Akureyri waterfalls and nature baths: Small group tour

Three waterfalls and geothermal baths in one 10-hour loop

A 10-hour guided small-group tour from Akureyri visits Goðafoss, Dettifoss, and Selfoss waterfalls, plus the geothermal springs at Hverarönd and the Mývatn Nature Baths. Hotel or airport pickup is included. The guide speaks English and leads the route through volcanic landscapes shaped by a lava eruption 2,300 years ago. Swimsuit and warm clothes are essential. Entrance to the nature baths is an optional add-on at checkout.

The experience

How do you fit three of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls into a single day without renting a car? The tour departs from your hotel or airport in Akureyri and follows the coast of Eyjafjordur before reaching Goðafoss, where water drops in a wide arc across dark lava. From there, the route moves inland toward Lake Mývatn, a landscape built by volcanic activity: lava pillars, rootless vents, and the pseudo craters of Skútustaðagígar rise from the ground around you. The guide explains what you're seeing as the van moves through these formations.

The day builds toward the two largest waterfalls. Dettifoss, one of Europe's most powerful, comes first. Selfoss, its smaller neighbor, sits just downstream. Between them, you'll stop at Grjótagjá Rift, an old bathing spot where naturally heated water flows from a crack in the rock. The final stop is the Mývatn Nature Baths, a geothermal pool set in the volcanic terrain. You can soak here if you choose (entrance fee paid separately). The route ends with a view back over Eyjafjordur toward Akureyri, where the van returns you by late afternoon.

Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to bathe, and wear warm layers and hiking shoes. The weather in North Iceland changes fast, and you'll be moving between the van and exposed volcanic ground. The group stays small, and a professional English-speaking guide is with you the entire time. Pickup from your hotel or the airport is included, so you don't need to arrange transport yourself.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• hotel or airport pickup and drop-off in Akureyri.
• all taxes and fees.
• stops at Goðafoss, Dettifoss, and Selfoss waterfalls.
• access to the volcanic landscape around Lake Mývatn including Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and Grjótagjá Rift with its naturally heated bathing water.
• entrance to the Mývatn Nature Baths is optional and paid separately.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (under 16)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Star Travel Iceland

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel or airport in Akureyri means you don't need a rental car to reach three major waterfalls and geothermal baths in a single day. The van handles the driving and the guide handles the route, leaving you free to focus on the landscape.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are Dettifoss and Selfoss, and why do they matter on this tour?

Dettifoss is one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls, and Selfoss is its smaller counterpart downstream. Both sit at the heart of this tour's route through North Iceland, and the guide stops at each one so you can stand in front of them and understand the scale of the water flow.

Can I swim in the geothermal water at Hverarönd and the Mývatn Nature Baths?

Grjótagjá Rift, the old bathing spot at Hverarönd, has naturally heated water you can enter at no extra cost. The Mývatn Nature Baths require a separate entrance fee, which you can add when you book. If you choose to bathe there, bring your swimsuit and towel.

What is Lake Mývatn and the volcanic landscape around it?

Lake Mývatn was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2,300 years ago. The surrounding area is dominated by volcanic landforms (lava pillars, rootless vents, and pseudo craters) that the guide will point out as you move through the region.

Does the tour include hotel or airport pickup?

Yes, hotel or airport pickup in Akureyri is included. Let the operator know where you're staying or arriving when you book, and the van will collect you and return you at the end of the day.

What should I wear and bring on this tour?

Wear warm clothes and hiking shoes. North Iceland weather is unpredictable and you'll be moving between the van and open volcanic terrain. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to bathe in the geothermal water, and be prepared for wind and cold even in summer.