From Akureyri: Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Guided Tour

Exploring Iceland’s north can feel like stepping into a surreal postcard, and if you’re considering a day trip from Akureyri to see some of its most iconic sights, the From Akureyri: Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Guided Tour is a solid choice. We’ve looked into it, and it seems to strike a good balance of sights, comfort, and local insight. The tour’s highlights—like the gorgeous Godafoss waterfall and the geothermal serenity of the Myvatn Nature Baths—are definitely standouts.

What we especially appreciate is the blend of natural beauty and geological intrigue with the chance to relax in the geothermal waters afterward. That kind of mix makes for a memorable day. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is the duration—about 7 hours—you’ll spend quite a bit on the road, so if you’re not a fan of long bus days, this might be a consideration.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love nature, geology, and scenic drives—especially those who want to tick off some of Iceland’s must-see landmarks without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It’s also an excellent pick if you’re keen on soaking in hot baths in a spectacular setting.

Key Points

• Includes transportation and guide, making it easy to see key sights without the hassle.
• Highlights iconic landmarks like Godafoss and Lake Myvatn’s geothermal features.
• Flexible options with pickup from your Akureyri hotel and a small group experience.
• Entry to Myvatn Nature Baths not included, so budget for that.
• Tour duration is around 7 hours, so it’s a full but manageable day.
• Good value considering transportation, guide, and the variety of stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This guided day trip offers a chance to see some of Iceland’s most photogenic and geologically fascinating spots in one go. Starting from Akureyri, the tour includes hotel pickup, which is a nice touch, especially if you’re staying outside the city center. You’ll then hop into a comfortable vehicle with a small group, ensuring more personalized attention from your guide.

The Drive Along Eyjafjordur

The journey begins with a scenic drive along Eyjafjordur, which is Iceland’s longest fjord. As you cruise along this stunning coastline, you’ll get a taste of the dramatic landscapes that define this part of the country. The views are often breathtaking, with steep mountains and waters that seem to stretch endlessly.

Godafoss Waterfall – The Waterfall of the Gods

Next, you’ll visit Godafoss, arguably one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Known as the waterfall of the gods, it’s not just about its beauty but also its history—legend says it played a pivotal role during Iceland’s conversion to Christianity in the 10th century. The sheer power and wide arc of the falls make it a must-see.

Many reviews highlight how impressive it is to see the water gushing over the rocks, with some travelers mentioning how the light hits the spray just right for fantastic photos. Be prepared for some walking around the viewpoint, which can be a bit slippery in wet weather.

Lake Myvatn and Its Geological Marvels

After Godafoss, the tour heads towards the Lake Myvatn area, famous for its pseudocraters, mud pools, and lava caves. You’ll visit Skútustaðagígar, a field of pseudocraters formed by lava flow—these are unique landforms that give the landscape a surreal quality. It’s fascinating to see how volcanic activity has shaped the terrain here.

Next, you’ll explore the Hverir mud pools—a bubbling, steaming area reminiscent of another planet—where the earth’s crust is thin enough for geothermal activity to bubble up. The sight and smell of sulfur and mineral-rich mud are captivating, and you’ll likely want to snap plenty of photos.

Then, there’s Grjótagjá, an old lava cave made famous by Game of Thrones and Star Wars filming. It’s a smaller stop but offers a chance to imagine the scenes shot here amidst the volcanic formations.

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The Geothermal Lagoon at Myvatn Nature Baths

The highlight for many is the chance to unwind in the Myvatn Nature Baths. The tour includes a stop here, where you’ll dip into the milky blue waters of the geothermal lagoon. It’s a relaxing way to end the day, soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields.

While entry to the baths isn’t included in the tour price, many travelers say it’s worth the extra. The adjoining Kvika Restaurant offers drinks and snacks, so you can relax with a drink in hand after your soak.

Ending the Day

After your dip, the tour wraps up with transportation back to Akureyri, often with some final scenic views along the way. The entire experience is designed to give you a well-rounded taste of Iceland’s north, highlighting both its wild beauty and geothermal activity.

The Practical Details

The tour costs around $216 per person, which might seem steep at first glance. But when you factor in transportation, guide service, and multiple stops, it’s a reasonable way to see a lot without the stress of driving. The 7-hour duration means you’ll spend a good part of the day exploring, but the small group setting ensures you won’t feel lost or rushed.

Keep in mind, entry to Myvatn Nature Baths is not included, so if soaking in geothermal waters is high on your list, you’ll want to budget for that separately. The tour does not include meals or drinks, except perhaps what you bring along or purchase at the baths.

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 10 travelers. One reviewer praised the guide, Jon, mentioning that it was a “perfect day,” and highlighted how smoothly everything went. Others appreciated the scenic stops and the chance to relax in the geothermal baths.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This day trip is ideal if you’re looking to maximize your sightseeing in a single day, especially if you’re staying in Akureyri and want to avoid the hassle of planning out logistics. It’s suitable for those who love nature, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and geothermal experiences.

While not explicitly advertised as family-friendly, the stops—such as the waterfalls and lava caves—are generally accessible, but consider the walking involved. It’s also perfect for travelers who value guided insights and convenience over a DIY approach.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and relaxing way to see some of Iceland’s most striking northern sights, this tour offers a good mix. You’ll get to marvel at Godafoss, explore the volcanic features of Lake Myvatn, and unwind in the geothermal waters—all in one day. The small-group format and the guide’s local knowledge make it feel more personal and informative than some larger, more generic tours.

The price reflects the transportation, guide, and variety of stops, so if you’re eager to tick off major landmarks without the stress of planning it all yourself, this is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of adventure, geology, and relaxation.

Just remember to bring your camera, some cash for the baths (if you plan to soak), and an optimistic spirit for a day of Icelandic wonders.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Akureyri, making it convenient to start and end the day.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, which makes for a full but manageable day of sightseeing.

What attractions are included?
Stops include Eyjafjordur fjord, Godafoss waterfall, pseudocrater fields at Lake Myvatn, Hverir mud pools, and Grjótagjá lava cave, plus the Myvatn Nature Baths.

Is the entry to Myvatn Nature Baths included?
No, the tour price does not cover entry to the baths, so you’ll need to purchase that separately if you want to soak.

What’s the group size?
It’s a small-group tour, providing a more intimate experience and personalized guide service.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, some cash or card for optional expenses, and perhaps a bathing suit if you plan to soak at the baths.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the stops are generally accessible, but consider the walking involved and weather conditions.

How is the guide?
Reviews mention guides like Jon positively, highlighting their knowledge and friendly manner.

Will I see Iceland’s iconic landscapes?
Absolutely. Expect to see waterfalls, geothermal features, volcanic craters, and scenic fjords—all quintessential Icelandic scenery.

This tour strikes a nice balance between sightseeing, relaxation, and learning. If that sounds like your kind of day in Iceland, it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: