Mývatn, Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Selfoss, Grjótagjá Cave and the Nature Baths
A full-day journey through volcanic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and geothermal wonders in North Iceland.
This Lake Mývatn small group tour covers the most compelling natural highlights of North Iceland in a single, well-paced day. From the thundering cascade of Dettifoss to the steaming shores of a volcanic lake, the route connects geological history with unforgettable scenery.
The day begins with a scenic drive along Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest fjords, setting the tone before reaching the iconic Goðafoss waterfall. Known as the Waterfall of the Gods, it carries both visual drama and deep historical significance tied to Iceland's conversion to Christianity around the year 1000.
Lake Mývatn anchors the middle of the tour, offering access to pseudo craters, lava fields, geothermal vents, and a thermal cave — all within a compact area shaped by eruptions roughly 2,300 years ago. The diversity of formations here is rare even by Icelandic standards.
The tour closes with the canyon waterfalls of Selfoss and Dettifoss, where glacial meltwater from Vatnajökull drops into basalt gorges with considerable force. Depending on the season, guests can unwind at either Forest Lagoon near Akureyri or Earth Lagoon in the Mývatn area before returning.
Tour Highlights
Stand at the rim of Goðafoss, a 30-meter-wide waterfall with a 12-meter drop and a storied place in Icelandic history.
Explore the lava pillars and caverns of Dimmuborgir, a landscape shaped by steam explosions over a prehistoric lake.
Walk among the pseudo craters of Skútustaðagígar, rare geological formations that define the southern shore of Lake Mývatn.
Enter Grjótagjá, a volcanic fissure containing a thermal spring once used for bathing since the early 18th century.
Witness Dettifoss, approximately 100 meters wide with a 45-meter drop, recognized as one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls.
Visit Hverir geothermal area, where fumaroles and boiling mud pots create a surreal landscape edged with sulphur crystals.
End the day at a local hot spring — Forest Lagoon from May to September or Earth Lagoon from October to April.
Itinerary
The tour departs from Akureyri along the Eyjafjörður coastline before arriving at Goðafoss. The waterfall spans 30 meters in width and drops 12 meters, and it marks the site where Norse religious statues were cast into the water following Iceland's conversion to Christianity in 1000 AD.
Lake Mývatn was formed by a major lava eruption around 2,300 years ago. The pseudo craters at Skútustaðagígar were produced by steam explosions when flowing lava passed over the lake's surface, resulting in formations that are rare both in Iceland and globally.
Dimmuborgir's towering rock stacks and cave networks were created when lava cooled rapidly over a water body, leaving behind a maze of chambers and columns. Nearby, Grjótagjá is a small lava cave sheltering a thermal spring that served as a bathing spot from the early 1700s through the 1970s.
Located in Northeast Iceland, Hverir features active fumaroles and boiling mud pots set against a backdrop of multi-coloured sulphur deposits. The strong sulphur scent and constantly shifting steam make this one of the most visually striking geothermal sites in the country.
The river Jökulsá á Fjöllum descends through a series of canyon waterfalls before reaching the Arctic coast. Selfoss precedes Dettifoss on the route; the latter is fed by glacial meltwater from Vatnajökull and drops 45 meters across a face roughly 100 meters wide.
The final stop is a seasonal hot spring facility — Forest Lagoon near Akureyri between May and September, or Earth Lagoon in the Mývatn region from October to April. The return drive follows Eyjafjörður, offering panoramic views of the fjord toward Akureyri.
What is Included
Included
- Professional guide throughout the tour
- Small group experience
- Transport in a comfortable vehicle
- Visit to Goðafoss waterfall
- Access to Dimmuborgir lava fields
- Visit to Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters
- Entry to Grjótagjá cave and thermal spring area
- Hverir geothermal area stop
- Selfoss and Dettifoss waterfall visits
- Seasonal hot spring visit (Forest Lagoon or Earth Lagoon)
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
- Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot
Places on this small group tour are limited. Secure your seat to explore Mývatn, Dettifoss, and the geothermal highlights of North Iceland in a single day.
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