Iceland · DIAMOND CIRCLE DAY TRIPS
Goðafoss, Mývatn, Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi make the northern answer to the Golden Circle. The 15 below run mostly from Akureyri and Húsavík, and they differ on how far east they get and whether the nature baths are included.
Spend the day at Myvatn Nature Baths in northeast Iceland, soaking in mineral-rich geothermal water drawn from 2,500 meters below ground. Your ticket includes the lagoon, steam baths, showers, soap, lockers, and changing rooms. Towels, swimwear, food, and drinks cost extra.
“Despite the rain it was a very nice experience. The baths are beautiful and all the check-in process has been really easy and quick.”
Travel from Akureyri to North Iceland’s volcanic heart with guides such as Nico, Ritchie, or Kjartan. See Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn’s pseudo craters, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and Námaskarð’s steaming mud pools. The six-hour trip includes port pickup, WiFi, and a packed sandwich lunch.
“This tour was well organized and ran smoothly. The guide was well informed and helpful. These areas of Iceland are beautiful and need to be seen to be appreciated. A small lunch of one sandwich and a bottle of water was included. Visitor centers at the sites provided opportunity for comfort stops and purchasing snacks. I would highly recommend this tour.”
Travel from Akureyri to Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir lava fields, and the steaming ground at Hverir. A guide such as Nico or Lili explains local stories and geology while you ride in an air-conditioned bus. Lunch is included, but the hot springs are for viewing, not bathing.
“It was a bit hard to find the bus, better signage would be helpful. Once we were on the tour the driver and guide were very personable and knowledgeable about the area. They were super excited to shate their wonderful country with us. The tour went on schedule with plenty of time for pictures and some exploration.”
From Akureyri’s cruise pier, follow a local guide such as Oli, Jon, or Johannes to Godafoss and Lake Myvatn. Expect a 5 to 6-hour outing with waterfalls, steaming earth, Dimmuborgir lava, Grjotagja Cave, and optional time at the Myvatn Nature Baths.
“Beautiful trip to see an amazing waterfall and areas where lava continues to heat the surface with the funk of sulfur”
You’ll ride from Akureyri Port to Goðafoss with a live guide in English, Spanish, German, or Italian. Expect 75 minutes at the falls, Viking-era stories, Eyjafjörður views, coffee and kleina at Hótel Goðafoss, and optional drop-off in central Akureyri.
“Had a great time. Our guide and driver were excellent”
Travel from Akureyri Port to Godafoss and the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn, including Dimmuborgir and Hverir. Expect a comfortable coach, a live guide, coffee and kleina at Hotel Goðafoss, and a full six-hour day. Guides may include Jullii, Aitana, Lukas, or Michiel.
“This was a fantastic day trip, but what made it absolutely perfect was our guide Jullii!!❤️❤️ Not only was he knowledgeable, kind, funny, patient, he took the time to talk to every single person on the tour. I can’t speak highly enough about him!! He made tour perfect, regardless of the “refreshing” weather!! Thank you again Jullii❤️❤️”
Ride from Akureyri Port to Goðafoss with an English-speaking guide, spending about an hour beside Iceland’s famous waterfall. Expect a smooth bus ride, local stories, WiFi, coffee or tea, an Icelandic pastry at Hotel Goðafoss, and a scenic return through the countryside.
“Had a wonderful experience with Saga Travel and Hilmar, our guide. The bus ride was smooth, taking us through a very long tunnel going to the falls and through the mountain pass on the way back. Pathways to and around the falls are easy; very manageable. Saga Travel has a connection to this quaint Hotel there, so coffee and a Nordic pastry were a pleasant surprise. Great morning, beautiful falls! We highly recommend this tour!!”
From Akureyri Port, join a small group of up to 14 for a 6.5-hour English tour through North Iceland. See Goðafoss, Mývatn’s pseudo craters, Dimmuborgir, Hverir, and Grjótagjá, then enjoy soup and museum admission at Mývatn Heritage and Nature Museum.
“We enjoyed our trip, and there was a lot to see. Our guide was very good and informative.”
From Akureyri’s cruise port, visit crescent-shaped Goðafoss, the volcanic formations of Lake Mývatn, and Mývatn Nature Baths. Your English-speaking guide handles the timing, while you enjoy a chicken or vegan packed lunch and two hours in the geothermal pools. Guides vary by departure.
“Elsa did a great job of explaining the sites and was very accommodating. Answered all our questions and walked with us at sites and was within reach for those who had questions. We enjoyed all the sites we were taken to and had ample time at each site. Loved our excursion! Albert was a great driver.”
Travel from Akureyri to Goðafoss, Laufás, and the Christmas House with an English-speaking local guide. You’ll get waterfall views, old turf homes, Icelandic folklore, and free time for holiday shopping, with hotel and cruise-port pickup included.
“Very easy booking. Met at the cruise port. Our guide was very informative and friendly. Gave clear instructions at each stop and had a fun and comfortable tour. Dropped us in town to explore after the tour and dropped others back to the ship. Highly recommend.”
From Akureyri, Saga Travel takes you to powerful Godafoss, Grenjaðarstaður’s turf farmhouse museum, and Forest Lagoon. Expect round-trip transport, Wi-Fi, admission, and a lagoon towel. Guides including Thora, Fönn, Belen, and Ronar have brought local stories to the drive, though lagoon time can feel short.
“Knowledgeable, informative tour guide. Julie arrived at the port early, and showed us a lovely day. The Forest Lagoon was very nice, fun that you could relax with a drink while soaking! The museum of the old turf house was interesting, and the falls were very pretty. Luckily we had a beautiful day, and best of all, our small tour was just my husband and me!”
From Akureyri port, Saga Travel takes you to Goðafoss Waterfall and the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn. Expect a comfortable coach, English commentary, WiFi, short walks, changing weather, and a coffee or tea with an Icelandic pastry at Hotel Goðafoss. Guides have included Runar, Lukas, Dodi, Michael, and Michiel.
“A really fun day trip, offering history, storytelling and geology all in one! You'll get to learn about volcanoes and lava formations in Iceland. Overall the itinerary is perfect opportunity to learn about how Iceland was formed, and its impact it had on the culture.”
Spend eight hours exploring North Iceland by air-conditioned bus from Akureyri Port. With guides such as Kjartan or Unnur, you’ll see Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Húsavík, Tjörnes, Námaskarð, and Lake Mývatn, with WiFi and a packed lunch included.
“We had Unnur as our guide and she was extremely kind and caring. No one was left behind and she spoke very clearly, sharing a lot of interesting things about Iceland. I went with my mum and shared an amazing experience, I couldn’t recommend this tour more!”
From Akureyri, a small-group bus tour visits Goðafoss waterfall, the historic turf houses at Laufás and the year-round Christmas House. Expect an English-speaking driver-guide, round-trip pickup, included admission to Laufás and a short Akureyri town tour. Guides may include Jon, Graham or Lilja.
“Guide was very experienced. Local and was able to share a lot of personal information about the area.”
From Akureyri Port, you’ll ride with an English-speaking local guide to Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, for about an hour of free time. Guides such as Arman, Jon, and Armani add local stories and humor. The return includes a drive through Akureyri’s old town and a brief Eyjafjord photo stop.
“Loved it. Our guide was exceptional. Fun, fact filled and felt super safe.”
Pick an ice cap, a coastline or a hot pool.
