Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

North Iceland packs an astonishing amount into a fairly small area. In six hours, this tour takes you from Goðafoss Waterfall to volcanic craters, troll-like lava formations, and steaming sulfur pools around Lake Mývatn. It is a strong choice when your ship is in Akureyri for only one day and you want more than a quick walk around town.

I like the broad mix of sights, especially the chance to see both a powerful waterfall and the strange volcanic world around Mývatn. I also like the practical setup: port pickup, a comfortable coach, WiFi, and a coffee or tea break with an Icelandic pastry. The main drawback is the full schedule. A crowded bus, long drives, midges, sulfur smells, and one guide whose English was difficult to follow can affect the day.

Key points to know before you book

• Four very different stops: You see Goðafoss, pseudo-craters, lava formations, and active geothermal ground in one outing.
• A good cruise-day fit: Pickup is arranged near Akureyri port, and the tour returns to the meeting point after about six hours.
• Dimmuborgir is the walking highlight: Allow roughly 40 minutes for an easy but sometimes uneven walk among dramatic lava shapes.
• Mývatn has midges: The insects can be annoying around Skútustaðir, so a fine-mesh head net is a useful precaution.
• Namafjall Hverir is not for everyone: The boiling mud and fumaroles are striking, but the sulfur odor is strong and there are no facilities there.
• Guide quality matters: Guides such as Runar, Lukas, Dodi, Michael, Michiel, Aitana, and Danni have received praise, but some departures have had poor audio or hard-to-understand commentary.

Why this six-hour route works from Akureyri

Akureyri is a pleasant North Iceland base, but the region’s most unusual sights lie outside town. Lake Mývatn is about an hour and a half away by road, depending on the exact route and conditions, so arranging the area yourself during a cruise stop can be awkward.

This excursion solves the transport problem. You board a coach near the port, ride through the North Iceland countryside, stop at four major sights, and return to Akureyri in time for the end of the tour schedule. Travel time counts within the six hours, but the route still covers a lot.

The group can reach up to 50 people. That means the bus may feel full, especially when everyone is getting off at once. On the positive side, a large coach gives you a stable ride over a long route, and WiFi is provided onboard.

At $171.80 per person, this is not a cheap outing. Still, the price includes transport from the port, fees, an English-speaking guide, WiFi, and a drink with an Icelandic treat. For a cruise passenger, the value comes from covering several far-flung sights without arranging a rental car or worrying about navigation.

Meeting the coach at Akureyri port

The published meeting point is Gránufélagsgata 51 in Akureyri, with the activity ending back at the meeting point. At the cruise port, look for the Saga Travel presence near the gate. A brightly marked booth and staff in red jackets have helped passengers find the correct bus.

The exact port procedure is worth taking seriously. Do not simply walk toward the first coach you see. Find the Saga Travel staff, check in, and follow their directions to the vehicle. The coach has generally left on time, which matters when a ship’s departure clock is running.

Some departures have allowed passengers to get off in town at the end, but that is not guaranteed. Plan on returning to the official meeting point unless the guide tells you otherwise.

Goðafoss: a powerful opening or final picture

Goðafoss means Waterfall of the Gods, and it is one of North Iceland’s most memorable sights. The Skjálfandafljót glacier river drops about 12 meters through a broad gorge, creating a long curtain of rushing water rather than one narrow plunge.

The waterfall is easy to reach from the coach, with paths leading toward good viewing points. You can get close enough for strong photographs, but expect spray, wind, and slippery patches in wet weather. Give yourself time to look both upstream and across the falls. The shape changes as you move along the path.

This stop has often been used as the tour’s final major sight, though the order can change. That flexibility is useful. If the group is small, the guide may reverse the route to avoid congestion and give each stop more breathing room.

A coffee or tea and an Icelandic pastry are served at Hotel Goðafoss. It is a modest treat, but it arrives at the right moment after several hours outside. Restrooms are also available there, making this a useful comfort stop.

Goðafoss is the easiest stop to recommend to almost everyone. If you have limited mobility, ask the guide about the shortest route to a viewing point. The area is more manageable than the longer walk at Dimmuborgir, though exact conditions vary.

Skútustaðir: pseudo-craters beside Lake Mývatn

Skútustaðir is the first stop in the Mývatn area for many departures. The crater row here is made up of pseudo-craters, formed when lava flowed over wet ground and trapped water beneath the surface. Steam and explosions shaped the rounded hollows, but these are not conventional volcanic craters with deep magma vents.

The view across Lake Mývatn is attractive, with low volcanic forms, water, and broad open surroundings. An information center for the Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve is located here, and restrooms are available.

This is also the stop where midges can become a real nuisance. Lake Mývatn’s name is linked to these small flying insects, and warm, calm conditions can bring them out in numbers. They do not usually bite, but they can gather around your face and clothing.

I would pack a fine-mesh head net if you dislike insects. Mesh hoods may also be available locally, but it is better not to depend on finding one at the stop. Insect spray may help, though a net is the more reliable solution when the air is full of midges.

The walk is not demanding, but you need to stay aware of the time. This is a 20-minute stop, so you will not have the freedom to wander the whole area. Follow the guide’s instructions and return to the coach promptly.

Dimmuborgir: lava shapes with a story

Dimmuborgir is the most rewarding stop for people who like walking and unusual geology. The name is often translated as Dark Fortresses, which fits the twisted lava walls, arches, pillars, and rough black rock.

The formations were created about 2,300 years ago when lava collected in a lagoon of magma. As the molten material cooled and drained away, it left behind a maze of shapes. Some look like animals, towers, or frozen figures. Icelandic folklore adds stories of trolls and hidden people, giving the area a cultural layer beyond the geology.

Expect about 50 minutes here, including a walk of roughly 40 minutes on some departures. The path is manageable for most people, but the surface can be uneven, and you may need to step carefully over rough ground. Good shoes matter more here than at the waterfall.

The guide may walk with the group and point out notable formations, old stories, and the meeting point of the North American and European tectonic plates. Commentary is a major part of this stop, so stay close enough to hear.

Do not wander too far down a marked trail. One family followed yellow markers for much longer than expected and ended up far from the coach before contacting the guide. Keep your phone with you, note where the bus is parked, and turn back well before you think you need to.

There is a small charge to use the toilets at Dimmuborgir, reported as about 3 Icelandic króna. Carry a little local currency if you want to avoid surprises, though facilities and payment arrangements can change.

Namafjall Hverir: Iceland’s raw geothermal ground

Namafjall Hverir looks and smells like another planet. The ground is colored in rust, cream, gray, and yellow, while fumaroles release steam and mud pools bubble in shallow basins. Sulfur gives the area its strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs.

This is an active geothermal area, not a manicured park. There are no facilities at the site, and paths can be rough. Stay on the marked routes and do not approach the bubbling pools. The ground around geothermal areas can be unstable and dangerously hot.

You get about 20 minutes here. That is enough to see the main formations and take photographs, but not enough for a long walk. The smell can be intense, especially when the wind drops. Some people find the stop fascinating; others are ready to return to the coach after a few minutes.

I would not judge this stop only by its appearance in photographs. The colors and steam are impressive, but the sulfur odor is part of the experience. If you are sensitive to smells, asthma, or fumes, ask the guide where to stand and consider spending less time near the strongest vents.

The ride between the sights

The coach ride is not just dead time. The route crosses open North Iceland scenery, with green fields, distant hills, volcanic ground, and changing weather. At times, the view is simply long stretches of farmland. That is part of the region’s scale, but it can feel slow if you expect nonstop attractions.

A good guide makes the drive much better. Runar, Lukas, Dodi, Michael, Michiel, Aitana, and Danni have been singled out for mixing local stories, geology, folklore, and humor. Some guides have even added music or singing.

The experience is not identical on every departure. A few passengers have struggled to hear the commentary because of poor audio, while others found the guide’s accent difficult to understand. If you are seated toward the back, say so early if the sound is weak. The staff may be able to adjust the volume or help you move.

The driver is also important on a route this long. The coach rides have generally been described as smooth and safe, though a full bus means tight seating and slow boarding at busy stops.

Weather, clothing, and what to carry

North Iceland can change quickly. You may get sun, rain, wind, and cold temperatures on the same day. Wear layers rather than relying on one heavy coat, and bring rain gear even when the morning looks clear.

For this particular route, I would pack:

• Waterproof outer clothing
• Shoes with a firm sole
• A hat or hood for wind and midges
• A fine-mesh head net if insects bother you
• Water and a snack
• A charged phone for photos and contact with the guide

Lunch is not included. The schedule has a short lunch break, but food choices and time can be limited. Bring something small to eat rather than assuming you will have time for a full meal.

Restroom access is available at several stops, including Skútustaðir and Hotel Goðafoss. Namafjall Hverir has no facilities, so plan ahead before you get there.

Who will get the most from this tour

This is a good fit if you are visiting Akureyri from a cruise ship and want to see the Mývatn region without renting a car. It also suits anyone who enjoys geology, folklore, photography, and a busy day with several short stops.

You should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and getting on and off a coach several times. Most people can take part, but the combination of Dimmuborgir’s rougher paths, wind, insects, and limited stop times may be tiring for anyone who needs frequent rests.

Families can enjoy the strange lava shapes and bubbling pools, though younger children may find the long ride less exciting. One older visitor enjoyed the educational side, while a teenager found the amount of driving less appealing. That is a fair warning: this is a sightseeing route, not an adventure park.

If your main goal is a slow, quiet day beside Lake Mývatn, this tour may feel too structured. You are moving on a group schedule, and each stop has a set time.

Cancellation and practical booking details

You receive confirmation when booking, and the experience is offered in English with a mobile ticket. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

The tour depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss tour?

I would book it if your Akureyri visit is short and your priority is seeing a wide sample of North Iceland in one day. Goðafoss and Dimmuborgir are the strongest stops, while Skútustaðir and Hverir add the volcanic details that make the region different from ordinary waterfall sightseeing.

The best value comes from convenience. You get port transport, a coach, a guide, several major sights, and a small refreshment without having to plan a long independent drive. The tradeoff is a full bus, limited time, possible audio problems, midges, and sulfur smells.

Pack layers, water, food, sturdy shoes, and insect protection. If those conditions sound manageable, this is a practical and varied way to turn one Akureyri port day into a close look at Iceland’s volcanic north.

FAQ

How long is the Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss tour?

The tour lasts approximately six hours, including travel between Akureyri, the Mývatn area, Goðafoss, and the return to Akureyri.

Where does the tour start?

The published meeting point is Gránufélagsgata 51, 600 Akureyri. At the cruise port, look for Saga Travel staff and their marked booth near the gate.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Akureyri. Some departures may allow passengers to get off in town, but this is not guaranteed.

Is transport from Akureyri port included?

Yes. Port pickup and transport in a coach are included.

What sights are included?

The route includes Goðafoss Waterfall, the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and the boiling mud pools and fumaroles at Namafjall Hverir.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. The tour takes a short lunch break, and bringing a snack is sensible.

Is coffee or tea included?

Yes. You receive coffee or tea and an Icelandic treat at Hotel Goðafoss.

Is WiFi available on the coach?

Yes. WiFi onboard is included.

How large is the group?

The tour can have a maximum of 50 participants. The coach may therefore be full on some departures.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.