Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour from Akureyri

That first drive north feels like a movie scene.

This Lake Myvatn and Godafoss day tour mixes geothermal weirdness with major Iceland sights, all in one 8-hour loop from Akureyri. You’ll get a real hit of Northern Iceland in a tight schedule: lava, steam, mud pools, and the famous waterfall stop, with hotel pickup and drop-off to keep your day stress-free.

Two things I really like: you’re not just seeing one viewpoint—you’re hopping between several named Myvatn highlights (including spots tied to Game of Thrones), and you’ll also have a chance to soak at Myvatn Nature Baths if conditions line up. One drawback to plan for: the Myvatn Baths entrance fee is not included, and bath time can be affected if facilities are closed that day.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Small group (max 18), which makes it easier to move at a comfortable pace
• Godafoss photo stop with free admission, on the way in and out of the Myvatn region
• Lake Myvatn site-hopping with multiple geothermal stops (steam vents, mud pools, pseudocraters)
• Myvatn Nature Baths included as an optional soak, but you pay the entry fee separately
• Guides who know the area, and who help you hit the best photo moments and timing
• Plenty of named stops, so you’re not stuck staring at just one landscape

The route from Akureyri that hits two headline sights in one day

This is a true day trip: it starts at 9:00 am in Akureyri and runs about 8 hours, ending back at the meeting point. The tour includes transport plus pickup and drop-off, which matters here. The Myvatn region is remote enough that driving yourself would eat hours, and you’d still have to figure out parking and timing across multiple stops.

The rhythm is built around two big anchors. First you spend a long chunk of the day in the Lake Myvatn area, with short bursts at key points along the way. Then you break up the drive with the Godafoss Waterfall stop, which is quick but very worthwhile—especially because admission is free.

If you want a structured way to see Northern Iceland without turning your day into a logistics project, this format works.

Lake Myvatn: more than one stop, more than one kind of terrain

Your Myvatn portion is the core of the tour: about 6 hours focused on the Lake Myvatn sites. This is where the scenery changes fast, and that’s a good thing because it keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

Here’s the sequence you’ll be aiming for, using the exact named highlights you’ll get time at:

• Grotcaja cave and rift
• Hverir mud pools (geothermal bubbling terrain)
• Game of Thrones locations
• Natural steam vents
• Dimmuborgir lava formations (also described as the Dark Castle area)
• Pseudocraters
• And time for Myvatn Nature Baths as part of the overall Myvatn block

What I like about this approach for you: the Myvatn region is visual in layers. If you only do one area, you might miss the feeling of how different the geothermal surfaces can look side-by-side. This tour is built to make that comparison for you—cave/rift textures next to mud pools, then lava formations, then pseudocraters.

A small caution: some stops are brief (for example, a number are listed as around 15–30 minutes). That doesn’t mean you’ll rush through everything, but it does mean you should go in ready to move your feet and take your photos efficiently.

Myvatn Nature Baths: the one add-on you should budget for

Your tour includes a dedicated Myvatn Nature Baths stop with time to enjoy the facilities and the cafe. The big detail you should know up front: the entrance fee is not included, listed as ISK 7,400 per person. Food and drink aren’t included either.

This is where the day becomes flexible in a good way. If you’re the type who wants a proper soak after a long stretch of walking on geothermal ground, you’ll love having it built in. If you’re less into baths, you can still use the stop for a break and a warm reset.

One practical note from real-world experience: closures can happen. If the baths are closed that day, you may lose the soak portion. The upside is you may get extra time for the other attractions, but you should be mentally prepared for that possibility and bring a backup plan for how you’ll use any extra time.

Godafoss Waterfall: the quick stop that still deserves your attention

Between Akureyri and the Myvatn region, you’ll stop at Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. The stop is about 20 minutes, and admission is free.

Twenty minutes doesn’t sound long until you’re there. Godafoss is the kind of place where you immediately get your photos, then you lean back and watch water do its thing. The time window also helps you keep the day moving without turning it into a slow crawl.

If you care about photos, this is the kind of stop that rewards arriving ready. Bring your camera settings that work in misty light, and give yourself one pass for wide shots and one pass for closer angles.

The shorter Myvatn stops that make the scenery feel complete

After the longer Lake Myvatn block, the itinerary includes several additional named points, each with its own texture. These are the “in-between” stops that help you connect the geothermal dots:

• Namafjall Hverir (Hverir mud pools): about 20 minutes
• Grjotagja Cave and Rift: about 20 minutes
• Skutustaoagigar (pseudocrater area): about 15 minutes
• Dimmuborgir lava formations: about 30 minutes

This set of stops is one of the biggest reasons this tour works. You’re not only seeing steam and water. You’re seeing different forms of ground: mud pools, crater-like features, cave/rift textures, and lava formations.

One consideration: Dimmuborgir is often the kind of place where you want more time. If you’re the type who likes to walk slowly and just stare, you might wish for a longer stop there. The tour’s structure keeps the day full, so you’ll get a solid visit—but not unlimited wandering.

Driving, timing, and why the guide can change the whole day

A day like this is mostly about how smoothly it runs. And on this kind of route, that comes down to driving skills and local timing.

This tour is operated by Imagine Iceland Travel, and the group size is capped at 18. In practice, that usually means less crowding and easier movement at stops. It also means the guide can pay attention to what the group wants, within reason.

From the experiences people shared, guides like Armand, Norbert, Jonas, Daniel, Mira, and Bjorn stood out for being helpful with both Iceland context and on-the-ground pacing. The best-case version of this day looks like this:

• you arrive with enough time at viewpoints,
• you’re guided to photo-ready angles,
• and you’re not stuck waiting while everyone scrambles for the next bus step.

Winter matters too. If you’re traveling in colder months, you might find conditions icy. In at least one winter situation, the guide provided microspikes to help people walk safely on icy patches. You shouldn’t assume that will happen every day, but if conditions are rough, it’s a sign that the operator can think about traction and safety.

Price and value: what your $205 really buys you

The price is listed at $205.15 per person, and it includes the big costs that usually make day trips expensive: guided transport, and pickup/drop-off.

What’s not included is also clear:

• Myvatn Nature Baths entrance (ISK 7,400 per person)
• Food and drink
• Admission ticket not included for the Lake Myvatn portion (as listed)

So how is this a good value anyway? Because you’re paying for:

• a planned multi-stop route that would be time-consuming to design,
• a small group experience,
• and a guide who helps you get to several named sites without wasting your day on navigation.

If you plan to do the baths, your total out-of-pocket will be higher. But if you would otherwise skip baths to save money, this tour still delivers a full day of major sightseeing—especially if you’re there for Godafoss and the Myvatn geothermal stops.

Who this tour suits best (and who should look elsewhere)

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a structured day out of Akureyri,
• like geology-style scenery changes (mud pools, steam vents, lava formations),
• want to see Godafoss without planning a separate day,
• and prefer a small group format.

It may be less ideal if you:

• hate the idea of brief stops and want long, slow time at just one location,
• need a guaranteed hot-springs soak (because closures can happen),
• or you’re on a tight cruise-ship schedule where timing failures are a big deal.

One important reality check for cruise days: in at least one case, the timing became stressful, and the drop-off order contributed to passengers missing a boat. If your itinerary depends on a ship departure time, confirm the tour’s timing details with the operator ahead of time and build in extra buffer if possible.

What to pack so the day feels easy, not annoying

The itinerary is packed with stops, photo moments, and geothermal surfaces. You’ll be happier if you pack like the weather might swing and the ground might be slick.

I suggest:

• waterproof outer layers,
• good traction footwear,
• a small snack or water plan for the long drive and bath stop window,
• and a camera plan so you’re not fumbling every time light changes.

If you’re visiting in winter, bring the kind of gear you’d use on icy walkways. Even if you don’t expect microspikes, having warm layers and footwear grip matters.

Should you book the Lake Myvatn and Godafoss day tour?

I’d book this tour if your goal is a high-impact Northern Iceland day with minimal hassle from Akureyri. The big win is the combination: Godafoss for that instant waterfall drama, then Lake Myvatn for the geothermal and lava textures that make this region feel unlike anywhere else.

Choose it especially if you like the idea of seeing several named Myvatn sites in one trip, including the Game of Thrones locations piece and the chance to soak at Myvatn Nature Baths (budgeting for the entry fee).

Skip—or at least be very cautious—if you’re counting on a perfect baths experience due to closures, or if you’re on a cruise with strict departure timing and no slack.

In short: if you want one organized day that connects Akureyri to the Myvatn landscape highlights, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

Does the tour include pickup from my Akureyri hotel?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It’s about 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a guided tour, transport, and pickup/drop-off. It also offers mobile tickets.

Do I need to pay for Myvatn Nature Baths?

Yes. The Myvatn Nature Baths entrance fee is not included and is listed as ISK 7,400 per person. Food and drink there are also not included.

Is Godafoss admission free?

Yes. Godafoss is listed with free admission.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.