Akureyri to Lake Myvatn and Nature Baths Small Group Tour
Description
This is a small - group experience designed for comfort, flexibility and a more personal connection with North Iceland. Unlike large bus tours, we travel at a relaxed pace, with time for photos, short walks and spontaneous stops depending on the conditions. With a local guide and driver, you experience not only the main highlights, but also the atmosphere and stories that make this region truly special. The tour is carefully planned to ensure a smooth day and a timely return for cruise passengers.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland and a true highlight of the North. Its wide, horseshoe shape and powerful flow create an unforgettable first impression. According to legend, this is where the lawspeaker Þorgeir threw pagan idols into the waterfall after Iceland adopted Christianity over 1,000 years ago. The water flows from Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland, and depending on the light, it shifts from deep blue to milky glacial tones. On sunny days, a beautiful rainbow often appears above the falls. It is a place that feels both powerful and peaceful at the same time - perfect for unforgettable photos and a moment to simply take it all in.
A truly unique place on a global scale - pseudocraters like these exist in only a few locations in the world: here in North Iceland, in Hawaii, and even on Mars. They were formed when hot lava flowed into the lake, trapping water beneath the surface. As the water rapidly turned into steam, pressure built up until it exploded through the ground, creating these perfectly shaped crater-like formations. Unlike real volcanic craters, they were not formed by an eruption from below, but by powerful steam explosions - making them a rare and fascinating geological phenomenon. Today, this area feels calm and almost surreal, with wide-open views over Lake Mývatn. It is the perfect place for a short walk, to take in the landscape, and to experience a quiet moment in one of Iceland’s most unusual environments.
Dimmuborgir, known as the “Dark Fortress,” is one of the most magical and mysterious places in Iceland. This vast lava field is filled with dramatic rock formations that feel almost unreal - part fairy tale, part otherworldly landscape. According to Icelandic legends, this is home to trolls and the famous Yule Lads - mischievous Christmas characters deeply rooted in local folklore. As you walk through the area, the landscape begins to play with your imagination. You may start to see shapes in the rocks - troll faces, creatures, animals, or hidden figures - each formation telling its own silent story. It is a place that invites you to slow down, explore, and look closer. A quiet, almost magical environment where creativity awakens and every step reveals something new.
Grjótagjá is a small lava cave that hides one of the most unexpected sights in North Iceland - and stepping inside is an experience in itself. From the outside, it looks simple and easy to miss. But once you enter, you discover a narrow cave filled with intensely blue, steaming geothermal water that contrasts beautifully with the dark volcanic rock. The colours feel almost unreal. Just outside the cave, the landscape opens up to reveal visible tectonic cracks - a place where you can stand between the North American and Eurasian plates and witness the Earth slowly pulling apart. It is a short stop, but one that feels surprisingly powerful - a hidden place that stays in your memory long after the tour ends.
Hverir is one of the most raw and otherworldly places in North Iceland - a landscape that feels closer to another planet than to anything familiar. Often compared to Mars, it is one of the most visually striking stops on the tour. The ground is alive. Steam rises from the earth, vents hiss, and thick mud bubbles in shades of yellow, brown and deep red. The colours are intense, the textures constantly shifting, and the entire area feels like it is still being created beneath your feet. This is a place that engages all your senses - you can see, hear and even feel the energy of the earth. The strong smell of sulfur is part of the experience, a reminder that this is not just a landscape, but an active geothermal area. It is wild, powerful and unforgettable - a true glimpse into the forces that shape Iceland.
Earth Lagoon (Mývatn Nature Baths) is more than just a geothermal bath - it is a moment where you truly feel Iceland. The water comes from deep underground, around 2.5 kilometers below the surface, and is rich in minerals known for their soothing and restorative effects on the body and skin. Its milky-blue colour creates a striking contrast with the raw, open landscape of North Iceland. As you step into the warm water, surrounded by rising steam and quiet space, everything slows down. The silence, the heat, and the vast surroundings create a feeling that is both calming and deeply grounding. Many people leave feeling lighter, calmer, and sometimes even a little renewed. It is the perfect way to end the day - not by doing more, but by simply being present in the moment.
On the way back to Akureyri, you can relax and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of North Iceland - wide open spaces, quiet valleys and the feeling of being far from everything.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please wait outside your accommodation or at the designated meeting point. If you are arriving by cruise ship, please go to the main parking area near the port, where tour vehicles are located. Your guide will be waiting there, wearing a turquoise/blue jacket and standing near the vehicle. To ensure a smooth start and avoid crowds, please be ready 10-15 minutes before departure. If you have any difficulty finding me, please contact me using the phone number provided in your booking.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(9)
Joanna was very timely and professional. She met our ship as soon as we docked and promptly put us in a comfortable van for our of five. She spent the next six or seven hours showing us the area and explaining northern Iceland's natural wonders. I would highly recommend tour.
Joanna was a wonderful guide. She made our day trip and tour enjoyable, and gave interesting info, thoughts, and tidbits about life and history in this amazing part of Iceland. The stops were beautiful and we loved seeing the ever changing landscape of Akureyri.
What an amazing, unforgettable day! Thanks to Joanna! She is a professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and caring tour guide! I highly recommend her! Do not hesitate to book a tour with her in Iceland, you won’t regret it. Thank you/grazie Joanna :-)
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave such a lovely review! ❤️ It was truly a pleasure to spend the day with you, and I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. Thank you for your trust and for all the nice conversations and smiles throughout the day. I wish you many more wonderful travels and beautiful memories. Hopefully our paths will cross again one day in Iceland!🤗
We had a wonderful day! Joanna is wonderful! She explains well, she takes her time and she answers all our questions. She is very quiet, friendly. We were a group of 7 people (older people and children) and everyone loved their experience!
Thank you so much for your lovely review and kind words. It truly means a lot to me. I am very happy that you and your family enjoyed the day together and had a great experience in North Iceland 😊 It was a pleasure to spend this time with you. Hope to see you again one day in Iceland! Warm wishes, Joanna | Viltour
The trip to Mývatn was an amazing experience! Our guide Joanna was excellent – very knowledgeable, professional, and truly engaged. She shared interesting insights about Iceland in a way that was easy to follow and made the whole journey even more enjoyable. On top of that, the atmosphere was great – relaxed, friendly, and fun. Everything was well organized, and we could fully enjoy the beautiful scenery. I would definitely recommend this tour and Joanna as a guide!
Dear Diana, Thank you so much for this beautiful review and for your kind words. It means a lot to me. I am very happy that you enjoyed the tour and your time in North Iceland. It was a pleasure to show you this beautiful part of Iceland. Hope to see you again one day! Warm wishes, Joanna / Viltour
This was an absolutely fantastic tour! Everything was perfectly organized, and the places we visited – Mývatn, Goðafoss, Grotagja, Nature Baths and Dimmuborgir – were truly breathtaking. The highlight, however, was our guide Joanna – incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and full of positive energy. She made every stop engaging and interesting, while also ensuring everyone felt comfortable and relaxed throughout the day. The experience was so amazing that I decided to come back again in winter to join another tour and hopefully see the Northern Lights! Thanks to such a wonderful guide, this trip became truly unforgettable – highly recommended!
Dear Magdalena, Thank you so much for this beautiful review and for your kind words. It means a lot to me. I am very happy that you enjoyed the tour and your time in North Iceland. It was a pleasure to show you this beautiful part of Iceland. Hope to see you again one day! Warm wishes, Joanna / Viltour
I had the pleasure to experience a private tour of Northern Iceland with Joanna from Viltour – and it was just fantastic! Joanna is incredibly competent, friendly and showed us places with her insider tips that you can not find in the guidebook. Her positive nature and constant smile made the whole tour even more enjoyable – just really good vibes from start to finish. The car was very comfortable and the route perfectly chosen – with breathtaking views that we won’t soon forget. I can absolutely recommend Joanna and her tours – a real highlight of our Iceland trip!
Dear Karo, Thank you so much for this beautiful review and for your kind words. It means a lot to me. I am very happy that you enjoyed the tour and your time in North Iceland. It was a pleasure to show you this beautiful part of Iceland. Hope to see you again one day! Warm wishes, Joanna / Viltour
Our family had a truly fantastic experience with Joanna. She made the entire day feel effortless, warm, and genuinely well taken care of. From her deep local knowledge and perfect pacing to helping us capture beautiful photos and adding thoughtful touches along the way, everything felt personal, relaxed, and exceptionally well organized. What truly sets Joanna apart, however, is her professionalism and care in unexpected situations. During one of our mountain hikes, my mother unfortunately injured her leg. Joanna immediately took control of the situation — she acted quickly, called for emergency assistance without hesitation, and even physically supported and carried my mother when needed. Her calmness, strength, and genuine compassion helped us navigate a very stressful moment with confidence. Thanks to Joanna, what could have been a difficult experience turned into a powerful reminder of how much a great guide can truly make a difference. We are incredibly grateful and would highly recommend her to anyone looking not just for a tour, but for someone who truly cares about their guests. Best regards, From Dmitry and all our Family
Dear Dmitry, thank you so much for your beautiful review and kind words. It truly means a lot to me. I hope your mother is feeling much better now and fully recovered. It was a pleasure to meet your family and spend this time together. Wishing you all the very best and hope to see you again in Iceland one day. Warm wishes.
An unforgettable trip to the wonderful Iceland with a great tour guide! I went to m first trip to Akureyri in the North of Iceland to see Aurora Borealis at the end of November - beginning of December 2025. No much luck there, I mean I saw the Northern lights but not as spectacular as I expected. Iceland is a fairy land with open spaces, clean air, beautiful landscapes, and adding to that an amazing tour guide like Joanna the trip is just unforgettable. Joanna is positive energetic knowledgeable and friendly and she is brightening everybody’s day. She showed me the stunning Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), almost all the key volcano sites in the Lake Mývatn area (at that time the blue lake was frozen), I visited the Christmas village, and of course the sightseeing travelling everywhere was just breathtaking. She is a great driver even with the snow and the ice on the roads and the winds I always felt safe and secure and she was stopping at every spot where she knows the pictures taken and video records show the best of this amazing land. She knows so much about history culture and beauty of the country and she always allows her tourists to enjoy the experience in various spots by themselves. The sky was changing all the time but the colours of the clouds and the sky with sometimes the sun coming out for a brief moment are just incredible. For me the most unexpected experience were the baths. Never in my life I wouldn’t have believed that I will immerse myself outdoors at -15℃ with snow and ice, in geothermal infinity pools with fjord views at Forest Lagoon, or Mývatn Nature Baths with mineral-rich, milky-blue waters, and natural steam baths. A unique experience! I will definitely go back to Akureyri and I whole heartily recommend Joanna as a tour guide if you want the best trip ever.
Dear Claudia, Thank you so much for this beautiful review and for your kind words. It means a lot to me. I am very happy that you enjoyed the tour and your time in North Iceland. It was a pleasure to show you this beautiful part of Iceland. Hope to see you again one day! Warm wishes.
