Day Trip to Lake Mývatn And The Nature Baths from Akureyri

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $202.03 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours.
• Highlights Include: Visiting Goðafoss waterfall, exploring Lake Mývatn, seeing volcanic lava formations, and relaxing in the Mývatn Nature Baths.
• Small Group Experience: The tour is limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Siggy and Thomas are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging narration.
• Flexible Options: Admission to the Nature Baths is not included but can be added for about 35 EUR; bathing suits and towels are not provided.
• Pick-up and Convenience: The tour departs from Hótel Kea in Akureyri at 9:00 am, with optional pickup upon request.

Exploring the Highlights of the Lake Mývatn Day Trip from Akureyri

This day-long tour from Akureyri offers an intimate look at some of Iceland’s most striking natural sights. For $202.03, travelers enjoy a carefully curated itinerary that includes famous waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and geothermal baths. The tour is designed for those who appreciate guided experiences with knowledgeable hosts, and it’s most suitable for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

The small group format, capped at 25 participants, helps foster a friendly atmosphere and allows for flexible stops. The tour’s popularity is reflected in its average booking time of 82 days in advance, indicating high demand among visitors wishing to explore Iceland’s north.

Visiting the Waterfall of the Gods: Goðafoss

The day begins with a visit to Goðafoss, known as the Waterfall of the Gods. This spectacular waterfall is a highlight, with admission included in the tour price. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, soaking in the majestic views of rushing water cascading over volcanic rocks.

Goðafoss is renowned for its photogenic beauty and historical significance, offering excellent photo opportunities. The site’s powerful flow and scenic surroundings make it a perfect start to the day’s adventure, setting a tone of natural grandeur.

Relaxing in the Geothermal Waters of Mývatn Nature Baths

One of the most popular stops is the Mývatn Nature Baths, often called the Blue Lagoon of the North. This stop lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes, with admission not included in the tour. Visitors can choose to either relax in the geothermal waters or enjoy the on-site restaurant.

The baths provide a warm, sulphur-rich soak amid stunning volcanic landscapes. While bathing suits and towels are not provided, the experience is highly praised for its calming atmosphere and less crowded environment compared to other geothermal spas.

Exploring Volcanic Landforms at Hverir and Dimmuborgir

The tour continues with visits to Hverir, a landscape of boiling mud pots and fumaroles, offering a close-up look at active geothermal activity. This 25-minute stop showcases the earth’s raw power and the vibrant colors of sulfur deposits.

Next, the Dimmuborgir lava formations captivate with their unusual shapes and sizes. Known as Dark Castle, these lava fields are a result of ancient volcanic eruptions and provide excellent photo opportunities. The 30-minute stop here allows plenty of time to walk among the formations and marvel at the volcanic artistry.

Panoramic Views of Eyjafjörður and Lake Mývatn

The tour offers short stops for panoramic views over the Eyjafjörður fjord and a view over Lake Mývatn. These 15-minute and 10-minute stops give travelers a chance to appreciate the vast, volcanic landscapes from scenic viewpoints.

The lake itself is a great photo stop with 15 minutes allocated, offering a peaceful scene of the bird-filled waters and surrounding mountains. These stops are perfect for capturing memorable vistas and soaking in the rural beauty of Iceland.

Discovering Pseudo Craters at Skútustaðagígar

The Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters are formed from volcanic activity and are among the final highlights of the trip. This 15-minute stop allows visitors to walk among these unique formations, which add to the landscape’s geological diversity.

These craters are a testament to Iceland’s volcanic history, and the site’s relatively short walk makes it accessible for most travelers. The formations provide great photo opportunities and a vivid reminder of Iceland’s fiery past.

The Scenic Drive Over Eyjafjörður

The drive back over Eyjafjörður takes about 10 minutes, offering views of the fjord that frame the landscape beautifully. This scenic route connects the various stops and provides a calming conclusion to the busy day of sightseeing.

Travelers value the relaxed pace of this part of the trip, allowing them to reflect on the sights while enjoying the vast, open scenery.

Practical Details and Group Experience

The tour is operated by Star Travel Iceland, with driver-guides like Siggy and Thomas receiving high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. Many reviews highlight the guides’ ability to share interesting facts and personal insights, making the experience both informative and engaging.

The meeting point is at Hótel Kea in Akureyri, with optional pickup upon request. The tour departs promptly at 9:00 am, ensuring a full day of exploration. The group size, limited to 25 travelers, creates a comfortable and intimate atmosphere.

What’s Not Included and Practical Tips

While the tour covers many key sights, admission to the Nature Baths is not included and costs about 35 EUR. Travelers should bring their own bathing suits and towels if they wish to enjoy the geothermal waters. Also, lunch is not included, so packing snacks or planning a meal is recommended.

The timing allows for sufficient time at each stop, but there’s a note from reviews that more time in the baths might be appreciated, especially during busy periods or cruise ship schedules.

The Value and Overall Experience

With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 62 reviews, this tour clearly delivers a high-quality experience. The combination of stunning landscapes, geothermal wonders, and expert guides makes it a value-packed option for travelers eager to see Iceland’s natural beauty in one day.

While not all stops are free, the small group size, variety of highlights, and personalized narration contribute to a memorable adventure. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer guided travel over self-driving, and for anyone wanting a comprehensive look at northern Iceland’s geology and scenery.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day of Icelandic Wonders

The Day Trip to Lake Mývatn and the Nature Baths from Akureyri offers a balanced mix of waterfalls, geothermal landscapes, volcanic formations, and scenic views. The expert guides and small group setting elevate the experience, making it both informative and personal.

This tour suits travelers who want to maximize their time in Iceland with minimal planning, and who enjoy seeing nature’s raw beauty. The optional bath at Mývatn is a relaxing highlight, though bathing gear must be brought along.

While the itinerary is packed with highlights, some may wish for more time at the baths or additional stops. Still, the overall value and quality of this tour are well-reflected in its high ratings and enthusiastic reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pickup included in the tour price?
Pickup is offered upon request, but the tour starts at Hótel Kea in Akureyri at 9:00 am.

What is the cost of the Nature Baths admission?
Admission to the Mývatn Nature Baths costs approximately 35 EUR and is not included in the tour price.

Are there opportunities to swim during the tour?
Yes, travelers can choose to bathe in the geothermal waters at the Nature Baths, provided they bring their own bathing suit and towel.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops range from 10 to 30 minutes, with the longest at the Nature Baths (1 hour 40 minutes) and Dimmuborgir (30 minutes).

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The stops involve walking over volcanic and rocky terrain, but most locations are accessible and manageable for most travelers.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience with the guide.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings can be made through the provided platform, with confirmation received within 48 hours and full cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.