Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shared Shore Excursions

Exploring Iceland’s Natural Wonders: Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shore Excursion Review

Setting out on a full-day tour from Akureyri to the Lake Mývatn region offers an excellent way to see some of Iceland’s most iconic natural sights without the hassle of planning each stop yourself. This shared excursion, operated by Star Travel Iceland, covers eight unique stops, from thunderous waterfalls to bubbling geothermal areas, all within approximately 6 to 7 hours. It’s a well-paced journey that balances sightseeing with comfort, making it perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of North Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

What truly stands out is the guide-driven experience—many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to enrich the trip with interesting stories. Plus, with a capped group size of 18, it offers a slightly more intimate feel compared to larger bus tours. However, a potential consideration is the timing; with so many stops packed into a day, it’s a full schedule that may not leave much time for long stays at each site. This tour suits those who love a whirlwind day of adventure, excellent scenery, and engaging commentary.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Covers 8 major sights in the Lake Mývatn region, from waterfalls to lava formations.
• Guided experience: Expert guides enhance understanding of Iceland’s geology and folklore.
• Comfortable transport: Climate-controlled vehicles and a small group size improve the overall comfort.
• Value for money: The price includes multiple stops, local taxes, and a knowledgeable guide.
• Optional Nature Baths: A highlight for many, with the chance to relax in geothermal waters (fees not included).
• Timing flexibility: The tour adapts if cruise schedules change, especially at the Nature Baths.

Discovering the Highlights: A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Goðafoss Waterfall: The Waterfall of the Gods

The journey begins at Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Its name translates to “Waterfall of the Gods,” and it’s easy to see why. With its horseshoe shape and roaring water, it commands attention immediately. We loved the way this stop feels both powerful and poetic, a perfect introduction to the volcanic landscape. Reviewers often highlight its “spectacular” nature, and many mention it as the most impressive waterfall they’ve seen.

Spending about 30 minutes here allows plenty of time for photos, soaking in the scenery, and listening to guides explain its mythic background. No admission fee is required, making this a high-value first stop.

Skútustaðagígar: Pseudo Craters and Steam

Next, we venture to Skútustaðagígar, an area dotted with pseudo craters formed by steam explosions in the volcanic lake. The steam vents and mud pots add a lively, bubbling atmosphere to the landscape. Spending about 25 minutes here, you’ll get close enough to observe the geothermal activity and capture impressive landscape shots.

Many travelers appreciate the free-flowing nature of this stop, which offers insight into Iceland’s volcanic activity. The combination of steaming mud and volcanic craters creates a surreal setting perfect for photography and learning.

Kalfastrond: A Game of Thrones Location

Then, we get a quick glimpse of Kalfastrond, the spot where some Game of Thrones scenes were shot—think “North of the Wall”. The view over Lake Mývatn here is stunning and adds a touch of pop culture to the trip. Spending around 15 minutes, it’s a brief but memorable stop that combines natural beauty with a dash of fantasy lore.

Dimmuborgir Lava Formations: The Lava Fortress

On our way back, we visit Dimmuborgir, known for its dramatic lava formations that resemble a fortress or city. These formations are among the most popular tourist attractions in the area, and for good reason. The rugged, twisted shapes of the lava create an otherworldly landscape, perfect for exploring or snapping photos.

Travelers often mention that this stop is a highlight—”the unique lava formations are among the most popular tourist sites in Lake Mývatn,” as many reviews note. About 35 minutes here provides enough time to walk around, take in the grandeur, and listen to guides explaining Iceland’s volcanic history.

Grjotagja Cave: The Love Cave

Next, we visit Grjotagja Cave, an old geothermal bathing cave famous for its appearance in Game of Thrones as the “Love Cave.” The small, steamy cave offers a unique experience—though it’s a quick stop (15 minutes), many visitors find it memorable for its intimacy and warmth. It’s worth noting that the cave is free to visit, and the experience adds a romantic or mystical element to the day.

Namafjall Hverir: Geothermal Powerhouse

Our journey continues to Namafjall Hverir, a geothermal area with steaming vents and bubbling mud pools. The landscape here looks almost alien, with colors and activity that vividly demonstrate Iceland’s volcanic activity. Spending about 20 minutes allows you to wander around and listen to guides describe the geology behind such features.

Many reviews mention the breathtaking views over Lake Mývatn from this viewpoint, adding a scenic touch to the geothermal exploration.

Lake Mývatn: The Lights of the Area

While the tour doesn’t include a long stop at Lake Mývatn itself, there is a mention of a “lake of the lights,” likely referring to the spectacular scenery or possibly a quick stop to appreciate the view. If timing permits, the tour may include a brief look at this iconic area, known for its volcanic islands and birdlife.

Lake Mývatn Nature Baths: Geothermal Relaxation

The final highlight is a visit to Lake Mývatn Nature Baths—a chance to unwind and soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters. Many travelers rave about how relaxing this experience is, with some wishing for more time here. The 1.5-hour stop offers the opportunity for a dip (fees not included) or simply to enjoy refreshments at the in-house café.

Reviews repeatedly praise the Nature Baths for their “wonderful” atmosphere and say it’s a must-do for anyone seeking a true Icelandic thermal experience. The fact that this stop is flexible, depending on cruise schedules, shows the tour’s adaptability.

The Experience: Comfort, Guides, and Authenticity

This tour’s climate-controlled vehicle is a major plus, especially considering Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Many reviews highlight the comfort and professionalism of the guides, noting that they are both knowledgeable and personable. Guides like Reynir and Johanna are singled out for their ability to answer questions and make the day engaging.

Group size is capped at 18, which means you’re not lost in a crowd. Several reviewers mention how this enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized commentary. One guest called it “more intimate,” which adds to the overall enjoyment.

The cost of $199.71 per person sounds reasonable, considering the number of stops, transportation, and guided insight. Many reviews feel the tour offers excellent value, especially when you factor in the meals, admission fees (like at the baths), and the quality of the guides.

Considerations

While the itinerary is packed, some reviewers mention that timing can be tight—at certain stops like Lake Mývatn, there’s sometimes a brief window for sightseeing or lunch. A few guests noted initial confusion about start times, so it’s essential to confirm meeting details. Also, the Nature Baths are an optional add-on, with fees not included, which could be a deciding factor if you’re budget-conscious.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is an excellent pick for travelers who want to see a broad swath of North Iceland’s volcanic landscape without the hassle of self-driving. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a guided narrative, appreciate small-group intimacy, and want to check off several iconic sights in one day.

If you’re passionate about geology, waterfalls, and geothermal phenomena, this tour won’t disappoint. Adventure seekers who love a mix of sightseeing and relaxation—like soaking in the Nature Baths—will find it particularly appealing. However, if you prefer more time at fewer stops or are traveling with very young children, this might feel a bit rushed.

The Sum Up

In essence, this Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed snapshot of North Iceland’s most stunning natural attractions. The highlights—Goðafoss, Dimmuborgir, Lake Mývatn, and the geothermal baths—are all spectacular in their own right and provide a genuine sense of Iceland’s volcanic power.

The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, elevate the experience, making it both educational and fun. The small group size means you’ll get more personalized attention, which can be a real plus when navigating busy or remote sites.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who crave a full immersion in Iceland’s natural beauty but prefer to leave the driving and planning to someone else. It delivers a solid value, especially when you consider the number of stops, the comfort of the transport, and the insights shared along the way.

For anyone visiting Akureyri who wants to tick off the most photogenic, fascinating, and relaxing sights in the North, this tour is a fantastic choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 6 to 7 hours, making it a full-day experience packed with stops but balanced with comfortable travel time.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered from a central meeting point in Akureyri, making logistics simple.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, driver, and local taxes. Entrance fees to the Nature Baths and food are not included.

Can I visit the Nature Baths?
Yes, the stop at Lake Mývatn Nature Baths is optional and lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes; you can choose to relax in the geothermal waters or just enjoy the café.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviews highlight guides like Reynir, Johanna, and Peter for their expertise, storytelling, and friendliness.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, a camera, and a bathing suit if you plan to enjoy the baths. Towels and suits are not provided.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for outdoor walking and some uneven terrain at sites like Dimmuborgir and Grjotagja.

What if my cruise schedule changes?
The tour is flexible, especially the Nature Baths stop, which can be adjusted based on your cruise’s berthing time.

In sum, this tour is a fantastic way to experience North Iceland’s volcanic beauty in a single day, with knowledgeable guides to bring the landscape to life. It’s a superb option for those seeking a balance of adventure, comfort, and authentic natural sights.