Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss and Goddafoss Waterfalls Day Tour from Akureyri

North Iceland packs a lot into one day. This guided outing links Lake Myvatn’s volcanic sights with two major waterfalls, steaming ground, lava formations, and a possible soak at the Myvatn Nature Baths. I like the small maximum group of 17 and the chance to hear local stories from guides such as Norbert, Arman, Daniel, and Icky. I also like the climate-controlled vehicle, since northern Iceland can turn cold, wet, snowy, or icy without warning.

The main drawback is the schedule. Eight major stops, a long drive, a waterfall hike, and an optional bath are a lot to fit into roughly seven to nine hours. Dettifoss can be hard to reach in winter, and some people may find the icy walk too risky or too slow for the allotted time.

Key points to know before you book

• Dettifoss is the day’s most demanding stop: The walk from the parking area can become icy, wet, and difficult, especially in winter.
• You cover a remarkable range of geology: Lake Myvatn, mud pools, steam vents, pseudocraters, lava formations, a rift cave, and waterfalls all appear in one outing.
• The Myvatn Nature Baths cost extra: Allow ISK 7,400 per person, and the planned time there is about 1 hour 20 minutes.
• Small-group transport makes a difference: The vehicle holds no more than 17 people, a much easier size than a large coach.
• Guides are a major strength: Norbert, Arman, Daniel, Icky, and Tweety are praised for safe driving, humor, local stories, and care in bad weather.
• Weather can change the plan: Dettifoss and Selfoss are visited only when road and walking conditions allow.

Why this northern Iceland day works so well

This is not a quick waterfall shuttle. It is a full tour of the volcanic belt around Lake Myvatn, with a major waterfall excursion added on. You get scenery, geology, folklore, bathing, and a good amount of road time in one day.

I especially like the way the stops fit together. At Hverir, the earth seems to breathe through steam vents and mud pools. At Grjotagja, you see a cave formed by the rift between the Eurasian and North American continental plates. At Dimmuborgir, lava has hardened into strange walls and pillars. Then the waterfalls give the day a powerful finish.

The price is $311.55 per person, which is not cheap. Still, transport from Akureyri, a guide, pickup and drop-off, and a full day of touring are included. You are paying for a route that would be difficult to manage independently in winter, especially when roads near Dettifoss may be covered in snow or ice.

The value depends on your priorities. If you want one efficient day with many of northern Iceland’s signature sights, the price can make sense. If you prefer slow meals, long walks, or plenty of time at each stop, this outing may feel rushed.

Starting in Akureyri with a small group

The official start time is 9:00 a.m. Pickup is offered at many Akureyri accommodations, while several central meeting points include Hotel Kea, Brynja Ice Cream shop, and Hof Cultural and Conference Centre. The pickup list is long, but check your exact location carefully because some entries are marked as meeting points rather than hotel pickup.

A useful practical tip is to be ready well before 9:00. One report advises being outside by 8:30, and that is sensible in a town where several pickups may be arranged. You do not want the whole group waiting while the vehicle works through central Akureyri.

The vehicle is climate-controlled, and the group is capped at 17 people. That is a meaningful advantage on a day with many stops. You can hear the guide more easily, get in and out faster, and avoid the feel of a large coach excursion.

The guides receive some of the warmest praise attached to this experience. Norbert is described as careful with weather and slippery ground. Arman is noted for safe driving and a good attitude. Icky brought local pride and humor to a rainy day, while Daniel and Tweety were praised for clear explanations and an easygoing manner.

Lake Myvatn: five hours among volcanic wonders

The Lake Myvatn portion takes about five hours and includes several separate sites. This is the core of the day, so expect a steady rhythm of short walks, viewpoints, short drives, and explanations from your guide.

Lake Myvatn is valuable because it shows several kinds of volcanic activity in a compact area. You are not simply looking at one scenic body of water. You are moving through pseudocraters, lava formations, steam vents, caves, and geothermal ground, each revealing a different part of Iceland’s volcanic story.

The schedule gives the guide room to explain what you are seeing, but it does not allow for long, unplanned walks. If you enjoy a broad introduction to an area, this works well. If you want to photograph every viewpoint in detail, you may wish for more time.

Skutustaoagigar and the pseudocraters

Skutustaoagigar is a brief stop of about 10 minutes, with views over the lake and its pseudocrater area. These formations look like volcanic cones, but they were not made by a typical eruption from a central crater.

Ten minutes is enough to get your bearings, take photographs, and hear the basic explanation. It is not enough for a long stroll. Keep your camera ready and listen for the guide’s signal, because the day moves on quickly.

Dimmuborgir and the Dark Castle lava formations

Dimmuborgir means Dark Castles, a fitting name for its jagged lava walls and unusual shapes. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, giving you time to walk among the formations and see why this area has such a strong storybook feel.

This is one of the more atmospheric stops. The shapes are easy to appreciate without a long explanation, but the guide adds context about how lava can cool into arches, pillars, and rough walls.

Snow can change the mood completely. It may make the formations striking, but it can also cover paths and make footing less certain. Wear shoes with strong grip, not smooth city soles.

Grjotagja Cave and the continental rift

Grjotagja is an old bathing cave set within the rift between the Eurasian and North American continental plates. It also appeared in Game of Thrones, which gives the stop an extra appeal for fans of the series.

The visit lasts about 20 minutes. You should think of it as a look into a dramatic geological feature, not a long underground tour. The cave and rift are the main attraction, while your guide can connect the place to Iceland’s wider volcanic activity.

This stop works especially well alongside Hverir and Dimmuborgir. You see three very different results of volcanic forces: a cave and rift, hardened lava, and active geothermal ground.

Hverir: steam, mud, and the smell of sulfur

At Namafjall Hverir, you see bubbling mud pools and natural steam vents. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, and it is one of the most unusual places on the route.

Hverir is not a polished attraction. It is raw ground, strong colors, hissing steam, and the unmistakable smell of sulfur. That odor can be intense. If you dislike sulfur smells, keep your visit brief and bring a waterproof outer layer, since steam and rain can make conditions feel clammy.

I like this stop because it gives you a clear sense that Iceland is still geologically active. There is no need to imagine what volcanic heat means. You can see it rising from the ground.

Myvatn Nature Baths: a pleasant option with trade-offs

The Myvatn Nature Baths receive about 1 hour 20 minutes, but admission is not included. The listed entrance fee is ISK 7,400 per person.

A warm soak can be a wonderful counterpoint to a cold day among waterfalls and volcanic ground. Several people found the baths a satisfying part of the outing, and the water can make the day feel more relaxed.

The timing is the issue. You may need to choose between eating and bathing, since no food or drink is included and the schedule is tight. One account also describes sulfur odor lingering on clothing and hair for days. Construction was reported at the baths, which may affect views in your photographs.

You should also know that not everyone in a group may want to pay for the bath. The guide can sometimes adjust the plan for those who skip it. One guide found another activity for part of the group, which shows the benefit of a small vehicle and a flexible local guide.

Bring money for the admission fee, but do not feel obligated to go in. If you already plan to visit other Icelandic pools, you may prefer to use this time for lunch or a slower stop elsewhere.

Dettifoss and Selfoss: the day’s biggest challenge

Dettifoss is described as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and it is the major reason many people choose this excursion. The water plunges through a broad, rugged gorge with enormous force. Nearby Selfoss may also be included when conditions permit.

The official stop is about 40 minutes, but that does not mean 40 easy minutes at the viewpoint. The walk from the car park can take much of that time. In winter, the path has been described as solid ice, with flooding in places and detours required.

This is the most important warning on the whole tour: the Dettifoss walk can be dangerous in bad conditions. Several people felt crampons or traction spikes were essential. One guide provided spikes for slippery ground, but you should not assume that equipment will always be available.

Ask about conditions before you set out. If your doctor has advised against strenuous walking or cold exposure, check whether this trip suits you. The tour information specifically advises medical consultation for conditions that could affect your ability to hike to Dettifoss in cold weather.

The tight schedule can also create pressure. It has taken some people nearly the full allotted time just to reach the falls and return. If you walk slowly, have children with you, or feel uneasy on ice, you may not have much time at the viewpoint.

The reward is substantial when access is safe. Dettifoss is a forceful, unforgettable sight, and the surrounding gorge gives it a scale that photographs do not fully capture. But the waterfall should not be treated as a guaranteed stop. Roads may close, the route may be unsafe, or the guide may decide that the conditions are not acceptable.

Godafoss: a shorter stop with a big payoff

Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, receives about 15 minutes. That sounds brief, but it is often enough to see the falls, take photographs, and listen to the main story.

The water spreads across a curved rock shelf, making this a more open and immediately accessible waterfall than Dettifoss. In snowy or icy weather, the viewpoint can still be slippery, so keep your footing in mind.

Many people consider Godafoss one of the day’s most rewarding stops because it offers a major waterfall without the long hike required at Dettifoss. If Dettifoss is closed, Godafoss becomes even more important, though it cannot fully replace the larger waterfall experience.

Food, clothing, and the pace of the day

Food and drink are not included. Plan ahead, since the schedule leaves limited room for a leisurely meal. The bath stop can also compete with lunch, so decide before departure which matters more to you.

Dress for cold, wet, and slippery conditions. Use layers, waterproof clothing, warm socks, gloves, and shoes with strong grip. In winter, traction aids are especially important for Dettifoss and may also help around Godafoss.

The route involves walking at several stops, even though none of the short visits alone sounds demanding. The total effect is different. You will repeatedly leave the vehicle, walk over uneven ground, stand in wind or rain, and get back on a schedule.

The small group helps here. Guides can keep an eye on conditions and adjust plans. On one winter outing, bad roads prevented access to Dettifoss and Selfoss, but the guide made changes so the group could still see as much as possible.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this tour if you have one full day from Akureyri and want a broad look at northern Iceland without driving yourself. It suits people who like variety, geology, dramatic waterfalls, and a guide who can explain what the scenery means.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a small group to a large coach. The maximum of 17 people gives the guide more room to respond to weather and personal needs.

I would hesitate if your priority is a relaxed day. The plan covers a lot, and the most important stop, Dettifoss, may require a difficult walk. Families can enjoy the outing, but children and slower walkers may struggle if the path is icy.

The Myvatn Nature Baths are optional, so you can choose based on your budget and energy. The extra ISK 7,400 is worth considering as part of the total cost, not as a minor add-on.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you want maximum variety in one northern Iceland day and are prepared for a brisk schedule. The combination of Lake Myvatn’s volcanic sights, Godafoss, Hverir, Grjotagja, Dimmuborgir, and possible access to Dettifoss gives you a strong introduction to the region.

Skip it if you need guaranteed access to every stop, dislike icy walking, or want long meals and unhurried photography. Before paying, check the weather, ask about Dettifoss conditions, and decide if the bath fee fits your plans.

The tour is recommended by 95 percent of participants and has a 4.8 rating from 37 reviews. That lines up with its strongest qualities: excellent guides, good local stories, safe driving, and a remarkable range of sights. Just remember that northern Iceland controls the schedule, and sometimes the safest choice is to leave a waterfall for another day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven to nine hours. The stated start time is 9:00 a.m.

What is included in the tour price?

Guided transportation, pickup, and drop-off are included.

Is admission to the Myvatn Nature Baths included?

No. Admission costs ISK 7,400 per person and must be paid separately.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan for your own meals and refreshments.

How large is the tour group?

The tour has a maximum of 17 travelers.

Can the tour visit Dettifoss in all weather?

No. The visit to Dettifoss and Selfoss depends on road and weather conditions. Access may be changed or canceled when conditions are unsafe.

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is offered at many Akureyri accommodations. Meeting points also include Hotel Kea, Brynja Ice Cream shop, and Hof Cultural and Conference Centre.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or too few people, you are offered another date or a full refund.