Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour from Akureyri
A full-day journey through Iceland's volcanic heartland, from thundering waterfalls to steaming geothermal shores.
The Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour takes you through some of northern Iceland's most dramatic and geologically remarkable landscapes, all within a single, well-paced eight-hour excursion led by an experienced local guide.
Departing from Akureyri with complimentary hotel, guesthouse, airport, or port pickup, this tour covers an exceptional range of natural features. From the cascading tiers of Godafoss to the volcanic formations surrounding Lake Myvatn, every stop offers a distinct perspective on Iceland's living geology.
The itinerary is designed to include all the defining highlights of the Myvatn region without feeling rushed. Guests travel in a small group, which allows for a more personal experience and greater flexibility at each location.
The tour is rated moderate in difficulty, making it accessible to most travelers who are comfortable with light walking on uneven volcanic terrain. Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are strongly recommended.
Tour Highlights
Stand beside Godafoss, one of Iceland's most iconic and historically significant waterfalls, as it plunges across a broad basalt horseshoe.
Visit Hverir, a surreal landscape of bubbling mud pots, natural steam vents, and fumaroles set against vivid sulphur-stained earth.
Explore Dimmuborgir, an otherworldly field of twisted lava pillars and arches formed by an ancient lava lake collapse.
Enter Grjotagja, a geothermal cave sheltering a crystal-clear hot spring pool set within a dramatic tectonic rift.
See the Skútustadir pseudocraters, rare crater-like formations created by steam explosions when lava flowed over wetlands thousands of years ago.
Relax at the Myvatn Nature Baths, a geothermal lagoon offering warm, mineral-rich waters with panoramic views of the volcanic landscape (entrance fee not included).
Benefit from free pickup and drop-off in Akureyri and the knowledge of a local guide with deep familiarity of the region's natural and cultural history.
Itinerary
Your guide collects you from your chosen pickup point in Akureyri — hotel, guesthouse, airport, or cruise port. The drive east toward the Myvatn region passes through striking northern Icelandic terrain.
The tour's first major stop is Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," a sweeping crescent of cascading water on the Skjalfandafljot River. Your guide shares the historical significance of this landmark in Iceland's conversion to Christianity.
Descend into the Grjotagja lava cave, where a geothermal spring fills a cavern split by the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The vivid blue water and rough volcanic walls create a memorable atmosphere.
Walk among the dark lava towers of Dimmuborgir before viewing the Skútustadir pseudocraters along the southern shore of Lake Myvatn. Both sites illustrate the region's violent and layered volcanic past.
At Hverir, near the Namafjall ridge, boiling mud pots and hissing fumaroles emit clouds of steam across a vividly coloured landscape. This stop provides a vivid illustration of Iceland's ongoing volcanic activity.
The day concludes with optional time at the Myvatn Nature Baths, a geothermal lagoon ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration (entrance fee not included). Your guide then returns you to your Akureyri pickup point.
What's Included and Excluded
Included
- 8-hour guided day tour
- Experienced local tour guide
- Transport throughout the tour
- Free pickup and drop-off in Akureyri (hotel, guesthouse, airport or port)
- Small group experience
Not Included
- Myvatn Nature Baths entrance fee
- Meals and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities (optional)
Important Information
Ready to Explore Lake Myvatn?
Secure your place on this full-day northern Iceland adventure and discover geothermal wonders, volcanic formations, and Iceland's most celebrated waterfall — all in one unforgettable day.
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