Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shared Shore Excursions

Eight stops in one volcanic day.

This is a full-day shared shore excursion built around the volcanic Myvatn region. From Akureyri, you’ll hit Goðafoss, steam-and-mud craters, famous lava formations, and multiple spots tied to Game of Thrones, all in a comfortable A/C vehicle with a small-group feel.

What I like most is how the schedule squeezes in major sights without making every stop exhausting. Many of the viewpoints and attractions are marked free, so you’re paying for the driving and guide time more than admission fees, but the main trade-off is a long day where the optional Myvatn Nature Baths can affect timing and extra costs.

Quick hits before you go

• Real geothermal stops, not just viewpoints: steam, bubbling mud pots, and hot-air smells you can’t fake
• Goðafoss plus the Myvatn “volcano belt”: you get both waterfall drama and volcanic weirdness
• Small-group vibe inside a shared tour: the experience is set up for up to 18 people
• Game of Thrones filming scenery: North of the Wall and the Love Cave area are part of the route
• Myvatn Nature Baths as the big finale: 1.5 hours to dip or relax, with fees not included
• Cruise-port planning that matters: the meeting point changes depending on which Akureyri port you’re at

How the Akureyri route packs in Goðafoss and Myvatn in one day

If you’re only in Akureyri for a day, this kind of trip is the practical move. You’re not trying to figure out the logistics between far-scattered geothermal sites on your own—you’re getting a driver, a guide, and a pre-set flow that keeps the day moving.

The timing is designed for shore visitors, so you can expect a schedule that’s steady rather than leisurely. If you’re the type who wants to spend 45 minutes somewhere random just because the light is good, you’ll need to balance that impulse with the group plan.

Goðafoss waterfall: the dramatic opener

Goðafoss is the kind of stop that makes you get out of the vehicle quickly. You have about 30 minutes, and since admission is listed as free, you mainly spend that time soaking in the roar and snapping photos before the day’s next stop eats your minutes.

Practical tip: dress for wind and mist. Even if the weather looks calm from the road, waterfalls can change how cold it feels fast.

Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters: steam and mud pots

Next you move to Skútustaðagígar, the pseudo-craters area with steam and mud pots. You’ll get around 25 minutes here, and the entry is listed as free, so it’s another stop where your time is the only real cost.

This is one of those places where the ground looks alive. If you like geology—without needing a PhD—you’ll enjoy how active the geothermal activity seems right up close.

Kalfastrond viewpoint: North of the Wall energy

At Kalfastrond, you’re getting a viewpoint over Lake Mývatn with a famous Game of Thrones connection: North of the Wall. The stop is shorter—about 15 minutes—and admission is listed as free.

This is a “quick look” stop, but it’s a good one if you like the feeling of standing in the same kind of dramatic scenery used for TV. It also helps break up the longer drives with something photogenic and easy to understand.

Dimmuborgir lava formations: the “troll” rock maze

Then comes Dimmuborgir, with its famous lava formations. You’ll have about 35 minutes, and admission is listed as free, which is nice because it lets you slow down without worrying about paying another ticket.

This is one of the best stops on the day if you enjoy walking through strange rock shapes and noticing how lava cooled into patterns. It’s also a place where a guide’s explanations can turn the scenery from random rock piles into something that feels meaningful.

Grjotagja cave area: Love Cave stop

Grjotagja is listed as an old bathing cave, plus the Game of Thrones “Love Cave” reference. Plan for about 15 minutes and free admission.

This stop tends to work well as a breather between bigger geothermal areas. It’s also a reminder that Myvatn isn’t only about heat—it’s about Iceland mixing nature, story, and pop-culture into one very tourist-friendly package.

Namafjall Hverir: the viewpoint over Lake Mývatn

At Namafjall Hverir, you’re looking out over the Lake Mývatn area. You’ll get around 20 minutes, and the stop is listed with free admission.

If the day is cloudy, a viewpoint stop might feel less impressive. But when visibility is decent, this is one of the best places to connect the dots: you see how the geothermal zones sit in and around the lake.

Lake of the lights: a quick stop with a big-name feel

The route includes a stop called Lake of the Lights. The exact timing isn’t specified in the information you provided, but it’s clearly part of the sequence before the final geothermal-bath segment.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to understand what you’re looking at, ask your guide what makes this spot special and what to watch for. On a tight schedule, those 30 seconds of explanation can turn a quick photo stop into a real memory.

Earth Lagoon Myvatn (Jardbodin): the optional geothermal baths finale

The final major stop is Earth Lagoon Myvatn (Jardbodin vid Myvatn), and the timing depends on your cruise schedule. You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Here’s the key value point: this part isn’t just sightseeing. It’s your chance to soak in geothermal water or grab refreshments at the on-site café. The important catch is that bathing fees are not included, and you’re also told that a bathing suit and towel aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan for that.

Also, keep your expectations straight about what you’re getting. One traveler noted that it’s manmade rather than a fully wild natural hot spring, but the warmth still comes from geothermal heat. In other words: it’s a comfort stop, not a pristine wilderness experience.

Price and what makes it good value at $200.33

At about $200.33 per person for a 6 to 7 hour shared day, you’re paying for the full package: A/C transport, a guide, the driver, and local taxes. The big value trick is that many of the stops listed on this route are marked free for admission, so the day is mostly about time and guidance rather than ticket stacking.

The one cost you should budget for is the baths. Nature Baths entry is not included, so the total cost can rise if you decide you want to swim. If you hate surprise fees, I’d check the current bath pricing before you step into the booking line.

Group size and the real comfort of “shared”

This is a shared tour, but it’s not a giant-coach crush. The experience is described as personalized with a cap of 18 people, even though the overall activity can list a higher maximum number.

In practice, that small-group setup matters. You get easier movement at stops, fewer delays when someone needs a bathroom break, and more chance for your guide to answer questions without the day turning into a lecture you can’t hear.

Where confusion can happen: meeting points and schedule pressure

If you’re on a cruise, read this part carefully. Akureyri has multiple ports, and the meeting spot changes.

• Tangabryggja Port: you’ll see small wooden houses outside the cruise area. Star Travel meets you at house number 3.
• Oddeyrarbryggja Port: look for the Icewear shop near the ship area. Star Travel waits in the designated agent area with a Star Travel sign, and you’ll spot a colleague in a bright yellow jacket.

One anxious theme in the feedback is that a few people experienced mismatched info at the start. That doesn’t mean the tour is always chaotic, but it does mean you should be ready: arrive early, keep your phone number reachable, and double-check which port you’re actually using.

Bugs, weather, and what to pack for Mývatn

The Myvatn area is a natural place with natural creatures. One traveler said the flies were intense and made it hard to enjoy the lake area, even though the scenery was stunning.

So pack smart:

• bring insect repellent
• consider light head protection if you’re sensitive to bites
• wear clothes you can handle in breezy, wet conditions

Weather also matters. This tour is described as requiring good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

How flexible is the route if you want changes?

This trip is built around a set route, so don’t assume you can rewrite it on the fly. Still, at least one traveler reported that their group requested skipping the baths and adding another waterfall stop (Dettifoss) to match their interests and timing.

If you want a change, ask your guide early and keep it realistic. In a shore excursion, minutes are currency.

Should you book this Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss shared tour?

Book it if you want maximum Iceland wow-per-hour from Akureyri. You’re getting Goðafoss, multiple geothermal zones, lava formations, and Game of Thrones scenery in one organized day with A/C comfort and a small-group cap.

Skip it or adjust your expectations if you hate long days or you’re allergic to schedules. The last leg can turn into a trade-off between extra bathing time (and extra fees) and keeping a tight timeline for cruise departures. Also, if you’re very bug-sensitive, plan ahead for the Myvatn itch factor.

If you want a low-stress way to experience Northern Iceland’s volcanic highlights without renting a car, this is one of the more practical options.

FAQ

How long is the Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss shared tour from Akureyri?

It runs about 6 to 7 hours.

What stops are included on the route?

You’ll visit Goðafoss, Skútustaðagígar, Kalfastrond, Dimmuborgir, Grjotagja, Namafjall Hverir, a stop called Lake of the lights, and then Earth Lagoon Myvatn (Jardbodin vid Myvatn).

Is pickup offered from Akureyri and cruise ports?

Yes. Pickup details depend on which Akureyri port you dock at, including meeting at Tangabryggja (Star Travel house number 3) or Oddeyrarbryggja (near the Icewear shop and the designated agent area with a Star Travel sign).

What language is the tour guide speaking?

The tour is offered in English.

Are admission tickets included at all the stops?

Admission is listed as free for Goðafoss, Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir, Grjotagja, and Namafjall Hverir. The Earth Lagoon Myvatn Nature Baths fee is not included.

How long do you have at the geothermal baths?

You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes at Earth Lagoon Myvatn, depending on your cruise’s berthing time.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel for the baths?

The information provided says bathing suit and towel for the Nature Baths aren’t included, so you should plan to bring them (or arrange what you need).

How big is the group?

The experience is capped for a personalized feel at up to 18 people, and the activity lists a maximum of 67 travelers.