Day Tour Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss in Winter
When coming to North Iceland Goðafoss waterfall, and the fascinating nature of the Lake Mývatn area is almost a must for every visitor. The short daylight hours of the darkest winter months make the landscape look even more mystical than usual. It’s something you don’t want to miss.
Highlights
- Panoramic views of Akureyri and Eyjafjörður
- Goðafoss waterfall
- Lake Mývatn in winter
- Volcanoes
- Lava fields and formations
- Solfataras and fumaroles
- Chance for bathing in Nature Baths geothermal lagoon
Daily Itinerary
Lake Mývatn Winter Tour, Pick up 09:00 from accommodation in Akureyri. This winter tour to one of the most interesting spots in North Iceland focuses on the most attractive features of the Lake Mývatn and its surroundings.
The first stop is at Goðafoss waterfall, not only famous for its breathtaking beauty but also its significant historical value related to the Christianisation of Iceland. In autumn the waterfall and the river are surrounded by lush and colourful vegetation. In winter as the temperatures go below freezing the waterfall is often partly bound in ice.
From Goðafoss the tour continues across the Fljótsheiði heath and through the valley of Reykjadalur to the Lake Mývatn area, with the first stop at Skútustaðir and the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters. We drive on to Dimmuborgir, a lava maze of magnificent basalt pillars and lava sculptures. After a short walk in the park, the tour continues through the lava field to Grjótagjá (road conditions permitting), which used to be a popular underground bathing cave among the locals before the Krafla Fires (1975-1984) when the water became too hot to bathe in.
Crossing the Námaskarð mountain pass, we continue along the road that passes Krafla geothermal power station to Mt.Krafla and the explosion crater Víti which marked the beginning of the volcanic eruption in 1724. From Víti crater there is a good view over Leirhnjúkur volcanic zone, and the lava field formed in the Krafla fires 1975-84.
Next, we explore the solfatara field of Hverir (Námaskarð) where groundwater is heated by an underground magma intrusion. Sulphur deposits are brought to the surface, and the area is characterized by a strong smell of sulphur. Here we have a chance for a short walk around the fumaroles and mud pits before we head for the final destination of the tour, the Mývatn Nature Baths, where visitors get the chance to bathe in the silky smooth geothermal water (entrance fee to the spa is not included in the tour price – ISK 4.000 p.p. credit card/ cash ).
After the stop at the Nature Baths, we drive back to Akureyri; estimated arrival time is around 17:00.
Dates & prices
Tour Duration: 7-8 hours
Departures: 1 October – 31 May
Price per person: ISK 18.000
Children (0 – 12 YRS): ISK: 9.000
Included: transportation and guidance.
Not included: Refreshments, admission fee to Nature Baths
pick up/drop off: from acc. in Akureyri included
For summer option click here.
