From Akureyri: Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Guided Tour

Godafoss and Lake Myvatn give you two very different sides of northern Iceland in one long day. You get a thundering waterfall, steaming sulfur pools, strange lava shapes, a cave, and a warm geothermal lagoon, all without arranging a car or learning Iceland’s winter roads.

I like the varied stops, since this is not seven hours of looking at similar scenery. I also like the small-group format and the local storytelling, with guides such as Jon and Norbert adding folklore about Akureyri, the Yule lads, and the Christmas Cat.

The main caution is that the Nature Baths admission costs extra, and the lagoon portion can change if refurbishment affects the facility. One January departure also had a heating problem on the bus, so winter conditions and day-of changes deserve attention.

Key points to know before booking

• Godafoss is the early star: The broad waterfall is one of northern Iceland’s most memorable sights and makes a strong first stop.
• Lake Myvatn is packed with variety: Expect pseudocraters, sulfur mud pools, lava formations, and an ancient cave in one region.
• The Nature Baths are optional and extra: Bring this cost into your budget, and check the current bathing arrangements before you go.
• The route begins in Akureyri: Hotel pickup and return transportation make this useful if you do not have a rental car.
• Local stories add character: Guides including Jon and Norbert have shared folklore and everyday cultural details from the Akureyri area.
• Seven hours is a full day: You see a lot, but this is not a slow, unhurried outing at each location.

Why this northern Iceland day works so well

This outing is built around contrast. You begin with moving water at Godafoss, continue through volcanic ground around Lake Myvatn, and finish with a soak in warm geothermal water.

That mix matters. A day devoted only to waterfalls can feel repetitive, while a day devoted only to geology may leave you wanting a more dramatic visual stop. Here, each part changes the mood and gives you a new way to understand northern Iceland.

The drive itself also has value. The route follows Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord, before turning toward the volcanic features around Myvatn. You do not have to concentrate on directions, parking, or road conditions, and you can keep your eyes on the fjord and mountains instead.

At $223 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing ride. The price makes more sense if you need hotel transportation, want an English-speaking guide, and would otherwise pay for a rental car, fuel, and admission to separate attractions. Since food, drinks, and the Nature Baths ticket are not included, you should calculate the full cost before booking.

Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods

Godafoss is usually the first major stop after pickup in Akureyri. Its name means waterfall of the gods, and the setting has an important place in Icelandic history and tradition.

The water spreads across a curved rock shelf rather than dropping through one narrow chute. That shape gives you several viewpoints and makes the falls easy to appreciate even during a short visit. The rushing water is the main event, but the surrounding open country gives it room to breathe.

I like starting here because the waterfall delivers an instant sense of scale. You are not waiting until late in the day for the big sight. If the weather is clear, the first stop also sets up the rest of the route nicely, since the day moves from powerful water to the raw volcanic ground at Myvatn.

Wear shoes with a firm sole. The information provided does not specify trail length or walking conditions, and Icelandic weather can change quickly, so you should be ready for wet or uneven ground rather than treating this like a roadside photo stop.

Eyjafjordur and the changing view from the vehicle

The road from Akureyri follows Eyjafjordur, the country’s longest fjord. This part of the trip is less about getting out at a named attraction and more about watching northern Iceland change outside the windows.

A fjord route gives you a broad view of water, mountains, and settlements around Akureyri. Since the tour includes transportation between stops, you can take in that view without the distraction of driving.

This is also where a good guide can make the ride more than dead time. Norbert, for example, has shared stories about local cultural life and Icelandic folklore, including the mischievous Yule lads and the Christmas Cat. Those details give the scenery a human touch and help explain why Icelandic winter traditions feel so distinctive.

The downside is simple: weather may limit the view. If clouds close in, the fjord section becomes mainly a useful transfer between sights. Still, the road is part of the experience, and the included pickup and return are valuable if you are staying in Akureyri without a car.

Skutustadagigar and Myvatn’s pseudocraters

Around Lake Myvatn, the ground begins to look almost unreal. Skutustadagigar is a field of pseudocraters formed when lava interacted with water. These are not ordinary volcanic cones with deep vents. Their rounded shapes were created by steam explosions as hot lava moved across wet ground.

You get a close look at one of the region’s key geological stories here. The stop is especially useful if you want more than a pretty view. The shapes show how fire and water worked together, and they make the area feel like a natural classroom without requiring a long hike or technical explanation.

The name Myvatn means midge lake, a reference to the small insects found around the water during warmer periods. The supplied tour details do not promise a particular season or insect level, so you should not book this outing based on midge conditions either way.

Skutustadagigar is also a good reminder that Lake Myvatn is not just one lakefront viewpoint. The region is a collection of volcanic formations, water features, lava fields, and steaming ground spread across a fairly wide area. Having a vehicle between stops saves time and keeps the day practical.

Hverir’s sulfur mud pools and the feeling of Mars

Hverir, near Mount Namafjall, is one of the most striking stops on the route. Steam rises from the ground, mud pools bubble, and sulfur colors the earth in shades that can look almost artificial.

The smell is part of the deal. Sulfur can be strong, so do not expect a fresh-air nature walk. That sharp odor is also proof that the ground is active beneath your feet, and it makes the stop more memorable than a standard scenic overlook.

One account of the outing described the area as looking like Mars. That comparison makes sense once you see the bare, colored earth and steaming vents. The stop gives you a quick lesson in geothermal activity without needing to enter a building or follow a formal exhibit.

Stay on marked paths and follow your guide’s instructions. The tour details identify the mud pools as an attraction but do not specify the exact walking route or safety layout. The important practical point is that this is active geothermal ground, not a place for wandering wherever you like.

Grjotagja and the volcanic world below the surface

Grjotagja is an ancient lava cave and another change of pace. After seeing steam and mud rise from the surface at Hverir, you get a look at the underground spaces created by Iceland’s volcanic past.

The cave adds shape and mystery to the day. Lava did not just spread across the land and form smooth fields. It also left tunnels, cavities, and contorted rock formations that can feel eerie in the dim light.

Do not assume this is a long cave expedition. The supplied details call it an ancient lava cave but do not promise a particular length, route, or time underground. Think of it as a focused geological stop within a wider sightseeing day.

You may also see Dimmuborgir, known for its twisted lava formations and unusual shapes. The experience details connect these formations with filming locations and describe them as fascinating and eerie. If you enjoy fantasy or science fiction settings, this part of Myvatn should appeal to you, even if you have never watched the productions associated with the area.

Hofdi and the screen-famous lava formations

Hofdi is included as a scenic and cultural stop, with filming connections to Game of Thrones and Star Wars. The attraction is not only the screen association. Its lava formations and position near Lake Myvatn show how volcanic rock can create a setting that looks unlike ordinary countryside.

I would treat the film connection as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. If you are a fan, recognizing the type of scenery can add fun to the stop. If you are not, the contorted rock and open views still fit naturally into a day focused on volcanic forces.

The supplied information does not identify exact scenes filmed at Hofdi, so you should not expect a detailed film set visit. This is a natural location with screen history, not a studio attraction.

Myvatn Nature Baths: the relaxing finish

The final major option is the Myvatn Nature Baths, a geothermal lagoon set among lava fields. The milky blue water offers a sharp contrast to the cold air and rough volcanic ground you have seen earlier.

This is the part of the day where you can slow down. The lagoon gives your muscles a break after hours of stops and vehicle time, and the warm water changes the outing from a pure sightseeing circuit into something more restorative. Kvika Restaurant is next to the baths, giving you a place to buy a drink or food if timing allows.

There is an important cost issue. Admission is not included in the $223 tour price. You must pay separately if you want to bathe, and food and drinks are also extra.

There has also been at least one reported change connected with refurbishment, including a January visit where the lagoon arrangement changed without advance notice. If bathing is the main reason you are booking, confirm the current status before departure. A change to this stop can alter the value of the whole day, especially if you would rather visit Godafoss independently and spend more time elsewhere.

If the baths are operating as planned, I see them as a strong finish. If they are closed, changed, or too expensive for your budget, the tour still includes the waterfall and volcanic sights, but the day loses its relaxing final chapter.

Transport, timing, and the small-group setup

The tour lasts seven hours, with pickup and drop-off at your Akureyri hotel. You are asked to be ready 30 minutes before the scheduled start, and you should contact the provider if your hotel is not listed.

This setup is most useful for you if you do not want to rent a car. Northern Iceland’s weather can make driving tiring, and the route includes several stops that are easier to combine with local transport. You can watch the scenery, listen to explanations, and let the guide handle the road between attractions.

The tradeoff is limited freedom. A seven-hour schedule covering Godafoss, Eyjafjordur, Myvatn, Hverir, Grjotagja, Hofdi, and the baths cannot give you unlimited time at every stop. You will need to stay aware of the group’s timing, especially if one place captures your attention.

The small-group format is a useful middle ground. You get more personal contact than on a large coach, while still benefiting from shared transport. Guide quality can shape the day, and the strongest feedback has singled out Jon’s professionalism and humor, along with Norbert’s local stories. The provider is Imagine Iceland, and the tour is conducted in English.

One January departure had a bus heating problem, which made the ride uncomfortable. That appears to be a specific operational problem rather than a stated feature of every departure, but it is a fair reminder to dress warmly in winter, even when you expect to spend time in a geothermal lagoon.

Who should book this $223 excursion

I would recommend this tour to you if you have a limited stay in Akureyri and want to cover the main natural sights east of the town in one day. It is also a good fit if you prefer a guide, do not want to drive, or enjoy having local folklore woven into the journey.

It suits first-time visitors particularly well because the stops cover several categories at once:

• A major waterfall at Godafoss
• Fjord scenery along Eyjafjordur
• Pseudocraters and lava formations
• Sulfur mud pools near Mount Namafjall
• An ancient lava cave
• A geothermal bathing option

I would think twice if you want long walks, independent exploring, or complete control over how long you spend at each stop. The tour is designed for broad coverage, not a slow study of one corner of Myvatn.

You should also be comfortable paying more after booking. The advertised price does not cover the Nature Baths, meals, or drinks. For some people, the convenience makes the total worthwhile. For others, especially those who already have a rental car, visiting Godafoss and Myvatn independently may offer better control and possibly better value.

Booking advice and final verdict

The cancellation terms are practical: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your Akureyri plans depend on weather or ship schedules, but they do not remove the need to check the Nature Baths situation before you go.

The tour earns its price through convenience, coverage, and interpretation. You are not paying only to be driven to one waterfall. You are paying to connect fjord scenery, volcanic geology, local stories, and a geothermal lagoon without arranging the route yourself.

I would book it for a well-paced first look at northern Iceland, especially when Godafoss and the Nature Baths both matter to you. Before paying, confirm that the bathing stop is available, budget for its separate admission, and dress for a cold vehicle ride and exposed outdoor stops. If those conditions work for you, this is one of the more efficient ways to turn an Akureyri base into a memorable Myvatn day.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour includes hotel pickup in Akureyri and transportation back to Akureyri at the end.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide provides commentary in English.

Is the Myvatn Nature Baths admission 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. Kvika Restaurant is located beside the Nature Baths.

What natural sights are included?

The route includes Godafoss, Eyjafjordur, the Lake Myvatn area, Skutustadagigar, Hverir’s mud pools, Grjotagja lava cave, Mount Namafjall, and Hofdi. The tour also includes the option to visit the Myvatn Nature Baths.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the tour and pay later.