From Akureyri: Mývatn Lake & Goðafoss CruiseShip tour +Lunch

That smoke and steam in North Iceland.

This short 6-hour day trip is built for big visual payoffs, hopping between Mývatn geothermal terrain, strange lava formations, and the Goðafoss Waterfall scene tied to the saga age. You’ll get guidance on what you’re seeing, then move on before the light changes too much.

I especially like how the timing works for a cruise stop: you don’t spend your day stuck in one long place. Two standouts for me are the Hverir at Námaskarð geothermal area (solfataras and boiling sulfur mudpits with striking colors) and the photo-ready Goðafoss horseshoe fall with mist right in front of you.

One possible drawback: it’s a lot of ground covered in a short window, so you’ll only have brief visits. If you want to linger for an hour in one spot, this format may feel a bit fast.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Mývatn + Skútustaðir pseudo-craters: clear shapes you can actually connect to how the ground formed
• Dimmuborgir lava fields: short walking time with scenic viewpoints on the way
• Hverir at Námaskarð geothermal area: solfataras, boiling sulfur mudpits, and color contrast
• Goðafoss: historic waterfall feel plus about 45 minutes on-site
• Packed lunch on board: chicken sandwich, chocolate, and juice to keep the day moving
• Cruise-terminal pacing: pickup and return timed around the ship’s schedule

A cruise-day route that fits the 6-hour window

This is the kind of tour that’s designed for people with limited time, especially if your ship is docked in Akureyri. You start with pickup at the Akureyri harbour (your ship is docked there), and the bus is marked Soleil de Minuit.

The schedule is efficient. After pickup, you’ll ride a coach to Mývatn (about 75 minutes), then you’ll work through geothermal and lava stops before a final 45-minute stretch at Goðafoss, followed by about an hour back to town.

The practical upside is focus. Instead of trying to cover the North on your own in the same day, you’re handed a route with an English-speaking guide and transportation that saves you planning brainpower.

Mývatn and the Skútustaðir pseudo-craters: where steam explains the ground

Mývatn is famous for geothermal activity, and this tour gives you an on-ramp that makes the scenery easier to interpret. You’ll have time to see Mývatn up close, and then head to Skútustaðir, known for its symmetrically formed pseudo-craters.

These aren’t your usual volcanic cones. Your stop is about understanding the “how” behind the look: geothermal action and ground conditions can create crater-like forms that feel very deliberate when you’re standing there. Even with a short visit, the guide’s context helps you see beyond the wow factor.

You’ll also get a useful viewpoint from Skútustaðir to connect the pseudo-craters to Lake Mývatn and the surrounding mountains. That link matters because it turns random-looking features into part of one big system.

Drawback to keep in mind: the time here is limited. If you’re the type who likes to read every rock detail, you might wish for more than the brief stop.

Dimmuborgir lava fields: short walk, big visual oddness

Next you’ll head to Dimmuborgir, a lava field known for strange formations. Your time includes a visit plus walking and scenic viewpoints on the way, about 30 minutes total.

What makes Dimmuborgir worth your time is the sense of scale and texture. Lava can look simple from far away, but up close it shows shapes, edges, and patterns that feel almost carved by wind or time. In a short tour format, this is one of the stops that still gives you enough movement to feel like you did something, not just watched.

One consideration: because the time is tight, you’ll want footwear that works well on uneven ground. The walking is part of the experience here, so being prepared helps.

Hverir at Námaskarð: solfataras, boiling mudpits, and color changes

If you’re going for maximum “northern Iceland weird,” this is the stop. Hverir Geothermal Area at Námaskarð is described as one of the most spectacular places in Iceland, and the highlights are specific: solfataras and widely different colors around the geothermal ground.

Solfataras are areas where gases and steam come up, and the ground can look like it’s doing its own chemistry show. The boiling sulfur mudpits add another layer—textures and heat that look rough and alive.

This stop is roughly 30 minutes, which is long enough to notice details but short enough to keep the day from dragging. The tour’s pacing also means you’re not exhausted before Goðafoss, which is important because that final waterfall stop is where many people aim to get their best photos.

Reykjahlíð break and your packed lunch: keeping energy steady

Between the geothermal areas and Goðafoss, you’ll get a break in Reykjahlíð (about 20 minutes). This matters more than it sounds. After steamy stops and walking, you’ll feel better having a short pause before the last big sight.

Your lunch is already included as a packed meal: a chicken sandwich, chocolate, and juice. Having food handled for you is a real value in a cruise-day situation, since you don’t have to hunt for something quick once you’re away from town.

If you’re sensitive to cold, bring a layer you can manage outdoors quickly. Iceland’s conditions can change fast, and you’ll be outside at multiple stops.

Goðafoss Waterfall: the saga connection plus a misty 45 minutes

Then it’s time for the main headline: Goðafoss, known as the Waterfall of the Gods. You’ll have about 45 minutes to explore and take photos, and there’s also a Godafoss Coffee Shop if you want a warm drink.

This waterfall is described as a horseshoe shape, around 12 meters high (36 feet) and about 30 meters wide (90 feet). Those numbers aren’t just trivia—they help you understand why it feels so powerful even in a short visit. The mist comes from the sheet of water across that width.

The historic angle is part of what makes Goðafoss more than a pretty stop. It’s tied to saga times, and the meaning behind the name gives the waterfall a cultural weight you can sense as you stand there.

How to use your time: since you only get 45 minutes, focus on one or two vantage points rather than chasing every angle. Get your photos, take in the sound, then decide if you want coffee before you head back on the bus.

Price and value: what $135 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $135 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement excursion. But it’s also not overpriced for the work it saves you. You get transportation from the Akureyri Cruise Terminal, a guided experience (English), and a packed lunch with specific items—chicken sandwich, chocolate, and juice.

The biggest value is the logistics. On a cruise day, the time you spend figuring out routes and timing can be more stressful than the sightseeing itself. Here, pickup timing is coordinated around when your ship arrives, and the tour returns you to the meeting point so you can get back to the dock area.

What it doesn’t include (based on your provided details): there’s no mention of extra paid activities beyond the sightseeing stops. You may choose to buy coffee at the waterfall, but that’s optional.

If you’re comparing options, look at three things: how much transportation is handled, whether you get an English guide, and whether you’re fed. This tour checks all three boxes.

Who should book this tour—and who should skip it

I’d book this if you want a strong introduction to northern Iceland’s geothermal and lava scenery without doing research and driving. It’s also a good fit if you’re traveling with limited time because the whole loop fits into a 6-hour window.

It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels according to the tour info. Still, you’ll be walking at Dimmuborgir, and you’ll be outdoors at geothermal stops, so basic mobility helps.

I would skip it if you need wheelchair access. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users per the provided info.

If you’re the kind of person who loves repeating one place for a long time, this route might feel like a whirlwind. But if you want multiple signature sites in one coordinated day, it’s a smart use of time.

Practical tips so you don’t rush your own experience

Bring layers. Between bus rides and outdoor stops, your body will swing between warm and cold fast. A hat and gloves can make a difference, especially near misty water.

At the Goðafoss stop, plan your photo routine quickly. You have about 45 minutes, and mist plus movement can be distracting if you’re trying to figure out your angle on the spot.

At geothermal areas like Hverir at Námaskarð, keep your eyes on the ground features the guide highlights. The colors and solfataras aren’t just visual drama; they help you understand how active the geothermal system is.

Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking on. You’ll have scenic walk time around Dimmuborgir, and lava ground can be uneven.

Finally, if you’re on a cruise, don’t show up last-minute. The pickup is timed: pickup occurs 1 hour after your ship’s arrival, and the bus departs 30 minutes later. Being early is the easiest way to avoid stress.

Should you book this Akureyri Myvatn and Goðafoss cruise tour?

I’d say book it if you want a tight, guided hit of northern Iceland highlights: Mývatn, Skútustaðir pseudo-craters, Dimmuborgir lava fields, Hverir at Námaskarð, and Goðafoss—plus lunch—without the hassle of arranging transport.

Don’t book it if your ideal day is slow and unstructured. This tour is designed to move, and the tradeoff is shorter visits at each stop.

If you’re on a cruise and want your time to count, this is a strong option. It’s also a nice choice for first-time visitors who want the geothermal story told in a clear sequence instead of piecing it together on your own.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Akureyri?

The tour duration is about 6 hours.

Where does pickup happen for the cruise tour?

Pickup and drop-off are at the Akureyri harbour where your ship is docked. You should look for the bus marked Soleil de Minuit.

What’s included in the price?

Transportation from the Akureyri Cruise Terminal, a bus and guide, and a packed lunch are included (chicken sandwich, chocolate, and juice).

What language is the guide?

The tour includes a live guide in English.

How much time do you get at Goðafoss?

You get about 45 minutes to explore Goðafoss, take photos, and optionally grab coffee at the Godafoss Coffee Shop.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.