Lake Myvatn & Dettifoss waterfalls day tour from Akureyri

Europe's most powerful waterfall and a geothermal lagoon in one morning loop

A full-day guided tour from Akureyri takes you through North Iceland's volcanic landscape to four major stops: Godafoss waterfall, Lake Myvatn with its geothermal sites, Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), and the lava formations and mud pools in between. The tour includes transport from your hotel and a local guide. The Nature Baths entrance fee is optional and paid separately. Children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Lake Mývatn5h
2. Mývatn Nature Baths1h 20m
3. Dettifoss40m
4. Godafoss15m
5. Hverir20m
6. Dimmuborgir20m

Explore Lake Myvatn and Waterfalls

• Depart from Akureyri
• Visit Godafoss waterfall
• Explore Lake Myvatn main sites
• See pseudocrater area
• Visit Dimmuborgir lava formations
• Visit Hverir mud pools and steam vents
• Visit Grjotagja cave and rift
• Relax at Myvatn Nature Baths (entrance not included)
• Visit Dettifoss waterfall (conditions dependent)

The experience

You start in Akureyri and head out with a guide who knows the region. The route hits Godafoss first, the "Waterfall of the Gods", then moves into the Lake Myvatn area, where the landscape shifts into something otherworldly. You'll see Dimmuborgir, the dark lava castle, walk through the pseudocrater zone with views across the lake, and stop at Hverir to watch mud pools bubble and steam vents hiss from the ground. The Grjotagja rift and cave, a Game of Thrones filming location, sits between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

Dettifoss comes later in the day: the stop most travelers come for. It's Europe's most powerful waterfall, and the sheer volume of water hitting the canyon floor is the kind of thing that changes how you think about water. The hike down to it is short but can be cold and muddy depending on conditions, so dress for that. On the way back, you pass through the Myvatn Nature Baths area. If you want to soak in the geothermal lagoon, you pay the entrance fee at the gate and add it to your day. The whole loop runs 7 to 9 hours, and you're back in Akureyri by evening.

What’s included

• Guided tour with a local English-speaking guide.
• transport in a vehicle.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Akureyri.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 17

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 41 pickup points.

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 62

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Imagine Iceland Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full-day loop from Akureryi hitting Godafoss, Dettifoss, Lake Myvatn, and the Nature Baths together. You'll travel by coach with a guide rather than driving yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

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 is Dettifoss actually like when you get there?

Dettifoss is Europe's most powerful waterfall, dropping into a deep canyon with a roar that carries across the landscape. The volume of water is what makes it different from other falls in Iceland. It's raw power rather than height or elegance. The hike down is walkable but exposed and can be muddy or icy depending on the season.

Do I need to pay extra for the Myvatn Nature Baths?

Yes, the entrance fee to the Myvatn Nature Baths is not included in the tour price. You can choose to add it when you book, or skip it and spend the time at other stops like Dimmuborgir or Hverir instead.

Is the tour suitable if I'm visiting Iceland for the first time?

Yes. The tour is designed for all fitness levels and covers the major volcanic and geothermal sites in North Iceland in one day, so it's a solid introduction to the region's geology and landscape. Children from age 3 can join, though the hike to Dettifoss involves uneven terrain and cold conditions.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour runs in most conditions, but access to Dettifoss depends on weather and ground conditions. If the site is unsafe, your guide will let you know on the day and adjust the route. Steam vents and mud pools at Hverir are visible year-round.

How much time do you actually spend at each stop?

The itinerary covers eight major sites across 7 to 9 hours, so time at each one varies. Godafoss and Dettifoss get the most attention as the main waterfalls. The Myvatn area sites (Dimmuborgir, Hverir, the pseudocraters) are explored as a sequence around the lake.