From Akureyri: Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour

Goðafoss is the emotional high point of this six-hour North Iceland outing. Water pours across a broad, horseshoe-shaped rim of dark volcanic rock, and the story behind its name adds a human touch: Goðafoss means Waterfall of the Gods, linked to Iceland’s change from pagan worship to Christianity. From there, the route moves into a stranger world of steam-made craters, troll-like lava shapes, and sulfurous mud pools.

I like the way this tour packs four very different sights into one day, and I like that it starts and ends at Akureyri’s cruise-port area. Guides such as Nico, Ritchie, Kjartan, Alan, and Matthias have earned praise for lively commentary, local stories, and practical help. The included sandwich lunch also saves you from hunting for food between stops.

The tradeoff is time. You cover a large area in six hours, so most stops are brisk. Some visitors felt rushed, and late departures or slow boarding have occasionally cut into the final stop. If you want long walks, quiet photography, or a leisurely lunch, a private tour or overnight stay around Mývatn will suit you better.

Key points to know before you book

• Goðafoss comes first: You get about 45 minutes at one of northern Iceland’s most memorable waterfalls.
• Mývatn’s craters are not true volcanoes: The grassy forms at Skútustaðagígar were made by steam explosions when lava met wet ground.
• Dimmuborgir feels like a natural sculpture garden: Allow 55 minutes for a walk among twisted lava pillars, arches, and troll-like shapes.
• Námaskarð is the strangest stop: Boiling mud pools and yellow mineral ground create an otherworldly scene, along with a strong sulfur smell.
• The tour is cruise-friendly: Port pickup and dropoff are included, but punctuality matters because the schedule is tight.
• Guides add much of the value: Nico, Ritchie, Kjartan, Alan, Elsa, and others have been praised for clear history, humor, cultural stories, and good organization.

Why this route works from Akureyri

Akureyri is a useful base for seeing North Iceland, but the region’s major sights are spread well beyond town. A rented car gives you more freedom, yet it also leaves you to handle navigation, weather, parking, and timing. This bus tour takes care of the driving and links four major stops in one outing.

The route lasts six hours, with roughly 40 minutes on the road before Goðafoss, another 40 minutes to the Mývatn area, short transfers between the crater and lava-field stops, and a longer 80-minute return drive to Akureyri. That makes the bus ride part of the experience rather than dead time. Guides commonly provide a steady stream of facts about Icelandic customs, animals, geology, and local life.

I especially value the cultural layer. Goðafoss is not just a waterfall, and Dimmuborgir is not just a pile of rocks. A good guide can explain how volcanic activity shaped the area and add stories about Icelandic beliefs, elves, trolls, graduation customs, horses, sheep, and life through dark winters. Ritchie, Alan, Kjartan, Nico, and Matthias received particularly strong praise for keeping the ride lively and informative.

The bus has WiFi, which is useful for sharing photos or checking messages. One person specifically wished for USB charging, so bring a charged phone and a portable battery if you plan to take many pictures.

Goðafoss: a powerful opening stop

After leaving Akureyri, the first major sight is Goðafoss. The waterfall spreads across a roughly 30-meter-wide semicircle, with white water breaking over black basalt. It is easy to understand why this stop is often the favorite: the scale is impressive, but the viewing area also lets you appreciate the shape of the falls rather than seeing only one narrow drop.

You have about 45 minutes here. That is enough for photographs, several viewpoints, and a short walk, but it is not a long exploring period. Stay aware of the meeting time, since the full route depends on everyone returning promptly.

The name connects the waterfall to a turning point in Icelandic history. According to the story shared on the tour, a law speaker made a public decision to abandon the old pagan gods and accept Christianity, then cast pagan figures into the falls. This gives the stop a sense of place and meaning that you would miss by visiting only for a quick photograph.

Weather can change the mood completely. In clear conditions, the dark rock and white water make a sharp contrast. In fog or cold rain, the falls feel more severe and dramatic. Wear a waterproof outer layer, sturdy shoes, and gloves in cooler months. The path near a waterfall can be wet and slippery, and Icelandic weather rarely follows the season on your calendar.

Skútustaðagígar and the curious craters of Lake Mývatn

The next stop is Skútustaðagígar, where grassy mounds rise around Lake Mývatn. From a distance, they look like small volcanic craters. They are not. No lava erupted from these particular hollows.

Instead, lava flowed into wet ground around the lake. The heat caused water beneath the surface to turn rapidly into steam, producing explosions that shaped the crater-like forms. It is a simple explanation, but once you hear it, the area becomes much more interesting. You are looking at evidence of a violent meeting between hot lava and water, softened by grass and open views.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes, the shortest sightseeing break on the route. You will have time to look across the crater field and take photographs, but not to wander far. This is a place where a guide’s explanation matters because the shapes alone do not tell you how they formed.

Lake Mývatn itself is one of the region’s defining sights, though this visit is focused on the pseudo craters rather than a full circuit of the lake. Expect a quick introduction, not a slow lakeside walk. If birdlife, longer trails, or a detailed exploration of Mývatn are high on your list, you will need more time in the region.

In summer, small flying insects called midges can be a nuisance around the lake. Several people wished they had been warned before visiting. Bring a head net if you are sensitive to insects, especially during warm, calm weather. It may look slightly comic, but it is more comfortable than waving insects away from your face.

Dimmuborgir: Iceland’s dark lava formations

Dimmuborgir is where the tour becomes almost theatrical. The name is often translated as Dark Fortresses, and the formations do look like ruined walls, towers, arches, and doorways. The lava cooled into irregular shapes, leaving a field that invites the imagination. Icelandic children commonly see trolls in these rocks, and you may find yourself doing the same.

You have about 55 minutes for a walk. This is the most active stop, though it remains a manageable visit rather than a demanding hike. Use the marked paths, watch your footing, and give yourself time to stop for photographs without losing track of the group.

The formations are more rewarding when you look closely. Instead of one single viewpoint, you get a series of changing shapes as the path bends through the lava. Dark stone, sparse vegetation, and open sky create a stark setting. In fog, Dimmuborgir can feel especially mysterious, while bright weather shows the textures and jagged edges more clearly.

This is also one of the places where the schedule can feel tight. You will see a good sample of the area, but you will not have time to walk every path. The tour works best if you choose a steady pace and avoid trying to photograph every formation. Pick a few shapes, enjoy the walk, and be back at the bus on time.

A packed lunch is supplied during the day, with a chicken or vegan sandwich, a chocolate bar, and juice. The food is practical rather than elaborate. Some people liked the bread and fillings, while others found the sandwich too heavy on mayonnaise or not substantial enough. It may be eaten on the go, so do not expect a long restaurant-style break. Bring an extra snack if you need a larger meal, but remember that the supplied details list the lunch as included, not additional bottled water.

Námaskarð and the smell of a living Earth

Námaskarð is the most unusual stop and, for many people, the most memorable. The ground is barren and marked by geothermal activity. Mud pools bubble and churn, steam rises from the earth, and mineral colors stain the soil in shades that look almost painted.

The sulfur smell is strong. It can remind you of rotten eggs, and the wind may carry it directly toward you. That is part of the experience, though not everyone will enjoy it. If you have a sensitive nose, keep your visit focused and avoid lingering directly downwind.

You have about 40 minutes here. Stay on the marked paths. The boiling water and unstable ground are not places for shortcuts or close-up posing. This is a good stop for observing rather than wandering. Let the pools do the work: they hiss, bubble, and shift without any need for added drama.

The barren setting makes Námaskarð feel unlike Goðafoss or Mývatn. At the waterfall, water dominates. At the lake, grass and shallow forms soften the volcanic past. Here, heat still makes itself known. You can see and smell the forces beneath Iceland’s surface.

Several visitors described this stop as feeling like another planet. That reaction makes sense, but the value is not only visual. Námaskarð shows you that Iceland’s volcanic activity is not merely an ancient story. Geothermal heat remains active and visible under your feet.

What the six-hour schedule feels like

The route is well planned for a port day, but it leaves little room for delays. The listed sightseeing times total two hours and 40 minutes. The remaining time covers driving, boarding, lunch, and transitions. A late start, a crowded parking area, or passengers returning slowly can reduce time at the final stop.

One outing returned to port about 45 minutes late, which caused understandable worry for people with ships to catch. Another started around 15 minutes late and felt rushed at Námaskarð. These examples do not mean every departure will run late, but they show why you should confirm your ship’s all-aboard time and avoid booking a tight independent activity immediately afterward.

On the positive side, many outings have started on time and run smoothly. Guides have used WhatsApp groups, shared information, dropped map pins, and sent updates to help people stay organized. That can be valuable when the meeting point is spread between two cruise piers.

The bus meets passengers at different places depending on the ship’s docking location. From Tangarbryggja Pier, go to the large parking lot at Gránufélagsgata 50. From Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, meet the guide at the visitor center by the cruise port. The buses are in the large parking lot, and guides wear orange jackets or vests with the BusTravel Iceland logo.

Read the pickup instructions carefully. One person received an incorrect meeting-point link, and others found the initial directions unclear. Allow extra time to walk from the ship and look for the orange-clad guide rather than waiting until the last minute.

Guides, drivers, and the human side of the tour

The strongest part of this experience is often the guide. Nico has been praised for detailed commentary and humor. Ritchie, sometimes called Ritchie Rich, has used WhatsApp and shared location pins to keep the group informed. Kjartan has mixed Icelandic history with cultural stories, while Alan has provided near-constant commentary in clear English.

Other praised team members include Matthias, Elsa, Ana, Pierre, Thor, Lili, Lucas, Soren, and Kelly. The exact guide and driver depend on the departure, so you cannot book this experience expecting one particular person. You can expect the company to assign a live guide in English or German.

The best guides do more than recite facts. They connect the sights to Icelandic customs and everyday life. Some have added stories about animals, old beliefs, family traditions, and how people find joy through long, dark winters. That sort of commentary helps fill the driving time and gives you a better sense of the country beyond the famous views.

Drivers have also received praise, including for handling tight spaces and keeping to the schedule. On a route with several stops and a long return drive, careful driving matters. The bus is comfortable, though the available details do not specify its size or exact seating capacity.

Price, lunch, and who gets good value

At $187 per person, this is not a cheap outing, but the price can compare well with a cruise-ship excursion covering the same route. One person booked it for four and found it was about half the cost of the ship’s option. That is the clearest value argument: you get port pickup, transportation, a guide, WiFi, and lunch while visiting four major sights.

The value is strongest if you have only one day in Akureyri and do not want to rent a car. Driving yourself would give you more time at each stop, but it would also require you to manage the route and return to port. Here, you can look out the window while the guide explains what you are seeing.

Lunch is adequate but modest. It includes one chicken or vegan sandwich, a chocolate bar, and juice. Some people found it tasty, while others wanted more chicken and less mayonnaise. Bottled water is not listed as an extra included item, so bring your own water bottle.

This tour suits first-time visitors, cruise passengers, families, and anyone who wants a broad introduction to Mývatn without spending a full day planning. It is less suitable if you dislike group schedules, need long breaks, or want to explore one volcanic site in depth.

Accessibility can vary by stop, but one guide helped a passenger who used a wheelchair and explained which locations were more accessible. If this is important for you, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming every path will be easy.

Should you book the Mývatn tour from Akureyri?

I would book it if you want to see the North Iceland highlights in one organized day, especially from a cruise ship. Goðafoss, Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir, and Námaskarð offer four distinct experiences, and the guide commentary gives the long bus rides a purpose.

I would choose a private tour or a longer stay near Mývatn if your priorities are quiet photography, extended walks, a relaxed meal, or flexibility. The group schedule is efficient, but it is not leisurely.

Bring waterproof layers, sturdy shoes, a charged phone, a small snack, your own water, and insect protection for Mývatn in summer. Keep an eye on the clock at every stop. If you accept the brisk pace, this is a strong-value way to see a remarkable slice of North Iceland before returning to Akureyri.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Akureyri?

The tour lasts six hours, including transportation between Akureyri and the Mývatn region.

Where does the tour meet in Akureyri?

If your ship docks at Tangarbryggja Pier, meet the guide in the large parking lot at Gránufélagsgata 50. If your ship docks at Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, meet at the visitor center by the cruise port.

How will I recognize the guide?

The guides wear orange jackets or vests with the BusTravel Iceland logo.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The packed lunch includes a chicken or vegan sandwich, a chocolate bar, and juice.

Is bottled water included?

The included items specify a lunch and juice, but bottled water is not listed as an additional included item.

What languages are available?

The live guide is available in English or German.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.