Lake Myvatn & Godafoss Day Trip from Akureyri with Baths

Godafoss waterfall spray, lava caves and Myvatn steam

You’ll stand close enough to Godafoss waterfall to feel its spray, walk through Lake Myvatn’s steaming mud pools and lava fields, and end your day soaking in natural baths (entry extra). With local pickup from Akureyri and a guide who shares stories only locals seem to know, this day trip leaves you with more than just photos.

What’s included

Your day includes transport in a small group vehicle with an experienced local guide sharing stories along the way, plus free pickup and drop-off anywhere in Akureyri—whether hotel, guesthouse, airport or port. Entry fees for attractions like the Myvatn Nature Baths aren’t covered so bring some cash if you want that extra soak before heading back.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall

• Depart from Akureyri
• Stop at Godafoss Waterfall
• Visit Grjotagja Cave and Rift
• Explore Hverir Mud Pools
• See Pseudocraters
• Walk through Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
• Visit Myvatn Nature Baths and cafe

The Experience

“If you listen close, you can hear the old gods arguing,” our guide Einar grinned as we stepped out by Godafoss. I didn’t really know what he meant until I stood there — that roar is something else, almost like it’s coming from under your feet. The air was chilly but not sharp, and the mist kept landing on my glasses. We’d barely left Akureyri twenty minutes ago and already my socks were damp (should’ve worn boots). Einar pointed out how the water splits around a rock shaped like a horse’s head — I never would’ve noticed.

The drive to Lake Myvatn felt shorter than I expected, maybe because everyone in the van started swapping stories about Icelandic food disasters (fermented shark came up a lot). When we got to Hverir, it hit me: that sulfur smell is no joke. It’s like boiled eggs times ten — but you get used to it after a few minutes. The ground was warm under my shoes and you could see steam hissing out of these little vents everywhere. Someone said it looked like Mars if Mars had puddles and birdsong.

Dimmuborgir was next — Einar called it “the Dark Castle” and told us some story about trolls living there, which sounded made-up but honestly fit the place. The rocks twist in weird shapes; one looked exactly like a giant face if you squinted right. We stopped at Grjotagja cave too, where they filmed Game of Thrones (I tried to hum the theme tune but nobody joined in). Last stop was the Myvatn Nature Baths — not included in the price, but worth it for that milky blue water. Sitting there with volcanic hills all around and a bit of wind on my face… I still think about that quiet.

Top questions

How long does the Lake Myvatn & Godafoss day trip take?

The tour lasts most of the day, departing from Akureyri with stops at Godafoss waterfall and several sites around Lake Myvatn before returning.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop off are included from Akureyri hotels, guesthouses, airport or port if arranged in advance.

Are entrance fees for Myvatn Nature Baths included?

No, entry to the Myvatn Nature Baths is not included; you’ll need to pay separately if you want to soak.

What are the main stops on this day trip?

You’ll visit Godafoss waterfall, Hverir mud pools, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Grjotagja cave and rift, pseudocraters near Lake Myvatn, plus time at the Nature Baths.

How physically demanding is this tour?

Travelers should have at least moderate fitness; there’s walking over uneven ground at some sites.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included; there is a café at the Myvatn Nature Baths where you can purchase food and drink.