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A scenic half-day journey from Akureyri into North Iceland’s Lake Mývatn region. You’ll visit a series of well-known geological landmarks, including waterfalls, geothermal areas, lava caves, and volcanic formations. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the region’s history and the folklore connected to these dramatic sites.
Availability
May-Sept
Duration
6 hours
Departs From
Akureyri
Level
Easy
Suitable for most people in fair condition.
On this unforgettable half-day adventure, discover the natural wonders of North Iceland and the magical landscapes of Lake Mývatn. Marvel at the legendary Goðafoss waterfall, walk among the steaming geothermal fields of Hverir, and step inside the hidden lava cave of Grjótagjá. Complete your journey exploring the dramatic formations of Dimmuborgir lava fields and the unique Skútustaðir pseudocraters.
The tour begins at the Special Tours office in Akureyri, the vibrant capital of Northern Iceland. After meeting your guide, you’ll set off eastward toward the spectacular Lake Mývatn region.
Your first stop is the breathtaking Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” this 12 m (39 ft) high, horseshoe-shaped cascade is as powerful as it is beautiful. Goðafoss also holds deep historical significance, tied to Iceland’s transition from Norse paganism to Christianity.
Next, travel past Lake Mývatn to the surreal geothermal area of Námaskarð and the fields of Hverir. Here, the earth feels alive—with steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vivid sulfur-stained ground. It’s one of the best places in Iceland to witness the raw volcanic forces still shaping the land beneath your feet.
Step into the hidden lava cave of Grjótagjá, a small but eye-catching cavern sheltering a striking geothermal spring of bright blue water. While bathing isn’t allowed, the cave is still worth visiting if you’re a fantasy series fan. Game of Thrones fans may recognize it as the setting of Jon Snow’s famous romantic scene.
Just nearby lies Dimmuborgir, a haunting lava field formed over 2,000 years ago. Wander among towering rock formations, arches, and caves often called the “Dark Castles.” This area is steeped in folklore, said to be home to Iceland’s legendary hidden people, the huldufólk, who are believed to protect the land.
Your final stop is Skútustaðagígar, a fascinating cluster of pseudocraters created not by eruptions, but by steam explosions when lava flowed over wetlands. The area offers gentle walking trails and beautiful panoramic views across Lake Mývatn.
After a morning of beautiful sights, you’ll journey back to Akureyri, returning to the Special Tours office with a deeper appreciation for one of Iceland’s most underrated and remarkable regions.
Your guide will meet you at Special Tours Whale Watching Akureyri, Oddeyrarbót 1, 600 Akureyri. Please be at the office at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
No, our guides are not able to provide information on these matters, but our team will be happy to assist you. We kindly ask that you reach out to our customer care team regarding any questions or concerns.
This is a great question. We ask all participants to be ready from the start of the pickup time indicated. This is because you may well be the first pick up of the day. Please be at your assigned location at the start time that you chose when booking the tour.
Here you should wait for your guide.
Have your email and phone number listed with us so we can contact you if we run into any trouble finding you.
View our pick-up locations in Reykjavík.
Before and during activities on the multi-day tours consumption of alcohol is prohibited. If we suspect that a participant is intoxicated, we will prohibit them from joining the activity.
After the activities of the day are finished, you are welcome to have a drink and relax.
Your safety is our number one priority! Keeping this in mind, Arctic Adventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and/or take different routes depending on conditions. Please read more information in our cancellation policy.
Yes, there is a specially trained and certified guide on each of our tours. The only exception to this is for our self-drive tours.
All of our tours are guided in English.
No, for all your questions and concerns you would need to contact our customer service.
Our tours are split into four different categories that help participants to understand what to expect from the tour. The categories are Easy, Moderate, Challenging and Demanding. Each tour is rated making it easier to find tours that suit you.
For further information about the difficulty ratings and descriptions.
We’ve partnered with the Kolviður Fund in a new carbon offsetting program, which passengers can select to participate in at the time of booking.
The Kolviður Fund is the oldest, most respected carbon offsetting program in Iceland. With your support, one tree will be planted in special Kolviður forests in Iceland to carbon offset your tour with us.
Kolviður forests are strategically planted to absorb the maximum amount of CO2 and the forests are protected for a minimum of 60 years. During their lifetime the trees absorb carbon and store it in their root system, trunk, and branches. Trees also prevent soil erosion and maintain storage of carbon in the soil.
