompt, starting about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure, which means you’ll want to be ready outside your hotel or guesthouse.

Group sizes tend to be small, often just a handful of travelers, which keeps the atmosphere intimate and allows guides to tailor their commentary to your interests. As one reviewer notes, “having only five of us plus the guide meant we could ask questions freely and see everything without feeling rushed.”

Guides and Stories

The guides consistently receive high praise, with many reviews emphasizing their knowledgeability and friendliness. Whether it’s Graham, Lilja, or Lille, travelers feel they’re getting more than just a sightseeing tour — they’re gaining insights into Icelandic culture, geology, and folklore.

Several comments highlight how guides went beyond the basic narration to tell stories about trolls, eruptions, and local history, making the sights more memorable. The enthusiasm and storytelling ability seem to be key factors behind the high ratings.

The Scenic Stops

Each stop offers something distinctive and photogenic. The waterfall and the lava formations are the highlights for many, but Hverir’s geothermal activity adds a different kind of awe. During winter, the landscape takes on a frosty, magical quality, with snow highlighting the volcanic terrain.

Value for Money

While the price is on the higher side, many travelers agree that the value is justified by the variety of sights, the quality of guides, and the convenience of included transportation. The free time at each stop, particularly at Dimmuborgir and Goðafoss, allows for personal exploration, which many reviewers appreciate.

Practical Tips

• Bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven volcanic terrain.
• Warm clothing is essential, especially in winter when frost and snow are common.
• If you want to relax in the Myvatn Nature Baths, bring swimwear and a towel — remember, entry isn’t included.
• A reusable water bottle is handy as there’s plenty of opportunity to refill and stay hydrated.
• The tour doesn’t include lunch, but there are stops for a quick meal or snack.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see multiple geological and natural wonders in one day. If you enjoy storytelling and learning about geology and folklore, guides like Graham and Lilja will enrich your experience.

It’s also perfect for those who prefer small, intimate groups and appreciate the chance to ask questions and take their time at each site. If you’re visiting in winter, be prepared for frost, snow, and shorter daylight hours, which add a special atmosphere but require warm attire.

In short, this tour offers the best of Iceland’s volcanic northeast—a balance of natural beauty, cultural storytelling, and convenient logistics—making it a highly recommended choice for travelers wanting a memorable, well-rounded day out.

FAQ

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, starting from approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What sights are included in the tour?
You’ll visit Goðafoss Waterfall, Lake Myvatn, pseudo craters at Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Grjótagjá Cave, and Hverir geothermal area.

How long is the drive between stops?
Stops range from about 10 to 80 minutes, with most drives around 30-35 minutes, allowing for comfortable transitions between sites.

Is food included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, but there are opportunities to buy food during stops. The optional Myvatn Nature Baths visit has an entrance fee, which is not part of the tour price.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, swimwear if you plan to bathe, a towel, and a reusable water bottle are recommended.

Is this tour suitable in winter?
Yes, many reviews mention the winter months adding a special charm with snow and frost, but be prepared with warm clothing.

This tour from Akureyri offers a thoughtfully curated look at some of Iceland’s most stunning and geologically fascinating sights. With expert guides, ample time at each location, and a mix of waterfalls, lava fields, and geothermal wonders, it’s an excellent choice for anyone eager to experience the raw beauty of Iceland’s northeast with ease and insight. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth trip, the landscapes of Lake Myvatn will surely leave an indelible impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: