Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port
From cascading waterfalls to bubbling mud pools, northern Iceland's volcanic heartland awaits just beyond the dock.
This Lake Myvatn cruise ship tour from Akureyri takes passengers on a half-day journey through one of Iceland's most geologically active regions. Departing directly from Akureyri Port, the tour covers iconic natural landmarks without the need for independent logistics or car hire. A knowledgeable local guide accompanies every step of the route.
The journey begins at Godafoss, a broad horseshoe waterfall whose name translates to "waterfall of the gods." This site carries deep historical significance in Icelandic culture and offers a vivid introduction to the raw landscapes of the north. The viewpoints at the falls provide close-range access to the rushing glacial water.
From there, the route continues east to the Lake Myvatn basin, a geothermal zone shaped by volcanic forces over millennia. The area sits within a rift zone where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart, producing the unusual terrain visible throughout the region. Visitors encounter a landscape that feels fundamentally different from anywhere else in Iceland.
The tour is graded easy and is accessible to most travellers, making it a practical choice for cruise passengers with varying fitness levels. Free pick-up and drop-off at Akureyri Port ensures a smooth connection between ship and shore excursion. The small group format keeps the experience personal and allows time for questions at each stop.
Tour Highlights
Stand at the edge of Godafoss, one of northern Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, and observe the powerful glacial flow at close range.
Explore the Dimmuborgir lava formations, a labyrinthine field of eroded volcanic pillars and arches formed by ancient lava flows.
Walk through the Námafjall geothermal area and observe the Hverir mud pools, steam vents, and fumaroles that define Iceland's volcanic landscape.
Visit Myvatn Nature Baths, a geothermal lagoon set against the volcanic backdrop of the lake area, with an on-site cafe for refreshments.
Optional visit to Grjotagja cave, a hidden lava cave enclosing a geothermal pool within a dramatic rift in the earth's surface.
Travel with an experienced local guide whose regional knowledge adds depth and context to every stop along the route.
Complimentary pick-up and drop-off directly at Akureyri Port, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers.
Tour Itinerary
The tour begins with a complimentary pick-up from Akureyri Port. Passengers board a small group vehicle and head east along Route 1 toward the first major stop of the day.
The group stops at Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods, where the Skjalfandafljot river plunges over a wide basalt ledge. The site is easily accessible and provides excellent viewpoints from both sides of the falls.
At Lake Myvatn, the tour visits Dimmuborgir, a field of jagged lava towers and cave-like structures formed when surface lava solidified over a lava lake. Short walking paths wind through the formations at an easy pace.
The group continues to the Námafjall ridge and the adjacent Hverir geothermal field. Visitors walk among bubbling sulphurous mud pots and active steam vents in one of Iceland's most visually striking geothermal zones.
Passengers may choose to relax at the Myvatn Nature Baths, a mineral-rich outdoor lagoon with a cafe on site, or opt to visit Grjotagja, a small lava cave sheltering a clear geothermal pool inside a tectonic rift.
The tour concludes with a return drive to Akureyri Port, with the guide available for any final questions. Drop-off is complimentary and timed to accommodate cruise schedules.
What Is Included
Included
- Small group tour with experienced local guide
- Transport throughout the tour Free pick-up and drop-off at Akureyri Port
- Stop at Godafoss Waterfall
- Visit to Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
- Visit to Námafjall and Hverir Geothermal Area
- Stop at Myvatn Nature Baths (entrance not included)
- Optional visit to Grjotagja Cave
Not Included
- Entrance fee to Myvatn Nature Baths
- Food and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Spaces on this small group tour are limited. Secure your booking in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly during the peak cruise season in Akureyri.
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