Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri
Volcanic landscapes, sacred waterfalls, and geothermal wonders in the heart of North Iceland
This full-day excursion combines the most iconic natural landmarks of northern Iceland into a single, well-paced itinerary, anchored by a visit to Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss, two of the region's most compelling destinations. The route follows the coastline of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest fjords, before venturing inland through a landscape shaped entirely by volcanic forces.
The area around Lake Mývatn was formed roughly 2,300 years ago during a massive lava eruption that left behind an extraordinary mosaic of craters, lava pillars, and steam-sculpted rock formations. Every stop on this tour reflects a different chapter of that geological story, from the pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar to the labyrinthine lava field at Dimmuborgir.
The tour also includes a visit to Grjótagjá, a small lava cave with a thermal spring that has drawn visitors for centuries, and the sulfurous geothermal fields at Hverarönd in Námaskarð. The return journey passes a panoramic viewpoint over Eyjafjörður, offering a sweeping final look at the fjord and the city of Akureyri below.
An optional extension to Forest Lagoon, a geothermal bathing facility just outside Akureyri, can be added at checkout for those who want to unwind after a day of exploration. Admission is approximately one and a half hours, providing a relaxed close to the day.
Tour Highlights
Stand at the edge of Goðafoss, where water drops 12 meters across a 30-meter wide curtain of cascading falls with deep historical significance.
Explore the volcanic terrain surrounding Lake Mývatn, formed by eruptions over 2,300 years ago and still visibly shaped by geological activity.
Walk through Dimmuborgir, a field of towering lava formations and hidden caverns that resembles a natural fortress of dark stone.
Visit Skútustaðagígar, a cluster of pseudocraters formed when lava flowed over wetlands, creating one of Iceland's most unusual landforms.
Experience the sulfurous geothermal fields at Hverarönd in Námaskarð, where fumaroles and boiling mud pots create a vivid, otherworldly scene.
Enter Grjótagjá, a lava cave near Lake Mývatn containing a thermal spring with a history stretching back to the early 18th century.
Enjoy a panoramic viewpoint over Eyjafjörður fjord on the return journey, with a clear view stretching across the water toward Akureyri.
Itinerary
The tour begins in Akureyri and follows the coast of Eyjafjörður, one of the longest fjords in Iceland. The drive provides an early introduction to the dramatic northern scenery before heading inland.
The first major stop is Goðafoss, known as the Waterfall of the Gods. In the year 1000, chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði cast his statues of Norse gods into the falls after declaring Christianity the official religion of Iceland. The waterfall drops 12 meters across a span of 30 meters.
Arriving at the Lake Mývatn basin, the tour includes a visit to Grjótagjá cave, a lava cave containing a thermal spring used for bathing since the 18th century. Nearby, the Hverarönd geothermal area at Námaskarð features active fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and sulfur deposits across a strikingly colorful landscape.
Dimmuborgir formed when lava flowed over a lake 2,300 years ago, causing steam explosions that created an intricate network of rock pillars, arches, and caverns. The area is one of the most visited natural formations in northern Iceland.
The pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar are among the finest examples of this rare geological formation anywhere in the world. They were created when flowing lava passed over swampy ground, producing steam explosions that formed shallow, crater-like depressions along the lake's southern shore.
On the return route, the tour stops at a viewpoint above Eyjafjörður for a final panoramic view of the fjord and Akureyri. An optional visit to Forest Lagoon, a geothermal pool facility near Akureyri, can be added at checkout for approximately 90 minutes of relaxation before the end of the day.
What Is Included
Included
- Guided tour transportation from Akureyri
- Stops at Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Grjótagjá, Hverarönd, Dimmuborgir, and Skútustaðagígar
- Panoramic fjord viewpoint stop
- Professional guide throughout the tour
Not Included
- Forest Lagoon admission (optional, add at checkout)
- Meals and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Important Information
This tour is rated easy and suitable for most fitness levels. Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear, as conditions in the volcanic highlands can change quickly even in summer months.
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Spaces on this tour are limited. Secure your spot today and experience the volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders of northern Iceland on a single guided day trip from Akureyri.
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