Grand Lake Mývatn and Powerful Dettifoss
Volcanoes, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders across North Iceland's most dramatic landscape
This full-day journey takes you through North Iceland's most celebrated natural sites, anchored by a visit to Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss waterfall — two landmarks that define the volcanic character of this region. The route covers fjord coastlines, geothermal fields, ancient lava formations, and one of the most forceful waterfalls in Europe.
The tour departs along the shores of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest fjords, before reaching Goðafoss — the Waterfall of the Gods — where history and geology meet at a 12-meter cascade stretching 30 meters wide. The route then continues to Lake Mývatn, a shallow body of water shaped by a basaltic lava eruption roughly 2,300 years ago.
At Námaskarð, the Hverarönd geothermal area presents a striking terrain of boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulphur crystal deposits. The landscapes here are raw and largely unchanged, offering a direct view into Iceland's volcanic interior.
The return leg passes through Dimmuborgir, where solidified lava towers and caverns create a landscape that has drawn comparisons to a medieval fortress. The tour ends with a viewpoint over Eyjafjörður, providing a calm close to a day spent among Iceland's most intense natural environments.
Tour Highlights
Stand at Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, where Iceland's conversion to Christianity took shape over a thousand years ago.
Explore the volcanic shores of Lake Mývatn, formed by a basaltic eruption and surrounded by lava pillars and rootless vents.
Walk through the Hverarönd geothermal area at Námaskarð, where boiling mud pots and sulphur-rich fumaroles define the terrain.
Witness Dettifoss, among the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, fed by glacial meltwater from Vatnajökull and dropping 45 meters into a canyon.
Discover Dimmuborgir's lava formations — towers, caves, and caverns shaped by steam explosions during an eruption 2,300 years ago.
Visit the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, rare geological formations created when lava flowed over water and produced steam-driven explosions.
End the day with a panoramic view over Eyjafjörður fjord toward Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a stop at Goðafoss, where water drops 12 meters across a 30-meter-wide arc. In the year 1000, the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his Norse god statues into this waterfall after declaring Christianity the official religion of Iceland.
Formed by a massive basaltic lava eruption approximately 2,300 years ago, Lake Mývatn sits within a landscape dominated by volcanic features. Lava pillars and rootless vents line the shoreline, reflecting the region's ongoing geological activity.
At this high-temperature geothermal zone, boiling mud pots and smoking fumaroles are surrounded by sulphur crystals in varied colours. The sulphuric smell is strong, and the visual contrast between the pale ground and vivid mineral deposits is striking.
Dettifoss draws water from the Jökulsá á Fjöllum glacier river, fed by Vatnajökull — Iceland's largest glacier. At 100 meters wide and with a 45-meter drop, it ranks among the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.
Dimmuborgir's lava towers and caverns were formed when flowing lava passed over a lake, causing steam explosions that shattered and shaped the rock. Nearby, the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters are listed among Iceland's most significant natural monuments.
The final stop offers a view across Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest fjords, back toward Akureyri. It provides a reflective close to a day spent across the volcanic north.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional guide throughout the tour
- Transportation by jeep or van
- Stops at all listed sites
- Guided commentary at each location
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide or driver
- Entry fees to any optional facilities
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot on This Tour
Places on this small-group tour fill quickly, particularly during the summer season. Secure your day among North Iceland's most iconic volcanic and geological sites before availability closes.
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