Akureyri North Iceland Waterfalls and Nature Baths Small Group Tour

Ice and fire, in one long day.

This full-day route strings together major waterfalls and Lake Mývatn volcanic sights in a way that feels efficient but never rushed. You’ll start along the Eyjafjörður coast, hit Goðafoss, then spend real time around Mývatn’s lava formations, geothermal features, and the famous waterfall lineup.

Two things I’d happily highlight. First, the geology stops make the day more than just pretty photos: the lake sits in an area shaped by a basaltic eruption about 2,300 years ago, and you’ll see formations like pseudo craters and other volcanic vent features. Second, the small-group size (max 14 on this tour, with a maximum of 16 noted) keeps the pacing human, with guides who actually talk like hosts. One possible drawback: it’s a long 9–10 hour day in cold weather, and in rare cases audio or vehicle crowding can affect how much narration you catch, especially from the back.

Key moments you’ll remember

• Godafoss first stop on the way north, with the classic photo viewpoint and a story-rich start.
• Lake Mývatn geology built from a basaltic eruption and explained in plain language.
• Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters and Dimmuborgir lava shapes, where the ground looks engineered by giants.
• Grjótagjá Rift and the idea of an old natural bathing spot with naturally heated water.
• Selfoss and Dettifoss, including a true power-stop at Dettifoss.
• Optional Myvatn Nature Baths, so you can add warm-water time at your own cost.

Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for

At $351.09 per person, this is not a bargain tour. But you are paying for a full-day north Iceland itinerary built around big, spaced-out sights, plus pickup and drop-off in Akureyri. That pickup piece matters here. North Iceland is one of those regions where the sites are famous and far enough apart that doing it yourself can turn into a driving day more than a sightseeing day.

You also get a local driver/guide and a professional guide with all taxes included. One review example mentioned guides like Johanna, Erwin, Hogni, Daniel, John, and Reynir, and the common theme was strong storytelling tied to what you’re seeing. In other words, the day isn’t just a hop between stops. It’s the kind of tour where you learn why the land looks the way it does.

Your main extra costs are predictable. The Myvatn Nature Baths entrance fee is not included, and food and drinks are not included. If you add the baths (and I think most people will want to), budget for that separate ticket. Also, you’ll want warm layers and hiking shoes because you’re often walking on uneven ground near waterfalls and geothermal areas.

One more practical note: this tour sells well, with an average booking window around 119 days in advance. If your dates are fixed, earlier booking helps you avoid “sold out” stress.

Pickup in Akureyri, and how cruise stops change the start

The tour includes hotel, central, and airport pickup and drop-off in Akureyri. You’ll get a mobile ticket, and you should receive confirmation at booking.

If you arrive by cruise ship, the meeting point depends on which port you dock at. For Tangabryggja Port, you meet just outside the cruise area at Star Travel’s location in house number 3, among a cluster of small wooden houses. For Oddeyrarbryggja Port, the meeting spot is by the agent area right outside the ship; look for an Icewear shop nearby and a colleague in a bright yellow jacket with a Star Travel sign.

This sounds fussy, but it’s actually helpful. Cruise days in Iceland can be tight with timing and weather. If you’re cruising, double-check the port name and make sure the phone number you provided is reachable in case the operator needs to update you.

Eyjafjörður coast to Godafoss: warming up before the main event

Most of the time on a big north Iceland day feels like driving between “wow” stops. This tour handles that by starting you with the Eyjafjörður coast and then rolling directly into Goðafoss.

On the coast approach, you get a calmer introduction: fjord views out the windows, then a classic waterfall payoff when you reach Goðafoss. Goðafoss is one of those Iceland stops that works in every season. In winter, you get fewer crowds and a sharper, colder mood. One review called out a January trip as a real winter wonderland compared with summertime.

Why I like this order: it gets you outside early, moving your body before the longer geology sequence later. It also gives you a mental rhythm for the day. After Goðafoss, you’re ready to interpret what you’ll see at Mývatn.

Lake Mývatn: volcanic terrain with an actual explanation

Once you’re in the Lake Mývatn area, the scenery becomes more interesting because you’ll understand it. The lake itself was created by a big basaltic eruption around 2,300 years ago. That matters because it turns the region into a living geology lesson rather than random dramatic scenery.

You’ll stop for Skútustaðagígar (pseudo craters) on the way to the more iconic lava formations. Pseudo craters are not your everyday hill shapes. They formed through interactions between volcanic heat and wet surfaces, which is exactly why they can look so unusual. Nearby, the tour routes you toward Dimmuborgir, described as lava formations that are among the most popular sights in the Mývatn zone.

Expect a lot of “how did that happen” moments. Dimmuborgir is shaped by volcanic activity and the way lava cooled and interacted with the ground. It can feel like a landscape designed for stories. And even if you’re just there for photos, a guide’s explanation makes your photos more meaningful.

Grjótagjá Rift and the idea of geothermal bathing

From the lava field stops, the tour includes a stop at Grjótagjá Rift, an older natural bathing spot where naturally heated water comes up from a rift.

Here’s the practical part. This is the kind of stop where you’ll want to dress smartly because geothermal areas can be slick and windy. The tour also gives you the concept of geothermal warmth without making you jump straight into the expensive option. That sets up the later chance to soak at Myvatn Nature Baths if you want.

I like that the itinerary includes this kind of “warm water context.” By the time you reach the formal bathing stop, it feels less random and more like you’re choosing how you want to spend your warmth time.

Selfoss and Dettifoss: Europe’s power show, with real caution

After the Mývatn geology, the day pivots into the waterfall heavyweights. You’ll stop at Selfoss, then later at Dettifoss, described as one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.

Selfoss is often the steadier lead-in. Dettifoss is the one that makes people go quiet. Even without getting too dramatic, you’ll feel the force of the water and the spray in the air. This is one of those moments where clothing choices matter. Bring outer layers you trust against mist and wind, and wear shoes you can stand on confidently.

If you’re sensitive to noise or strong spray, plan your viewing stance carefully. I’d also keep in mind that conditions change. Iceland weather can shift quickly, and the waterfall area can feel more exposed than it looks from the road.

Myvatn Nature Baths: optional, but it usually wins

This is the part of the day that most people treat as the payoff. The tour gives you the option to swim in the geothermal lagoon at Myvatn Nature Baths, with the entrance fee not included.

So you’re not forced to pay for it. But if you’ve come all this way, it’s hard to ignore. The area is known for geothermal warmth, and the baths let you recover after hours of standing on slick ground and walking near waterfalls.

One review detail I found useful for planning: in at least one experience, the time allotment felt like around two hours total on-site, with a chunk of it taken up by getting in, time in the water, and queueing/showering routines. That means you should treat the baths as a real commitment, not a quick dip between stops.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. Warm clothes for the walk back and forth also help. You’ll get the most out of the baths if you plan to actually use them as downtime.

The ride back to Akureyri, with an Eyjafjörður farewell view

After the nature baths stop, you head back toward Akureyri. The tour ends with a final stop in the Eyjafjörður area, where you can see over the fjord toward Akureyri.

This last view is more than a nice closing photo. It gives you a sense of scale. At the start of the day, Akureyri is just the place you left. By the end, it’s your anchor point while everything else feels like the Iceland countryside you drove into.

It also helps your memory. When you’re looking at the fjord from above, you can mentally map the day’s big moments: waterfalls, lava fields, geothermal warmth, then the return.

Small-group pacing: why max 14 is a big deal

The tour is designed as a small group with a stated maximum of 14 (and a maximum of 16 listed in additional info). That small size shows up in how the day feels.

One review described a group of five with lots of flexibility and personal attention. Another highlighted a group of three getting extra stops because the nature baths plan was skipped. That’s the practical advantage of a small group: the guide can adjust. The day becomes more about your pace than about squeezing 30 people into the same photo angle.

Even when you’re in a bigger small group (like eight people), you’re more likely to get clearer narration and better chances for questions. I also appreciated that the vehicle is described as comfortable and safe in reviews, which matters when you’re sitting through hours of driving and weather changes.

Which guide style fits you best

Guides seem to lean into storytelling and local context. Reviews name several guide personalities, including Hogni, Johanna, Daniel, Reynir, John, and Erwin. The consistent theme is that they tie Icelandic culture and legends to each stop, so the time doesn’t feel like memorizing facts.

If you love a chatty, host-like guide who makes you feel included, you’ll probably enjoy this. If you prefer silence and self-guided wandering, you can still take your own photo time. But you’ll likely miss some of the good context if you tune out.

What to bring (so the day doesn’t feel harder than it should)

This tour is physically simple but weather can be rude. Wear warm clothes and hiking shoes. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to do Myvatn Nature Baths. Layers matter, because you’ll switch between vehicle warmth and misty outdoor viewing.

If you’re visiting in winter, pack for colder conditions than you’d expect from the sunny forecast. One review specifically called out the January difference. Iceland’s north can feel very different month to month, even if the sites stay the same.

Should you book this Akureyri waterfalls and baths day?

Book it if you want one efficient day that hits the north Iceland “must-sees” without dealing with routing stress. The value comes from the full-day structure: pickup included, expert guiding, and a serious hit list that blends waterfalls and geology around Lake Mývatn.

Skip it or rethink it if you know you won’t enjoy long days in wind and cold, or if you’re trying to minimize add-on costs. Myvatn Nature Baths is optional but likely. Also, there’s a single review complaint about overcrowding and a microphone issue. That’s not the majority signal, but it is a reminder to choose your spot in the vehicle if you can.

Overall, this is a strong pick for people who want both the spectacle and the meaning behind the spectacle. If you like the idea of learning why the ground looks this way, not just staring at it, you’ll be glad you booked.

FAQ

How long is the Akureyri North Iceland Waterfalls and Nature Baths tour?

The tour runs about 9 to 10 hours.

Where is pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are included in Akureyri, including hotel, central, and airport pickup.

What is the group size limit?

It’s a small group with a maximum of 14 (and the additional info notes a maximum of 16).

Is the Myvatn Nature Baths entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee to Myvatn Nature Baths is not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring for the tour?

Wear warm clothes and hiking shoes. If you plan to swim at the geothermal baths, bring a swimsuit and towel.

Where do I meet if I arrive by cruise ship?

For Tangabryggja Port, meet at Star Travel house number 3 just outside the cruise ship area. For Oddeyrarbryggja Port, meet at the designated agent area by the ship near the Icewear shop, and look for a colleague in a bright yellow jacket with a Star Travel sign.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if weather is poor, or if I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It also has free cancellation, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.