From Akureyri: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Cruise Ship Day-Trip

Godafoss is only the opening act on this five-hour trip from Akureyri. The real thrill comes later, when the road reaches Lake Myvatn, a volcanic area of steaming ground, black lava, strange rock towers, and a warm lagoon where you can soak among the lava fields.

I like the small minibus, which is easier to manage than a full-size shore bus, and the chance to see several very different sights in one outing. I also like the local guides, including Biggi, Bikir, Fribby, Armann, Norbert, Oli, and Palmi, who bring useful stories about Icelandic life as well as the geology. The main catch is time: the stops are well chosen but brisk, and Nature Baths admission is not included.

Key points to know before you book

• Godafoss gives you a dramatic first stop: You get about 25 minutes to see the Waterfall of the Gods and take photographs.
• Lake Myvatn packs in several kinds of scenery: Expect lava formations at Dimmuborgir, steaming ground at Namaskard, and views around a lake formed by a basalt eruption 2,300 years ago.
• The minibus keeps the group personal: Transport is in an 11 to 19-seat vehicle, with pickup and return at Akureyri port.
• Nature Baths entry costs extra: You can soak for about an hour, relax at Kvika Restaurant, or visit Grjotagja cave and rift instead.
• Good timing matters on a cruise day: Tell the operator your ship and docking point, then confirm that your arrival and departure times fit the tour.
• Some walking is required: Inclines, uneven ground, a high minibus step, strong smells, and insects can make parts of the day harder for less mobile visitors.

Why this Akureyri shore trip works well

Akureyri is a fine base for seeing northern Iceland, but the most memorable sights on this route lie well outside town. This excursion takes you east toward Lake Myvatn, linking a major waterfall with one of Iceland’s best volcanic areas.

The route begins along Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord. You’ll see the water and surrounding hills from the road, and the drive gives your guide time to explain local life, geology, and Icelandic customs. Several guides are natives of Akureyri, which adds a useful local angle. Armann, the owner of Imagine Iceland, is especially good at combining geology, folklore, and stories about the town. Biggi and Bikir are also noted for friendly, entertaining guiding.

The 16 to 17-seat minibus listed for the trip may vary within the stated 11 to 19-seat range. That size is a practical compromise. You get more room than in a tiny car, but the group can still move faster than a large cruise excursion. The tradeoff is a higher step into the vehicle and less personal space when every seat is occupied.

At $176 per person, this is not cheap. Iceland is an expensive destination, and a five-hour private-road excursion with port transport and a local guide adds up quickly. Still, the price compares favorably with many cruise-line shore trips, especially if you value a smaller group and several stops rather than one large coach outing. You should budget extra for the Nature Baths and any food or drinks.

Godafoss: a strong 25-minute opening stop

The first major stop is Godafoss, often called the Waterfall of the Gods. The Skjalfandafljot River spreads across a broad horseshoe of rock, making this a waterfall you can appreciate quickly from several viewpoints.

The scheduled stop lasts about 25 minutes. That is enough for a guided introduction and photographs, though you will not have time for a long walk or a slow picnic. Stay alert when the guide gives the return time. On a cruise excursion, the schedule is built around getting you back to the port, so a few extra minutes at the waterfall may not be possible.

Godafoss works well at the start because it gives you an immediate taste of northern Iceland’s scale. After this, the scenery changes from rushing water to volcanic earth. You do not need specialist geology knowledge to enjoy the contrast, but a good guide can make the connection clear: this entire region was shaped by fire, ice, and water.

Dimmuborgir: black lava towers and short walking trails

Dimmuborgir means Dark Castles, a fitting name for the cluster of black lava formations east of Lake Myvatn. The rocks form pillars, arches, and rough walls that look more like ruins than the remains of a lava field.

You get about 20 minutes here, enough for a short walk and photographs. The paths can include uneven ground and inclines, so wear shoes with a firm sole. This is not a long hike, but you should not treat it as a flat roadside viewpoint.

Dimmuborgir rewards curiosity. Look at the shapes rather than rushing from one formation to the next. The formations were created by volcanic activity, and the guide can help explain why the hardened lava took such unusual forms. If you have limited mobility, ask how far you need to walk before leaving the minibus. One older participant had trouble with the walking and the tall step into the vehicle, so this is worth considering before booking.

Namaskard: steaming ground and a strong sulfur smell

At Namaskard, also called Hverarond, the earth seems to be cooking. Steam vents hiss from the ground, and mud pools bubble in shades of gray, orange, and brown. Some pools reach about 200 degrees Celsius, so you must stay on the marked paths and follow your guide’s instructions.

The stop lasts around 20 minutes. That may sound short, but the heat, smell, and exposed ground make a quick visit sensible. The sulfur odor can be intense. I would not plan to eat immediately beside the mud pools, and anyone sensitive to strong smells should be ready for an earthy blast.

This is one of the most educational stops because the geothermal activity is visible rather than hidden underground. You can see the steam, hear the vents, and watch the mud move. The area also helps explain why Iceland uses geothermal energy. One small warning: the bugs around parts of Lake Myvatn can be bothersome, and a head net could be useful, though one is not provided.

Lake Myvatn and the volcanic story of the North

Lake Myvatn itself was formed about 2,300 years ago during a basalt lava eruption. Its name is linked to the small flies found around the lake, so the insects are not a surprise. They can be thick in calm areas, particularly during warmer weather.

The lake is more than a scenic photo stop. It ties together the rest of the day. Dimmuborgir shows what lava can become after it cools. Namaskard shows heat and pressure still active beneath the ground. The lake sits among these volcanic features, giving you a clear sense of how connected the region is.

The tour does not promise a long, separate lakeside walk. Much of your experience comes through the surrounding attractions and the drive between them. That is useful for a cruise passenger with limited time, but it may disappoint you if your main goal is quiet time beside the water. The route is designed as a broad introduction rather than a slow exploration of one place.

Myvatn Nature Baths: choose a soak or an extra cave stop

The Myvatn Nature Baths are the most flexible part of the outing. The scheduled stop lasts about an hour, and you can use that time to enter the geothermal lagoon, have something at Kvika Restaurant, or simply relax if you do not want to swim. The lagoon sits in a lava-field setting, with different water temperatures in different sections.

The facilities are described as comfortable, and the warm water can be a welcome break after walking around the volcanic sites. You may feel volcanic sand under your feet in the lagoon. With only an hour, though, your actual soak will be shorter if you need to buy admission, change clothes, and shower.

Admission is not included, and prices should be checked directly with Myvatn Nature Baths before you travel. Food and drinks are also extra. The tour provides transport and guiding, not a complete spa package.

If you do not want to pay for the baths, the guide can take you to Grjotagja instead while other people in the group soak. Grjotagja is an old bathing cave connected with the rift between the Eurasian and American continents. This option gives you a geological point of interest and a cave visit, but the exact balance depends on the group and the time available.

This choice works best when the group has mixed interests. Swimmers get a geothermal lagoon, while non-swimmers get another volcanic sight. If everyone wants the cave, the day may feel more relaxed there. If you hope to spend a long time at the baths, an independent visit with more time would suit you better.

The pace, transport, and port return

The entire outing lasts five hours, including driving, guided stops, and the return to Oddeyrarbryggja in Akureyri. Pickup starts at the time shown on your ticket. Do not expect a staff member to be waiting before that time.

At the port, look for the marked parking area and the Imagine Iceland logo. You must tell the operator which ship you are arriving on and which dock it uses. Akureyri’s cruise docking arrangements can vary, and the operator provides port information to help you find the correct meeting point.

The tour is built around ship schedules, but you should still check the timing yourself. If you are unsure about your docking or departure time, contact Imagine Iceland before paying. A cruise excursion that returns late is not worth any price, and this is one detail you should settle before booking.

The minibus ride is generally comfortable, though one unusually warm day exposed a problem with weak air conditioning. Weather in Iceland can also change quickly, and strong winds may affect the drive. Good guides such as Norbert have been praised for safe driving in windy conditions, but no operator can control the weather.

The driver-guide arrangement is a major part of the experience. Guides such as Oli, Fribby, Palmi, Armann, and Biggi have been singled out for humor, local stories, clear answers, and careful driving. Commentary levels can vary, so sit where you can hear well. One person found it hard to understand the guide from the back of the vehicle.

How much walking and effort should you expect?

This is not a strenuous hike, but it is not a sit-on-the-bus tour either. You will get out at several volcanic sites, walk on uneven ground, and handle some uphill or inclined paths. The waterfall stop is manageable for many people, but Dimmuborgir and Namaskard require more attention to footing.

The minibus has a sizable step. If you use a cane, have weak knees, or tire easily, ask the operator about the vehicle and walking distances before booking. A less mobile person can still see Godafoss and the mud pools, but may need to skip some paths or remain near the vehicle.

Bring sturdy footwear, water, and layers. Food and drinks are not included, although the group stops at a local cafe. A light meal or coffee break is possible, but you should not assume a full lunch is part of the price.

At Namaskard, prepare for sulfur fumes. Around Lake Myvatn, prepare for insects. These are small details, but they affect comfort more than the glossy scenery descriptions do.

Who should book this five-hour excursion?

I would choose this tour if you are in Akureyri for one cruise stop and want a broad sample of northern Iceland without renting a car. It suits you especially well if you prefer a small group, local conversation, and several short stops over one long activity.

It is also a good fit for people who want to decide about bathing on the day. The Nature Baths option gives the outing a relaxing finish, while Grjotagja offers a better use of time for non-swimmers.

You may want another plan if you need wheelchair-friendly access, dislike walking on uneven ground, or want a long soak. The same applies if you prefer a slow photographic tour. This itinerary covers a lot of ground, and the 20-minute stops leave little room for lingering.

Families and mixed-age groups can make it work, but keep the step and walking in mind. The guides have handled groups ranging from children to older adults, yet individual mobility still matters.

My verdict on value and the booking decision

At $176, this is a substantial purchase, but it covers the part of Iceland that is hardest to reach on foot from Akureyri. Godafoss, Dimmuborgir, Namaskard, Lake Myvatn, and the Nature Baths offer a strong mix of water, lava, geothermal heat, and local context.

I like the way the route uses time. You see the waterfall early, build toward the volcanic sights, then finish with a choice between warm water and a cave. The small vehicle and port pickup also make this more practical than piecing together transport yourself during a short ship call.

The weak points are clear: Nature Baths entry and food are extra, walking is more demanding than some people expect, and the sightseeing stops are short. If you accept those limits, I think this is a good-value way to see the North in one day.

Book it if you want variety, local guiding, and a reliable port-to-port plan. Skip it if your priority is a long bath, a leisurely lake visit, or easy access for limited mobility. Before booking, confirm your ship’s dock and times, then decide if the extra bath fee fits your budget.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including the drive from Akureyri port, sightseeing stops, and the return to Oddeyrarbryggja.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup begins at Oddeyrarbryggja in Akureyri. Look for the marked parking area and the Imagine Iceland logo.

Does the tour pick up cruise ship passengers at the port?

Yes. Port pickup and drop-off are included, but you must tell the operator which ship you are arriving on so the correct dock can be used.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Is transport included?

Yes. Transport is provided in a small group minibus, with vehicle sizes listed between 11 and 19 seats.

Is admission to Myvatn Nature Baths included?

No. Entrance to Myvatn Nature Baths is not included, so you need to check the current admission price and pay separately.

Can I skip the Nature Baths?

Yes. If you do not use the baths, the guide can take you to Grjotagja rift and cave while other people in the group visit the lagoon.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The tour stops at a local cafe, and you can also use Kvika Restaurant at the Nature Baths.

How long is the stop at Godafoss?

The scheduled Godafoss stop lasts about 25 minutes and includes sightseeing, a guided visit, and time for photographs.

Can people with limited mobility join?

The tour includes walking on inclined and uneven ground, plus a large step into the minibus. Less mobile people may need to skip some sections, so contact the operator before booking if this is a concern.