Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour

If you’re visiting Akureyri and looking for a well-rounded, authentic Icelandic experience, this 6-hour shore excursion offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty, history, and relaxation. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but after reviewing all the details, it clearly provides a thoughtfully curated escape into some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. From awe-inspiring waterfalls to otherworldly volcanic landscapes and geothermal baths, this trip hits the highlights with a good balance of sightseeing and leisure.

What we love about this tour is its focus on stunning scenery like Godafoss, the surreal terrain around Lake Mývatn, and the chance to unwind in geothermal waters. Plus, the fact that it’s designed to fit cruise ship schedules means you won’t have to worry about missing your departure. However, one thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include towels or swimsuits, so you’ll need to plan for those extras if you want to soak in the baths. This tour is perfect for travelers craving an immersive taste of North Iceland’s natural wonders, especially if you enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxing downtime.

Key Points

• Authentic Icelandic scenery with waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and geothermal pools
• Flexible schedule tailored to cruise ship docking times
• Knowledgeable guides with engaging stories and insights
• Great value with included entrance fees, packed lunch, and Wi-Fi
• Consideration for extras like towels and swimsuits—rentals available locally
• Perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking relaxation

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose This Tour?

This excursion offers a wonderful blend of sightseeing, cultural history, and well-needed relaxation. Starting at Akureyri cruise port, it ensures a smooth, stress-free experience, with transportation arranged to match your ship’s schedule. The guided tour provides valuable context and stories—reviews highlight guides like Vicki and Runar for their engaging personalities and local knowledge. You’ll get a chance to learn about Iceland’s history, like the symbolic story behind Góðafoss, where a local chieftain threw pagan statues into the falls as Iceland embraced Christianity.

The real highlight for many is the Mývatn Nature Baths, dubbed the “Blue Lagoon of the North.” Visitors have raved about their time here, mentioning how the warm, geothermal waters are not only relaxing but also believed to have healing properties. The scenery around the baths is spectacular, with views of Mývatn’s distinctive volcanic landscape. Just keep in mind that towels and swimsuits are not supplied, which many reviewers note—rentals are available at the site, but bringing your own can save time and money.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

1. Pickup and Transport

The tour kicks off at either Tangarbryggja Pier or Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, depending on your cruise dock location. Guides wear bright orange vests, making them easy to spot. The transportation is modern, comfortable, and includes free Wi-Fi, which is a bonus for sharing photos or checking out the scenery en route.

2. Góðafoss Waterfall

Your first stop is Góðafoss, one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls. Its wide, crescent shape makes it an excellent photography spot, and the nearby history adds to its charm. According to reviews, this stop is roughly 35 minutes long, giving enough time for photos, a quick walk, and enjoying the views. The waterfall’s significance is also compelling; it symbolizes Iceland’s shift to Christianity when a local chieftain threw pagan idols into the falls—making it a spot rich in history as well as natural beauty.

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3. Lake Mývatn and Surroundings

Next, you’ll visit Lake Mývatn, famous for its surreal, volcanic landscape. A dedicated viewing point offers a spectacular panorama of the pseudo craters and alien-like terrain. The area is heavily shaped by volcanic activity, and the landscape is dotted with pseudo craters and volcanic formations. Reviewers mention the area’s unique nature, with some highlighting the presence of flies, which can be bothersome—so bringing a head net might be wise.

4. Mývatn Nature Baths

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the Mývatn Nature Baths. With two hours allocated, you get plenty of time to soak, relax, and take in the scenic views. The waters are naturally heated by geothermal activity and believed to have healing benefits. Guests have described the experience as “amazing,” with some noting it’s less crowded than other geothermal spots like the Blue Lagoon, making for a more peaceful relaxation.

5. Return Journey

After the baths, you’ll head back to Akureyri, with a 75-minute scenic drive. This part of the tour is perfect for resting your muscles, sharing experiences, or just enjoying the landscape through the window. The tour concludes back at Gránufélagsgata 50, right near the cruise port, ensuring you’re on time for your ship’s departure.

Practical Details and What to Bring

This tour is priced to include transportation, entrance to Mývatn Nature Baths, Wi-Fi, and a packed lunch with options for chicken or vegan sandwiches. It’s an excellent value considering the inclusion of entrance fees and the convenience of organized logistics.

However, towels and swimsuits are not included, which travelers often find worth noting. Rentals are available at the baths, but bringing your own can streamline the experience. Expect to spend about 6 hours from pickup to return, with most of the day dedicated to sightseeing and relaxing.

The tour runs in English with guides who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. You can reserve your spot with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility should your plans change.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Insights from Reviewers

Many travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides, citing guides like Vicki and Runar for their engaging storytelling and local expertise. One reviewer highlighted how their guide was “so knowledgeable, geologists himself,” touching on Iceland’s volcanic history, which adds educational depth to the scenic stops.

The scenery is consistently praised—whether it’s the dramatic Góðafoss or the surreal formations at Lake Mývatn. Several reviews mention how these sites surpassed expectations, with some describing the landscape as “strange” and “otherworldly,” perfect for those interested in geology, photography, or simply awe-inspiring vistas.

The thermal baths are a hit among visitors, described as “amazing” and “so relaxing,” with some noting how they enjoyed the outdoor experience under the wide Icelandic sky. The tranquility and scenic views from the baths make it a memorable highlight.

On the flip side, a few reviewers mention practical considerations: the flies at Lake Mývatn can be bothersome, so packing insect repellent or head nets might improve your experience. Also, some found the guide’s narration a bit monotonous, but overall, the guides’ friendly manner and local insights made up for it.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Akureyri port tour offers a well-balanced taste of North Iceland’s most captivating sights. The combination of spectacular waterfalls, the unique landscape of Lake Mývatn, and the chance to soak in geothermal waters makes it a versatile option for many travelers. The included amenities like Wi-Fi, a packed lunch, and the flexibility of timed pickups add to its appeal, especially for cruise passengers wanting a seamless experience.

While it doesn’t include towels or swimsuits, the overall value is high considering what’s covered. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making the journey both educational and entertaining. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy nature, geology, and relaxation—and who appreciate a good story along the way.

This trip may not be ideal if you’re highly sensitive to insects or prefer private, unguided explorations. However, for those wanting a comprehensive, comfortable, and scenic day out, it strikes a great balance—and leaves you with authentic memories of North Iceland’s wild beauty.

FAQs

Does the tour include transportation from the cruise port?
Yes, transportation is arranged from either Tangarbryggja Pier or Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, depending on where your ship docks. Guides wear bright orange vests for easy spotting.

What should I bring for the bath experience?
Swimwear and a towel are necessary. Towels and swimsuits can be rented at Mývatn Nature Baths if you don’t bring your own.

How long do we spend at each stop?
You’ll spend about 35 minutes at Góðafoss, 15 minutes at Skútustaðagígar, and roughly 2 hours at Mývatn Nature Baths. The drive back is about 75 minutes.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
While not explicitly stated, the scenic and relaxed nature of the tour suggests it’s family-friendly. Just consider your children’s comfort with outdoor walking and exposure to insects.

Are meals included?
Yes, a packed lunch with chicken or vegan options is provided, along with water. However, towels and swimsuits are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for cruise schedules or weather changes.

To sum it up, this tour from Akureyri makes for an enriching day filled with stunning sights, fascinating history, and relaxing geothermal baths. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and downtime, guided by friendly and knowledgeable hosts. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history lover, or someone seeking a serene thermal soak, this experience captures the essence of North Iceland beautifully.

You can check availability for your dates here: