Akureyri North Iceland Waterfalls and Nature Baths Small Group Tour

North Iceland packs an astonishing amount into one long day. This tour links three major waterfalls with Lake Myvatn, lava formations, steaming ground, and a warm geothermal soak, so you get far more than a simple waterfall outing.

I like the small-group format, which can mean as few as five people and gives your guide room to adjust the pace. I also like the mix of wild scenery and a comfortable bath at the end. The main caution is distance: Dettifoss and Selfoss require a full day from Akureyri, and poor weather can affect the schedule.

Key points

• Godafoss opens the day with an easy introduction to North Iceland’s most famous waterfall country.
• Dettifoss and Selfoss provide the tour’s biggest burst of raw power and drama.
• Lake Myvatn combines volcanic features, pseudo craters, lava pillars, and hot springs in one compact region.
• Dimmuborgir and Grjótagjá add unusual geology beyond the usual waterfall stops.
• Myvatn Nature Baths are optional and cost extra, but they offer a restful finish after a long day outdoors.
• Pickup is included around Akureyri, with small groups advertised at a maximum of 14, though another tour detail states a maximum of 16.

Why this Akureyri day trip covers so much

I think of this as a North Iceland sampler with a serious mileage count. You leave Akureyri, follow the coast of Eyjafjordur, cross into the Myvatn region, continue toward two of Europe’s most forceful waterfalls, and return by way of the fjord.

The tour lasts about 9 to 10 hours. That is enough time to see a remarkable number of places, but not enough to linger everywhere. You should expect a busy day with several short walks, photo stops, guide commentary, and a longer stop at the nature baths if you choose to swim.

The group size is one of the strongest practical features. The advertised maximum is 14 people, although the additional information gives a maximum of 16. Actual groups can be much smaller. One party had only five people, while another had eight, and that changes the feel of the day: boarding is quicker, questions are easier, and the guide has more freedom to pause for photos.

Along Eyjafjordur, the day begins with open views

Pickup is offered from hotels, central locations, and the airport in Akureyri. Cruise passengers need to give the company the correct ship name because Akureyri uses more than one port.

At Tangabryggja, the meeting point is outside the cruise area near several small wooden houses, at Star Travel’s house number 3. At Oddeyrarbryggja, look near the Icewear shop and the agent area for a Star Travel sign and a staff member in a bright yellow jacket.

Once everyone is aboard, the route follows the coast of Eyjafjordur. This gives you a useful first look at the broad waterway and the town of Akureyri from outside the center. At the end of the day, another stop in Eyjafjordur lets you look back across the fjord toward Akureyri.

These are not the headline stops, but they help frame the trip. You see how the town fits into its surroundings before heading inland toward the volcanic country around Myvatn.

Godafoss brings the first major waterfall

Godafoss is usually the first big stop. Its name means Waterfall of the Gods, and its broad, curved drop makes a strong opening scene. The water spreads across several channels, so you can look at it from more than one angle rather than simply viewing one narrow chute.

This is a good place to settle into the day. You get a major Icelandic sight without yet facing the longer stretches of driving. Your guide may also add local stories, customs, and legends here. Guides such as Daniel, Reynir, Hogni, Erwin, John, and Johanna have been praised for making the ride more interesting with stories about Icelandic life and tradition.

Bring a waterproof outer layer even if the sky looks calm. Waterfall spray and changing weather can make a short walk feel colder than expected.

Lake Myvatn explains North Iceland’s volcanic character

Lake Myvatn was formed by a major basaltic lava eruption about 2,300 years ago. The lake and its surroundings are shaped by volcanic activity, with lava pillars, rootless vents, pseudo craters, rifts, and unusual rock formations appearing across the area.

The lake itself is only part of the appeal. This region rewards you with a series of different textures and shapes. One stop may show low grassy craters, while the next brings black lava rock or steaming water. I like this part of the tour because it gives you a better sense of how Iceland was built, rather than offering only scenic viewpoints.

You should also understand the timing. This is a sightseeing circuit, not a long hike around Lake Myvatn. You will stop at selected sites and walk enough to see the main features, but the full day is designed to cover several attractions.

Skutustadagigar offers a walk among pseudo craters

Skutustadagigar is known for pseudo craters. These formations look like volcanic craters, but they did not form from a traditional eruption. They developed when hot lava met wet ground, causing steam explosions and leaving crater-like shapes behind.

This stop gives you a gentler walk and a chance to see the lake region from a different height. The rounded forms are easy to understand from the ground, and they photograph well in changing weather.

The terrain is still outdoors and can be wet or uneven. Warm clothing and sturdy hiking shoes are important, especially outside the mildest summer conditions. The tour operates in winter as well, and a January visit can look completely different from a summer outing, with snow and a more stark, quiet feel.

Dimmuborgir feels like a natural stone maze

Dimmuborgir is one of the most memorable stops around Myvatn. The name refers to dark formations created when lava cooled into arches, pillars, and rough walls. You walk among these shapes rather than viewing them from a distant platform.

This is where a small group matters most. The guide can explain what you are seeing, point out the formations, and help keep the walk moving without making it feel rushed. The exact amount of walking depends on the day’s timing and conditions, so do not arrive expecting a long independent hike.

The rocks are uneven, and good footwear is not optional. You will get more from Dimmuborgir if you can walk comfortably over rough ground and remain outside in wind or cold.

Grjotagja shows the heat beneath the surface

Grjotagja is an old natural bathing place inside a rift. Naturally heated water fills the fissure, creating a striking reminder that volcanic heat remains close below the surface.

This is primarily a viewing stop rather than the day’s swimming stop. The water may look inviting, but the organized bathing opportunity is at Myvatn Nature Baths, where you pay a separate admission fee.

Grjotagja adds variety to the route. After broad waterfalls and open views, you move into a more enclosed volcanic setting. It also helps explain why geothermal bathing is such a natural part of a North Iceland itinerary.

Selfoss and Dettifoss supply the day’s greatest force

Selfoss and Dettifoss are the tour’s most powerful pair. Dettifoss is described as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, and it earns that reputation through sheer volume and force. You do not simply see water falling. You feel the scale of the river and the energy of the gorge.

Selfoss offers a different shape and mood nearby. Instead of one dominant wall of water, it presents a broader series of falls and channels. Seeing both makes the stop more rewarding than visiting Dettifoss alone.

These waterfalls also bring the day’s biggest practical compromise. They are far from Akureyri, so reaching them takes time on the road. In poor weather, access and walking conditions can become more difficult, and the operator may cancel the experience if conditions are unsafe.

Keep your camera protected and your footing steady. The combination of spray, wind, and rough paths calls for warm layers and hiking shoes, not city footwear.

Myvatn Nature Baths turn a long day into a slower evening

The optional bath is at Myvatn Nature Baths, and the entrance fee is not included in the tour price. You should budget for that separately if you want to swim.

The timing gives you a chance to spend roughly two hours at the bath, though that period includes changing, showering, and queuing. Actual time in the water may be closer to one hour, depending on how busy it is and how quickly you move through the facilities.

That distinction matters. The bath is a pleasant finish, but it does not turn the entire final portion into two uninterrupted hours in the pool. Bring your swimsuit and towel, and check the arrangements before departure so you know what is provided.

I like the choice here. If you are tired, prefer extra time at the volcanic sites, or want to control your spending, you can skip the bath. If you have spent the day in cold air and near waterfalls, the geothermal water can feel like exactly the right ending.

What the guides add to the long drive

The guide can make or break a full-day outing. A long transfer between Akureyri, Myvatn, and the waterfalls is much easier when the person at the front explains local customs, legends, food, culture, and daily life.

Several guides have received especially strong praise for this part of the job. Daniel has been noted for explaining Icelandic culture and traditions. Johanna was described as articulate and engaging, while Reynir has been praised for allowing plenty of time at the stops. Hogni was valued for his local knowledge, calm driving, and flexibility, including adding extra sites for a small group that skipped the baths.

The experience is not perfect every time. One poor outing involved an overcrowded bus and a broken microphone, leaving people at the back unable to hear the commentary. That is a useful warning: ask about the sound system or move forward if you cannot hear. The tour is sold as small-group, but the stated maximum varies between 14 and 16, so confirm the expected vehicle and group size before booking if personal space is important to you.

Is $351.09 a fair price?

At $351.09 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing day. The price includes pickup and drop-off in Akureyri, a local driver-guide, a professional guide, and taxes and handling charges. Food, drinks, and admission to Myvatn Nature Baths are extra.

The value depends on how you would otherwise reach these places. You are paying for a full day of transport over a wide area, a driver who knows the route, and explanations at sites that would be hard to combine without your own vehicle. A small group can also feel more personal than a large coach outing.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a relaxed bath or one nearby waterfall. In that case, a shorter activity may suit you better. But if your North Iceland visit is limited to a few days and you want Godafoss, Myvatn, Dimmuborgir, Selfoss, and Dettifoss in one organized trip, the cost is easier to justify.

Bring your own lunch money and water, since food and drinks are not included. The long duration makes this a day to prepare for, not a casual hop-on excursion.

Who will enjoy this North Iceland tour most?

I would choose this tour if you are staying in Akureyri without a rental car, arriving by cruise ship, or trying to cover the Myvatn region in one demanding but rewarding day.

It suits people who want both famous sights and geological context. You will not only photograph waterfalls. You will also see how lava, steam, rifts, and water shaped this part of Iceland.

It is a good fit for couples, families with children who can manage a long day, and small groups that value guide attention. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate, but the outdoor stops require walking on uneven ground.

I would think twice if you dislike long drives, want a slow schedule, or need guaranteed sunshine. The tour depends on good weather, and the operator may change the date or offer a full refund if conditions force a cancellation.

Practical preparation for a comfortable day

Wear warm clothing in layers and bring hiking shoes. Conditions can shift quickly around waterfalls and open volcanic sites, even when Akureyri feels mild.

Pack a swimsuit and towel if you plan to use Myvatn Nature Baths. Since the bath admission is extra, carry a payment method and allow for that added cost.

If you are being picked up at accommodation, select the correct property in Akureyri. Cruise passengers should provide the ship name and confirm the correct port. Keep your phone reachable in case the company needs to send an update.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that period are not accepted, and cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the widest possible taste of North Iceland from Akureyri without driving yourself. The waterfall pair, volcanic Myvatn sites, and optional geothermal bath make a strong one-day combination, and a small group can add real comfort and flexibility.

Skip it if you want a short outing, dislike road time, or do not want to pay separately for the bath. Before confirming, ask about the expected group size, vehicle, and whether the bath stop fits your priorities.

For most people with limited time in Akureyri, I think the route earns its long day. Just dress for the weather, protect your camera, and treat the bath as an optional bonus rather than part of the base price.

FAQ

How long does the Akureyri waterfalls and nature baths tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours.

What waterfalls are included?

The route includes Godafoss, Selfoss, and Dettifoss. Dettifoss is described as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.

Does the tour visit Lake Myvatn?

Yes. The route includes Lake Myvatn and several surrounding volcanic sites.

Is admission to Myvatn Nature Baths included?

No. Entrance to Myvatn Nature Baths is at your own expense.

What else is included in the tour price?

Hotel, central, and airport pickup and drop-off in Akureyri are included, along with a local driver-guide, professional guide, taxes, fees, and handling charges.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Wear warm clothes and hiking shoes. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to use the nature baths.

How large is the tour group?

The tour is offered as a small-group experience. The stated maximum is 14 people in one section of the tour information and 16 in another, so confirm the expected group size when booking.