Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

Goðafoss is the star here, but the real appeal is the variety packed into one six-hour loop. You move from a glacier-fed waterfall to pseudocraters, troll-like lava towers, and sulfurous mud pools, with North Iceland’s volcanic story unfolding at every stop. This is a strong shore excursion for seeing far more than Akureyri itself.

I like the comfortable coach, port pickup, and sensible route. I also like the mix of scenery and explanation, especially when guides such as Runar, Lukas, Dodi, Michael, or Michiel bring geology, folklore, and local stories to the drive. The coffee or tea and Icelandic pastry at Hotel Goðafoss is a welcome touch.

The main catch is time. Four stops in six hours means a full schedule, and the bus may be close to its 50-person limit. Midges can be bothersome around Lake Mývatn, while Hverir smells strongly of sulfur. A few people have also found some guides hard to understand.

Key points to know before booking

• Four very different sights in one day: See Goðafoss, Skútustaðir’s crater row, Dimmuborgir, and Námaskarð’s Hverir geothermal fields.
• Built for cruise port timing: Pickup begins near Akureyri’s port area, and the tour returns to the meeting point after roughly six hours.
• Goðafoss is the visual highlight: The waterfall drops about 12 meters through a broad gorge and offers easy photo access.
• Expect a full coach: The maximum group size is 50, so boarding and unloading may take time.
• Prepare for Icelandic weather: Bring layers and rain gear. Sun, rain, wind, and cold can arrive in the same afternoon.
• Pack water and a small lunch: Lunch is not included, and the break is short.

Why this Akureyri shore excursion works so well

North Iceland rewards a day trip because its best sights are spread across open countryside. From Akureyri, Lake Mývatn is too far for a casual taxi ride and too important to skip if you want to understand the region’s volcanoes. This tour handles the driving while giving you four distinct stops.

The route is especially useful from a cruise ship. You do not need to arrange a rental car, study Icelandic roads, or worry about finding your way back to the harbor. Port transfers and coach transport are included, and the tour ends back at the starting point in Akureyri.

At $171.80 per person, this is not a bargain-basement outing. But the price includes transport, fees, onboard WiFi, and a cup of coffee or tea with an Icelandic treat at Hotel Goðafoss. For a cruise passenger with only one day in port, the cost can make sense because it combines transport, a guide, and several major sights in one booking.

The tradeoff is independence. You will not choose how long to stay at each place, and a full coach can feel less personal than a small van. Still, the itinerary is arranged well for a short port call, and the overall rating of 4.8 from 157 ratings, with 97 percent recommending it, reflects a generally strong experience.

Starting in Akureyri and finding the bus

The stated meeting point is Gránufélagsgata 51 in Akureyri. For cruise passengers, the practical detail is to look for the Saga Travel presence near the port after leaving the ship. The company uses an orange-colored booth, and staff in red jackets have directed people toward the waiting bus.

That meeting arrangement is worth taking seriously. The formal directions can feel less clear than expected, so give yourself time to locate the Saga Travel staff rather than wandering through the port area at the last minute. Once everyone is aboard, the coach leaves for the countryside.

The first part of the tour is not a sightseeing stop. It is the transfer out of Akureyri, with the guide introducing the area and explaining what you will see. Total driving time is part of the six-hour schedule, including about an hour on the return from the Mývatn area.

The coach is described as clean and comfortable, with free WiFi. Seats can feel tight when the bus is full, and getting everyone off at a stop takes longer with a large group. On the positive side, the driver keeps the ride smooth, and the route covers a great deal of ground without requiring you to drive.

Goðafoss, the waterfall worth waiting for

Goðafoss means Waterfall of the Gods, and it is easy to see why this stop gets special attention. The river Skjálfandafljót, fed by glacier water, drops about 12 meters into a wide gorge. It is not Iceland’s tallest waterfall, but its curved shape and open viewing areas make it one of the most rewarding sights near Akureyri.

You get around 40 minutes here. That is enough to walk toward the falls, find several viewpoints, and take photographs without needing a strenuous hike. The walk is generally easy, though Icelandic ground can still be uneven and windy.

This stop often serves as the emotional high point of the day. The water is powerful, the setting is open, and the viewpoints let you get close without a long trek. If you care most about dramatic photos, save room on your phone for Goðafoss.

The included refreshment at Hotel Goðafoss adds a pleasant pause. You receive coffee or tea and an Icelandic treat, described by several people as a pastry or doughnut. Restrooms are available there as well. Depending on the order of the day, this may come near the end of the route, making it particularly welcome.

Skútustaðir and the pseudocraters of Lake Mývatn

Skútustaðir gives you a view over Lake Mývatn and its row of pseudocraters. These are not ordinary volcanic craters formed by erupting vents. They are linked to steam explosions where lava met wet ground, creating the rounded forms around the lake.

You have about 20 minutes at this stop. That is enough to take in the view and walk a short distance, but it is not a long exploration period. The area also has an information center for the Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve and free toilets.

The biggest practical issue here is midges. Lake Mývatn’s name is tied to these small flies, and they can gather around the water in warm, still conditions. They do not bite in the same way as mosquitoes, but they can swarm around your face and become irritating quickly.

A fine-mesh head net is the best defensive tool if you are sensitive to insects. Mesh hoods are available on site, but bringing one from home is simpler. Keep moving, listen for the guide’s instructions, and avoid wandering too far from the meeting point.

This is one of the quieter stops visually. If you prefer waterfalls and strange lava shapes, you may find the crater row less exciting. Its value comes from seeing how volcanic activity shaped the lake region, not from a single dramatic viewpoint.

Dimmuborgir, where lava looks like frozen trolls

Dimmuborgir is the most atmospheric stop on the route. These lava formations formed about 2,300 years ago in a lagoon of molten rock. As the lava cooled, it left behind arches, pillars, caves, and jagged walls.

The name is often translated as Dark Fortresses, and the shapes have fed Icelandic stories about trolls and hidden beings. You can look at Dimmuborgir as both a geology lesson and a place for folklore. The formations are strange enough to make the old stories feel understandable.

You have about 50 minutes here, making it one of the better opportunities to walk. Guides have led the group on a roughly 40-minute stroll through the formations, pointing out notable shapes, historic details, and the place where the North American and European tectonic plates are separating.

Stay aware of the route. One person wandered too far along a marked trail and ended up about an hour from the bus, needing phone contact to arrange a pickup. That is an unusual mishap, but it illustrates the main rule: follow the guide, watch the time, and turn back well before you think you need to.

The footing is more uneven than at Goðafoss. Wear shoes suitable for walking over rough ground, and do not assume every path is short because the first section looks easy. There is a small restroom charge at Dimmuborgir, noted as 3 Icelandic króna, so keep a little local currency if needed.

Hverir’s steaming ground and sulfur smell

At Námaskarð, the Hverir geothermal fields offer a completely different view of Iceland. Steam rises from fumaroles, mud bubbles in shallow pools, and the ground takes on pale yellow, orange, and brown tones from sulfur and other minerals.

You have about 20 minutes here. That is enough time to walk around the marked area and take photographs, but there are no facilities at the site. The smell can be intense, similar to rotten eggs or a broken sewer pipe, because of the sulfur.

That odor is not a flaw in the tour. It is part of what makes Hverir an active geothermal area rather than a landscaped attraction. Still, you should know your tolerance before booking. If strong smells bother you, this may be the least pleasant stop of the day.

Stay on the marked paths. The mud pools are hot, and the ground around geothermal vents is not a place for improvisation. Hverir looks otherworldly in photographs, but the safest way to enjoy it is to keep your distance and follow the guide’s directions.

There are no services here, so use the restroom at an earlier stop and keep water in your day bag. Hverir is also exposed, with little shelter from wind or rain.

The guide can shape the whole day

The drive between stops gives the guide a large role. The best guides on this route mix volcanoes, lava formation, Icelandic folklore, local history, and practical advice. Runar was praised for a good balance of storytelling and geology, while Lukas was singled out for clear commentary during the drive. Dodi, Michael, Michiel, Aitana, Danni, and Reynor have also led departures described as friendly, entertaining, and informative.

Guide quality can vary. One departure had poor audio at first, followed by a strong dialect that made the explanation hard for people at the back to follow. Another person also found the guide difficult to understand. The operator responded by asking for the travel date so it could investigate the specific departure.

This is worth considering if guided commentary is central to your decision. The scenery remains impressive even if you miss part of the narration, but a six-hour coach trip includes plenty of driving. Clear sound and understandable English matter.

The bus has onboard WiFi, which is useful for checking messages or sharing photos, but I would not count on being online every moment. The best reason to choose a coach tour is the guide’s local context, not the internet connection.

Timing, food, weather, and walking

The tour lasts approximately six hours, including travel. You will spend a good part of the day on the bus, but that is unavoidable when linking Akureyri with Lake Mývatn and the surrounding sights.

Lunch is not included. There is a short lunch break, but the schedule may not leave much time for a full restaurant meal. Bring a sandwich, snack, and water so you are not depending on finding food between stops.

The coffee or tea and Icelandic treat at Hotel Goðafoss are included, but they are a snack rather than lunch. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not specify alternative food options, so ask the operator before departure.

Weather can change quickly. You might have sun at the lake, rain at Dimmuborgir, and a cold wind at Hverir. Wear layers, bring rain gear, and use shoes with good grip. Several stops involve walking over paved paths and uneven ground, and one person recorded close to five miles of walking across the day.

Most people can take part, but this is not a sit-down sightseeing tour. Older people or anyone with difficulty on gentle slopes may find some sections tiring. Stay within the planned walking area, since the bus cannot wait indefinitely for a long detour.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this excursion if you are visiting Akureyri by cruise ship and want a broad introduction to North Iceland in one day. It suits people who enjoy geology, waterfalls, unusual rock formations, and a guide who fills the driving time with stories.

It is also a good fit if you do not want to rent a car. The route is efficient, the sights are well chosen, and the return to Akureyri removes much of the worry involved in arranging independent transport.

I would hesitate if you dislike full coaches, strong sulfur smells, insects, or fixed schedules. You may also prefer a smaller tour if personal attention and quiet travel matter more than covering four major stops.

The value is strongest when your port time is limited. For $171.80, you receive transport, guiding, entry-related fees, WiFi, and the refreshment stop. The tour is less compelling if you already have a car, more than one day in the area, or a strong wish to set your own pace.

Should you book Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss?

Yes, if your priority is seeing the volcanic heart of North Iceland from Akureyri without handling the driving yourself. Goðafoss and Dimmuborgir are the safest bets for a memorable day, while Skútustaðir and Hverir add useful geological contrast, even if midges or sulfur make them less comfortable.

Book it with realistic expectations: this is a busy, full-day-style outing compressed into six hours. Bring food, water, layers, rain gear, and a head net if you have one. If you can accept a large coach and keep close to the schedule, this tour gives you a lot of North Iceland for a single port call.

FAQ

How long is the Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss tour?

The tour lasts approximately six hours, including travel time between Akureyri and the Lake Mývatn area.

Where does the tour start?

The stated meeting point is Gránufélagsgata 51, 600 Akureyri, Iceland. Cruise passengers are directed toward the Saga Travel booth and tour staff near the port area.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Akureyri.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Port transfers and transport by coach are included.

Is lunch included?

No. The tour includes a short lunch break, but lunch itself is not included.

What food or drink is included?

You receive a cup of coffee or tea and an Icelandic treat at Hotel Goðafoss.

Is WiFi available?

Yes. WiFi is available onboard the coach.

What sights does the tour visit?

The route includes Goðafoss Waterfall, Skútustaðir’s crater row, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and the Námaskarð Hverir geothermal fields.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English. Guide names vary by departure, and guides have included Runar, Lukas, Dodi, Michael, Michiel, Aitana, Danni, and Reynor.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.