Iceland · Geological Wonders

Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and powerful Dettifoss

8 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Akureyri. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls
  • 02 Explore the volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn
  • 03 See the geothermal area at Hverir with fumaroles and boiling mud pots
  • 04 Experience Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls
  • 05 Discover the dramatic lava formations of Dimmuborgir
  • 06 Stop at Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters
  • 07 Travel with shared minibus transport and an English-speaking guide
  • 08 Pickup service provided in Akureyri

Discover some of North Iceland’s most striking natural highlights on this full-day journey from Akureyri. Travel along Eyjafjörður to the famous Goðafoss waterfall, then continue into the Lake Mývatn area, where volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and unusual lava formations shape the scenery.

Along the way, explore key sights including Hverir, Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar, and the powerful Dettifoss, with views of Selfoss in the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river system. With shared minibus transport, pickup in Akureyri, and an English-speaking guide included, this tour is a convenient way to experience the geological wonders of the north.

Discover some of North Iceland’s most striking natural highlights on this full-day journey from Akureyri.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Akureyri, Selfoss, Mývatn, Vatnajökull National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Goðafoss

Goðafoss Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Nicknamed the Waterfall of the Gods due to its history. In the year 1000, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði made Christianity the official religion of Iceland and proceeded with throwing his statues of gods into the waterfall.

The water falls from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters.

Skútustaðagígar

Pseudo craters are geological formations that are rare nationally as well as globally. Pseudo craters are rare lava formations formed by steam explosions where thin-flowing lava flows over lakes and swamps. The craters are among the most significant natural monuments in Iceland and by Lake Mývatn they are particularly beautiful in shape and form the framework of the lake.

Dimmuborgir

Dimmuborgir was formed in an eruption that occurred

in the area 2,300 years ago.

As lava flowed across the area, it passed over a lake, causing it to boil. This both quickened the cooling of the lava and caused pillars of steam to shatter parts of it. After it solidified, Dimmuborgir area became defined by large stacks of rock and many caves and caverns, caused by bubbles of intense steam.

As such, many have compared Dimmuborgir to a medieval castle, with its many hidden chambers and its rising towers.

Grjótagjá

Grjótagjá is a small lava cave near Lake Mývatn in Iceland. It has a thermal spring inside. In the early 18th century the outlaw Jón Markússon lived there and used the cave for bathing. Until the 1970s Grjótagjá was a popular bathing site.

Hverir

Hverir Geothermal Area is located in Northeast Iceland.

You can see many smoking fumaroles and boiling mud pots, surrounded by sulphur crystals of many different colours. Sulphur gives the area an overwhelming smell.

Dettifoss

Dettifoss is powered by glacier river which flows from the largest glacier in Iceland, Vatnajökull.

Dettifoss is about 100 meters (300 feet) wide and the water falls about 45 meters (150 feet) down into the canyon.

Selfoss

Selfoss is a waterfall in the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum in the North of Iceland. The river drops over a number of waterfalls over about 30 km before flowing into Öxarfjörður, a bay of the Arctic Sea.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Akureyri. 4 cities · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

This tour includes comfortable transportation in a minibus, a complimentary pickup service, and an English-speaking guide to enhance your experience.

Know before you go

You have the option to be dropped off at the Forest Lagoon on the way back, giving you the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax after your day tour. Conveniently located just outside of Akureyri, the lagoon offers a serene geothermal bathing experience, as well as an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal. When you're ready to head into the city center, taxis are readily available for an easy and hassle-free ride. Reserve your spot at the Forest Lagoon, or visit the Activities section on our website to make a booking quickly and easily. Expected arrival time is 17:00.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Akureyri.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Akureyri.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Akureyri..

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