Day Tour Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Waterfall
This shore excursion takes you to one of the loveliest spots in Iceland and focuses on the most attractive features of the area with numerous volcanic phenomena. The drive along the coast of Eyjafjörður provides you with a splendid view of Akureyri and the mountains surrounding the fjord.
Highlights
- Panoramic views of Akureyri and Eyjafjörður
- Goðafoss waterfall
- Pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir
- Lava maze of Dimmuborgir
- Grjótagjá fissure
- Hverir solfataras at Námaskarð
- Nature Baths geothermal lagoon
Itinerary
The tour heads off North along the East coast of Eyjafjörður which offers a panoramic view of Akureyri. We cross the Vikurskard-pass and along the valleys of Fnjóskadalur and Ljósavatnsskard, where you can see the influence of the ice age glaciers.
We make a half hour stop at the waterfall of Goðafoss, famed not only for its beauty but also as the scene of historical events from the saga times.
By noon we arrive at Lake Mývatn, famous for its combination of natural beauty and unique ecology. We begin by driving to the farm of Skútustaðir, named after a saga hero. Today, however, Skútustaðir is better known for its unusually regular pseudo craters which are among the best known in the world. From here there is a good view of Lake Mývatn and, in clear weather, of some of the mountains in the central highlands. Here we make a midday break with the possibility of buying lunch at the restaurant.
From here we drive along the south side of the lake to Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles), a spectacular maze of strange lava structures, covered with surprisingly lush vegetation. Our next stop is at Grjótagjá, a fissure with underground warm water caves. They were a popular bathing place until the water became too hot as a result of the Krafla fires in the 1970s.
We proceed to the Hverir solfataras (boiling sulphur mud pits) at Námaskarð, these being some of the most spectacular in the country.
A stop is also made at the outdoor Nature Baths near the lake, and here you get enough time to soak in the warm, geothermal waters of the beautiful lagoon.
After the stop at Nature Baths, we return to Akureyri.
Dates & prices
Tour duration: 5-6 hours
Price per person: ISK 14.900,-
Children 1 – 12 years: 50% discount
Price includes: transportation and guidance
Not included: entrance fee to the Nature baths and refreshments
Good To Know
- Remember to bring along your swimsuit and towel (rental available at the spa) if you wish to relax at the Nature Baths (www.jardbodin.is)
