Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall Day Trip

Set out on a captivating day trip from Akureyri Port to the stunning Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Waterfall. This guided tour offers transportation, an English-speaking guide, and ample time to explore the unique volcanic landscape. Marvel at the beauty of Goðafoss, then unwind at the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths. With free cancellation, it’s the perfect way to discover the natural wonders of Northern Iceland. What makes this day trip so special? Let’s dive in and find out.

Key Points

• A guided day trip from Akureyri to explore the iconic Goðafoss Waterfall and the natural wonders of Lake Mývatn, including unique pseudocraters and geothermal areas.
• The 7-hour tour is priced at $190.32 per person and includes transportation and an English-speaking guide.
• Visitors can opt to visit the Mývatn Nature Baths for a rejuvenating experience, though the entry fee is not included.
• The tour starts at the Akureyri Cruise Terminal and highlights key sites like Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir, and Hverir.
• Ample time is provided to fully appreciate the breathtaking Goðafoss Waterfall and learn about the region’s volcanic history and geological features.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This guided day trip from Akureyri takes visitors to explore the stunning Goðafoss Waterfall and the diverse natural wonders of Lake Mývatn.

Priced from $190.32 per person, the 7-hour tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and the flexibility to choose whether to visit the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Priced from $190.32 per person, the 7-hour tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and the flexibility to visit the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Participants can expect to spend time at the 39-foot-tall Goðafoss, the geothermal fields of Hverir, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, and the pseudocraters and mud pools of Lake Mývatn.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers an immersive look at northern Iceland’s natural wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Akureyri Cruise Terminal, where guests will board a van for the journey to the first stop, Goðafoss Waterfall. This 39-foot-tall waterfall along the Skjálfandafljót River is the first highlight of the day.

Next, the tour visits:

• Skútustaðagígar, known for its unique pseudocraters formed by gas explosions.

• Dimmuborgir, a dramatic lava field with unusual rock formations.

• Hverir, a geothermal area featuring boiling mud pools and fumaroles.

• Mývatn Nature Baths, an optional stop where guests can relax in the mineral-rich waters (entry fee not included).

Throughout the tour, travelers will enjoy the van transportation between the various natural attractions around Lake Mývatn.

Exploring Goðafoss Waterfall

As visitors approach Goðafoss Waterfall, they can’t help but be captivated by its sheer grandeur. This 39-foot-tall waterfall, situated in the Skjálfandafljót River, cascades over a semicircular ledge, creating a stunning display of power and beauty.

Guides provide ample time for guests to admire the waterfall from multiple viewpoints, allowing them to fully appreciate its scale and the surrounding natural landscape. Visitors can snap photos and soak in the serene atmosphere before continuing their journey to explore the geothermal wonders of Lake Mývatn.

Discovering Lake Mývatn

After captivating visitors with the powerful display of Goðafoss Waterfall, the tour now leads them to explore the diverse natural wonders of Lake Mývatn.

This unique volcanic lake is home to:

• Pseudocraters, formed by the explosive eruption of superheated steam as lava flowed over wetlands

• Lava fields, showcasing the region’s volcanic history

• Geothermal mud pools, bubbling with natural geothermal activity

• Fumaroles, where steam and gas escape from the earth’s interior

Travelers will have the opportunity to marvel at these geological marvels, gaining insight into the dynamic forces that have shaped this remarkable landscape.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Skútustaðagígar

Departing the captivating Goðafoss Waterfall, the tour heads to Skútustaðagígar, a unique geological formation on the shores of Lake Mývatn. Exploring this remarkable pseudocrater site, visitors discover a lunar-like landscape dotted with dozens of craters. A table summarizes key details:

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Formation | Pseudocraters |

| Origin | Formed by steam explosions |

| Composition | Volcanic rock and soil |

| Significance | Iconic geologic feature of Lake Mývatn |

This stop offers a chance to witness the dynamic interplay between volcanic activity and the lake’s ecosystem, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s captivating natural wonders.

Wandering Through Dimmuborgir

From Skútustaðagígar, the tour continues to the captivating Dimmuborgir, a remarkable lava field that has been sculpted into a labyrinth of dramatic, otherworldly formations.

Visitors can explore this unique landscape, discovering:

• Towering basalt columns and natural rock arches

• Caves and caverns carved into the solidified lava

• Interesting geological features and lava formations

• The iconic "Church" structure, an impressive natural cathedral-like formation

With 30 minutes allotted, travelers can wander through this otherworldly terrain, marveling at the surreal beauty and complex volcanic origins of Dimmuborgir.

Experiencing the Geothermal Fields

Next, the tour explores the remarkable geothermal fields of the region. Hverir is a highlight, with its boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and sulfurous steam vents.

Visitors can wander the lunar-like landscape, marveling at the incredible natural phenomenon. The raw power of the earth’s geothermal energy is on full display, as gases hiss and bubble from the ground.

The strong scent of sulfur permeates the air, a reminder of the dynamic forces shaping this unique environment. This stop provides an up-close look at Iceland’s volcanic origins and the geothermal activity that defines the landscape.

Relaxing at Mývatn Nature Baths

After exploring the dynamic geothermal fields, the tour provides an opportunity to relax and unwind at the Mývatn Nature Baths.

This is an optional stop, but highly recommended for visitors seeking a soothing experience.

The baths feature:

Geothermal mineral-rich waters, picturesque views, rejuvenating silica-rich mud, and on-site amenities – the perfect post-adventure experience.

• Geothermal mineral-rich waters at a comfortable temperature

• Picturesque views of the surrounding landscape

• Rejuvenating silica-rich mud for a relaxing body treatment

• Amenities like locker rooms, showers, and a café on-site

Soaking in the baths is the perfect way to cap off a day of adventure and discovery in the Mývatn region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend My Stay at the Mývatn Nature Baths?

Yes, visitors can extend their time at the Mývatn Nature Baths for an additional fee. However, this would extend the overall tour duration beyond the scheduled 1.5 hours at the baths.

What Items Are Recommended to Bring on the Tour?

The tour recommends bringing a swimsuit and towel for the optional Mývatn Nature Baths visit. Plus, visitors should dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the natural attractions on this day trip.

Is There an Option to Visit Additional Sites Not Listed?

Yes, there’s an optional extra fee to visit the Mývatn Nature Baths, which allows travelers to relax in the geothermal pools during the tour. Beyond this, the itinerary covers the key attractions in the region.

How Accessible Is the Terrain at the Various Stops?

The terrain at the stops ranges from easy walking paths to somewhat rugged areas. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Visitors can expect some uneven ground and inclines, though most sites are accessible for those with moderate mobility.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour Experience?

Yes, travelers can request a private or customized tour experience. Many tour providers offer flexible options to tailor the itinerary and pace to individual preferences and needs, ensuring a more personalized and enjoyable excursion.

The Sum Up

This captivating day trip from Akureyri Port showcases the stunning natural wonders of Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Waterfall. With transportation, an expert guide, and ample time for exploration and photography, visitors can enjoy the unique volcanic landscape. The option to unwind at the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths completes this seamless experience, making it an unforgettable highlight of any visit to the Akureyri region.

You can check availability for your dates here: