From Akureyri: Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Guided Tour

The best part of this tour is the way it links Godafoss Waterfall with the strange volcanic world around Lake Myvatn. In seven hours, you move from a broad fjord and a roaring river to bubbling mud, twisted lava, a cave, and a milky-blue geothermal lagoon.

I like the included pickup from Akureyri, which saves you from arranging a rental car for a long day out. I also like the mix of major sights and odd little geological stops, especially Hverir and Grjótagjá. The main catch is that Myvatn Nature Baths entry is not included, and the lagoon portion may change if refurbishment affects operations.

Key points to know before booking

• Godafoss comes early: Start with one of Northern Iceland’s most striking waterfalls, known as the Waterfall of the Gods.
• Lake Myvatn is full of variety: Expect pseudocraters, sulfur mud pools, lava formations, and an ancient cave.
• The Nature Baths cost extra: Bring this added expense into your budget and confirm the current bathing arrangements.
• Transportation keeps the day simple: Hotel pickup, transfers between stops, and return to Akureyri are included.
• Local stories add character: Guides including Norbert and Jon have brought humor, folklore, and regional knowledge to the day.
• The tour runs in changing weather: Winter guests should pay close attention to heating and clothing, since one January outing had an uncomfortable bus ride.

Why this Akureyri day trip works so well

Akureyri is a pleasant base in northern Iceland, but many of the region’s best sights lie well beyond town. Lake Myvatn is the big prize, yet reaching it on your own means handling the route, road conditions, parking, and timing. This tour takes care of the driving while giving you a guide to explain what you are seeing.

At $223 per person, it is not a cheap outing. You are paying for about seven hours of transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, a small group setting, and an English-speaking guide. The value is strongest if you do not plan to rent a car or if you want local explanation rather than a day of driving from one viewpoint to the next.

The admission charge for the Myvatn Nature Baths is separate. That matters because the baths are presented as an optional part of the day, not a free extra. Add the ticket price before comparing this tour with a self-drive day or another organized excursion.

The route also covers a lot of ground. You will not have long, unhurried time at every stop. I would choose this trip for breadth and convenience, not for a slow walk through each site.

From Eyjafjordur to the Waterfall of the Gods

The drive begins with views along Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord. This gives you an attractive opening to the day, with water and mountains setting the scene before the volcanic sights begin.

The first main stop is Godafoss. Its name means Waterfall of the Gods, and the reason is easy to understand once you see the broad horseshoe of rushing water. The falls are powerful without requiring a demanding hike, making this a strong first stop for nearly any visitor.

Godafoss also carries a famous Icelandic story. In the year 1000, Iceland’s law speaker is said to have thrown pagan idols into the falls after the country adopted Christianity. The tour description identifies the waterfall mainly by its dramatic appearance, but a good guide can help connect the view with Icelandic culture and old folklore.

Give yourself time to look from more than one angle if the stop allows. Waterfalls can look very different depending on where you stand, and the spray, river sound, and dark volcanic surroundings make this more than a quick photo stop.

Skútustaðagígar and the unusual shapes of Lake Myvatn

Lake Myvatn is not just a pretty body of water. Its surroundings show how lava and water can work together to create formations that look almost artificial.

At Skútustaðagígar, you see pseudocraters. These are not true volcanic craters formed by eruptions from underground vents. They formed when lava flowed across wet ground, causing steam explosions and leaving crater-like mounds behind.

You may walk around the area to study these rounded forms and their relationship with the lake. This stop is especially useful if you want more than a scenic overlook. The shapes tell a clear geological story, and your guide can help explain why the ground looks the way it does.

The name Lake Myvatn refers to midges, the small flying insects found around the water in warmer months. The area is famous for birdlife too, though the tour details do not promise a dedicated bird-watching stop. If you are visiting in summer, be prepared for the possibility of insects near the lake.

Hverir, where the ground bubbles and steams

Hverir, near Mount Námafjall, is one of the most memorable stops on the route. Here, sulfur mud pools bubble in shades of gray, tan, and ocher. Steam rises from the ground, and the smell of sulfur can be strong.

This is not a place to wander wherever you like. Stay on marked paths and follow your guide’s directions. The hot ground is part of the attraction, but it is also the reason you need to respect the boundaries.

Some visitors describe the area as feeling like Mars. That comparison makes sense: the bare earth, colored mud, and steam create a scene that looks far removed from ordinary Iceland. The stop is visually powerful, though the sulfur odor may not suit everyone.

Mount Námafjall adds another layer to the view. The mountain and geothermal ground show that Iceland is not simply a country of waterfalls and ice. Its volcanic forces are still visible close to the surface.

Grjótagjá and the story beneath the lava

Grjótagjá is an ancient lava cave that adds a more intimate stop to the day. Rather than looking across a wide valley or waterfall, you peer into a dark opening formed by old volcanic activity.

The cave became known to a wider audience through filming associated with Game of Thrones. Höfði, another stop on the route, has also been used for well-known film locations, including Game of Thrones and Star Wars. The screen connection may bring extra interest, but the rock formations are the real reason to pay attention.

Conditions inside a lava cave can be uneven, and the tour information does not promise that every visitor will enter the cave. Think of Grjótagjá as a geological viewpoint rather than a guaranteed underground walk.

The wider Lake Myvatn area is full of contorted lava shapes. Dimmuborgir, described in one account as eerie and fascinating, is another example of this volcanic character, though the stated itinerary specifically names the lava caves and Höfði. Ask your guide what is possible on the day if you are especially interested in the lava formations.

Höfði and the film-famous side of Myvatn

Höfði brings the tour back toward the water and the area’s unusual rock scenery. It is linked with film locations, but you do not need to be a film fan to appreciate the stop.

The rock formations here help explain why filmmakers choose northern Iceland. The shapes are stark, irregular, and unlike ordinary coastal scenery. They also give you a different view of Lake Myvatn from the pseudocraters and geothermal fields.

This is one of the tour’s strengths: the stops do not all repeat the same view. You get water, rock, steam, mud, and open volcanic ground in a single day. The tradeoff is that each stop may feel brief if you prefer long walks or photography time.

Soaking at Myvatn Nature Baths

The final major stop is Myvatn Nature Baths, a geothermal lagoon with milky-blue water among the lava fields. After a day outside, the chance to sit in warm mineral-rich water can be a welcome change of pace.

The adjoining Kvika Restaurant offers a place to buy a drink or food, but food and drinks are not included. The bathing ticket is also separate. Check the current ticket arrangements before you go, since one January visit was affected by refurbishment and the planned lagoon visit changed without advance notice.

That change is worth taking seriously. If the Nature Baths are the main reason you are booking, ask the provider about current access before the cancellation deadline. If you would still be happy with Godafoss and the Myvatn sights alone, the tour is less exposed to that risk.

You should also bring what you need for bathing, although the supplied details do not list specific towel or locker arrangements. Do not assume the tour price covers any item beyond transportation, guide service, and pickup and drop-off.

The guide can shape the whole day

A good guide matters on a route like this because the scenery needs explanation. The sights are spread out, and the volcanic terms can blur together without context.

Norbert has been singled out for sharing stories about Akureyri’s cultural life, including the Yule Lads and the Christmas Cat. Those tales give the trip a local flavor that you will not get from simply following road signs to the attractions.

Jon has also been praised for making the day run smoothly. Descriptions of both guides point to humor, professionalism, and strong command of the area. The experience can vary by departure, but an English-speaking live guide is included rather than an audio recording.

The small-group format should make it easier to hear the guide and keep the day moving. The exact group size is not provided, so do not book this expecting a private tour.

Transport, timing, and the winter question

Seven hours sounds generous, but the route includes a long drive from Akureyri, several outdoor stops, and time at the Nature Baths. You will spend part of the day in the vehicle, though that is also what makes the far-flung sights practical without a rental car.

Pickup is included from your hotel in Akureyri. Be ready 30 minutes before the scheduled start, and contact Imagine Iceland directly if your hotel is not listed. The tour returns you to Akureyri after the final stop.

Weather matters in northern Iceland. A January departure had a bus heating problem, making the journey uncomfortable. That may have been an isolated vehicle issue, but it is a useful reminder to wear warm layers even if you plan to spend time in a geothermal pool.

Winter also changes the feel of the day. Snow, low light, and possible road conditions can make Godafoss and Myvatn look dramatic, but outdoor stops may be colder and shorter. In warmer months, you may have better conditions for walking around the pseudocraters and lava sites, along with the possibility of midges near the lake.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this tour if you are staying in Akureyri, do not want to drive, and want to see the major Myvatn sights in one organized day. It also suits first-time visitors who prefer a guide to explain geology, local folklore, and the meaning behind the places.

It works well for couples, families, and small groups who want a broad sample of northern Iceland. The itinerary has enough variety to keep the day interesting, and the Nature Baths provide a relaxed finish after the outdoor stops.

You may want another option if you have already visited Godafoss and Myvatn, want extensive hiking, or need the bathing cost included in the advertised price. A self-drive plan could also suit you better if you want to set your own pace and spend longer at one site.

The 4.6 rating from 14 published ratings reflects a generally strong experience, but the practical warnings matter. The lagoon arrangement can change, and vehicle comfort may not be perfect in winter. Read the current conditions carefully and contact the provider if bathing access is essential.

Final call: a strong Myvatn introduction with one important extra cost

Book this tour if you want an efficient route from Akureyri to Godafoss and Lake Myvatn, with a guide and transport doing the hard work. The combination of the waterfall, pseudocraters, sulfur pools, lava cave, Höfði, and geothermal bathing gives you a good sense of why northern Iceland feels so different from the country’s more famous southern route.

Before paying, add the Nature Baths entry to the $223 price and confirm that the lagoon is operating as planned. If you treat the baths as a bonus rather than the sole purpose of the day, this is a practical and rewarding choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Akureyri?

The tour lasts 7 hours, including transportation between Akureyri and the attractions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Akureyri are included. You should be ready 30 minutes before the scheduled start, and you should contact Imagine Iceland if your hotel is not listed.

Is transportation between the sights included?

Yes. Car transportation is provided from Akureyri and between the tour stops.

Is the Myvatn Nature Baths entrance included?

No. Entry to the Myvatn Nature Baths is not included in the tour price.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy a drink or food at the adjoining Kvika Restaurant at the Nature Baths.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Eyjafjordur, Godafoss, the Lake Myvatn area, Skútustaðagígar, Hverir, Grjótagjá, Höfði, Mount Námafjall, and the Myvatn Nature Baths.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to hold a place without paying immediately.