From Akureyri: Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour

The best part of this six-hour North Iceland tour is the range of scenery packed into one day. You move from the foaming Goðafoss waterfall to grassy volcanic craters, then into black lava formations and a sulfur-scented geothermal zone that feels almost otherworldly.

I like the way the route mixes famous sights with useful explanations, especially the story behind Mývatn’s pseudo-craters. I also like the practical setup: port pickup, a packed lunch, WiFi, and return transport make this a strong choice for a cruise stop. The main drawback is time. You see a lot, but some stops can feel brisk, and a late departure or slow group can shorten the final visit.

Key points at a glance

• Goðafoss in the first hour: See water spread across a broad, roughly 30-meter crescent of dark volcanic rock.
• Mývatn’s craters are not true craters: These grassy mounds formed through steam explosions when lava met wet ground.
• Dimmuborgir feels made for folklore: Walk among twisted lava walls and formations that Icelandic children often read as trolls.
• Námaskarð is the sensory high point: Boiling mud pools, steaming ground, and a strong sulfur smell create an unforgettable stop.
• The guide can shape the day: Guides including Nico, Richie, Alan, Kjartan, and Matthias have been praised for humor, stories, and clear explanations.
• Good cruise-port value: At $187 per person, the tour covers major sights without the cost of arranging separate transport.

Why this Akureyri day trip works

North Iceland is spread out, and Mývatn is not a place I would choose to visit without a plan if my time in Akureyri were limited. The route covers several major sights in a single outing, with the driving handled for you.

The tour begins at Gránufélagsgata 50, close to Akureyri’s cruise-port area. If your ship docks at Tangarbryggja Pier, the guide meets you in the large parking lot there. If you arrive at Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, you meet at the visitor center by the cruise port before going to the buses.

Look for an orange jacket or vest marked BusTravel Iceland. This detail matters because port areas can be busy, and the meeting instructions differ by pier. Check your ship’s docking point before departure rather than assuming both piers use the same meeting place.

The drive through northern Iceland is part of the experience. The route gives you views of open country and time for commentary about Icelandic culture, history, horses, sheep, and local customs. Several guides have been praised for keeping up a steady flow of stories, though one point is worth noting: if you have already toured other parts of Iceland, some general information may sound familiar.

Goðafoss: a powerful opening stop

After about 40 minutes by bus, you reach Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. The falls spread across a wide semicircle, dropping over dark basalt in a way that is easy to take in from several viewpoints.

I like this as the first major stop because it gives you an immediate sense of North Iceland’s scale and geology. The white water against black rock is especially striking, and the 45-minute visit gives you time for photographs and a proper look rather than a quick roadside pause.

Goðafoss also carries a famous piece of Icelandic history. Its name connects to the traditional story of Iceland’s conversion from pagan worship to Christianity. Your guide will explain how the waterfall came to symbolize that change, adding a human story to what might otherwise be only a scenic stop.

Wear a jacket that handles wind and light rain. Even in pleasant weather, a waterfall viewpoint can feel cold, and the ground may be uneven. You will want shoes suitable for short walks rather than smooth city footwear.

Skútustaðagígar and the mystery of the pseudo-craters

The next major stop is Skútustaðagígar, on the edge of Lake Mývatn. You spend about 20 minutes here, looking across the unusual grassy mounds commonly called pseudo-craters.

These formations look like volcanic craters, but they were not made by a lava eruption from below. Instead, lava flowed into wet ground around the lake. The heat of the lava caused water beneath the surface to turn to steam, and the pressure produced explosions that shaped the crater-like hollows.

That explanation is one of the most rewarding parts of the route because it changes how you see the area. You are not simply looking at green hills beside a lake. You are seeing the remains of a violent meeting between hot lava and water.

The stop is short, so do not expect a long walk around the craters. Use the time to listen to the explanation, take photographs, and enjoy the contrast between the soft grass and the volcanic origin of the site. If you want to study Mývatn at a slower pace, you would need more than this half-day outing.

Mývatn is also known for midges during warmer months. Small flying insects can be bothersome around the lake, particularly in summer. Bring a head net if you are sensitive to them. This is not a fault in the tour, but it is one of the most useful pieces of preparation for the area.

Dimmuborgir: black lava and Icelandic trolls

A short 10-minute drive brings you to Dimmuborgir, one of the most atmospheric stops of the day. The name is often translated as Dark Fortress, and the area earns it through its maze of jagged lava walls, arches, pillars, and strange rock shapes.

You have about 55 minutes here, including a walk. This is the stop where comfortable shoes matter most. The paths lead among rough volcanic formations, and the ground can be uneven. You do not need to be a serious hiker, but you should be ready to walk rather than remain beside the bus.

Dimmuborgir is a good place to let your imagination work. Icelandic children commonly see troll-like figures in the lava, and many of the formations do look like frozen creatures or ruined stone buildings. Guides often add local folklore to the walk, including stories about elves and the hidden world.

The experience is not polished in the way a museum visit is. Its appeal comes from the rock itself, the shadows, and the feeling of moving through an ancient volcanic maze. I would give this stop priority if you enjoy unusual geology and folklore.

Time can be tight here. Keep an eye on your watch and remember the bus location. Several stops require the full group to return before the vehicle leaves, and a delay at one site can reduce time at another.

Námaskarð: Iceland’s most dramatic smell

The final major stop is Námaskarð, about 15 minutes from Dimmuborgir. You spend roughly 40 minutes in this geothermal area, where the ground is marked by steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and vivid mineral colors.

This is not a place for wandering wherever you like. Stay on the marked paths and follow the guide’s instructions. The ground is active, and the safest way to see the area is from the designated routes.

The sulfur smell is strong. Some people find it fascinating, while others will want to keep their distance. I suggest breathing through your mouth if needed and avoiding a long stop directly beside the most active vents. The odor is part of the experience, but you do not need to prove anything by standing in it.

Námaskarð often becomes the visual and sensory climax of the day. The bare ground, steam, bubbling mud, and unusual colors make the area feel unlike the waterfall and lake stops. One visitor described it as feeling like another planet, and that is a fair way to prepare yourself for the change in scenery.

This stop also has facilities where you may be able to use the restroom or buy snacks. That is useful because the supplied lunch is simple and the schedule does not always allow a relaxed meal break.

What you get for $187

The price is $187 per person. That is not a cheap bus ride, but the value is reasonable if you are visiting from a cruise ship or have only one day based in Akureyri.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the port, transportation between widely separated sights, WiFi on board, and a packed lunch. Organizing the same route independently would require a rental car, fuel, navigation, and careful timing. The tour also removes the worry of returning to Akureyri on unfamiliar roads.

One booking party specifically found the price about half that of a cruise-ship excursion covering the same route. Cruise pricing varies, so I would compare the current figures for your sailing, but this trip can offer strong savings while still reaching the main Mývatn sights.

The lunch is practical rather than memorable. It includes a chicken or vegan sandwich, a chocolate bar, and juice, with the tour information also describing a water bottle. Some people found it perfectly adequate, while others wanted more chicken, less mayonnaise, or a better sandwich. Bring extra snacks if you have a large appetite, and confirm what drink is supplied before setting out.

You may not always be allowed to eat the packed lunch at tables near the lava formations, so be prepared to eat on the bus or at an approved area. The schedule can make the meal feel like something to fit in rather than a proper picnic.

Guides, drivers, and the pace of the bus

The human side of this tour has been a major strength. Guides named Nico, Richie, Alan, Kjartan, Matthias, Elsa, Ana, and others have been praised for clear commentary, humor, organization, and enthusiasm. Richie has used WhatsApp to share information and map pins, while Nico has been singled out for lively explanations.

You should not book this expecting a silent transfer between sights. Guides commonly talk during the drives, covering geology, Icelandic history, customs, animals, and folklore. That adds value on the long return journey from Mývatn to Akureyri.

The bus ride back is about 80 minutes, so the final leg gives you time to rest after several walks. WiFi is included, though one person wished for a USB charging point. Bring a fully charged phone or camera because charging may not be available.

The pace is the tradeoff for seeing four major areas in six hours. Some people feel there is enough time at every stop. Others have found the visits rushed, especially when the bus leaves late or passengers return slowly. One tour returned to port about 45 minutes late, which caused understandable concern for passengers with ship departure deadlines.

For a cruise stop, build in caution. The operator plans the return, but traffic, group delays, weather, and boarding logistics can affect the schedule. If your ship has a tight all-aboard time, confirm the expected return hour and allow yourself a margin.

Lunch, weather, and what to pack

I would dress for changeable conditions. The route includes an exposed waterfall, open ground beside a lake, rough lava paths, and a geothermal area where wind and rain can arrive quickly. Layers, a waterproof outer layer, sturdy walking shoes, and gloves in cooler months are sensible.

Pack the following:

• A fully charged phone or camera
• Extra snacks
• A small day bag
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A hat or head net for midges around Mývatn
• Shoes with good grip
• Any medication you need during the six-hour outing

The tour includes a chicken or vegan sandwich, chocolate, and juice. Because the food is basic and the timing may be flexible, extra snacks are worthwhile. Visitor facilities at some stops can provide opportunities to buy food, but you should not count on a full restaurant meal.

The weather can change the feel of the day. Fog may soften the waterfall views, while clear weather opens up the volcanic scenery. The route remains worthwhile in mixed conditions, but photography and walking are more comfortable when the ground is dry.

Who should book this Mývatn tour?

I would choose this trip if you want to see the major natural sights around Lake Mývatn without renting a car. It suits cruise passengers especially well, along with families and first-time visitors who prefer a guide to explain what they are seeing.

It is also a good match for you if you enjoy variety. In one day, you get a waterfall, a lake, unusual volcanic formations, lava fields, geothermal activity, and Icelandic stories.

I would hesitate if you dislike bus tours, need long uninterrupted time at each sight, or want to explore Mývatn in detail. The route is broad rather than slow. A private tour or a full extra day in the region would give you more freedom, but it would cost more.

The tour can work for some people with mobility needs, but access varies by stop. One family found the guide and driver helpful with wheelchair logistics and identifying accessible locations. If accessibility is important for you, contact the operator before booking and describe your specific needs.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is seeing Goðafoss, Mývatn, Dimmuborgir, and Námaskarð in one organized day. The route is well chosen, the guides often add real cultural value, and the included transport and lunch make the $187 price easier to justify.

Go in with realistic expectations. The sandwich is modest, the geothermal smell is intense, midges may appear, and the schedule can feel hurried. Keep your group moving, arrive early at the meeting point, and pack snacks and weatherproof clothing.

For a short stay in Akureyri, I think this is one of the most efficient ways to reach North Iceland’s major sights. It gives you a vivid introduction to Mývatn, even if it may leave you wishing you had another day to stay longer.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Akureyri?

The tour lasts about six hours, including transportation between Akureyri and the Mývatn region and visits to the main sights.

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 can I identify the guide?

Guides wear an orange jacket or vest with a BusTravel Iceland logo.

Which sights are included?

The tour visits Goðafoss Waterfall, the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters near Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir lava fields, and the Námaskarð geothermal area.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The packed lunch includes a chicken or vegan sandwich, a chocolate bar, and juice. The tour information also describes a water bottle as part of the lunch provision.

Are drinks included?

The lunch information includes juice and describes a water bottle. Bottled water is also listed separately as not included, so check the current provision before departure and bring your own water if needed.

What languages are available?

The live guide is available in English and German.

Is WiFi available on the bus?

Yes, WiFi on board is included.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reservation option also allows you to book now and pay later.