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(15)
Be prepared for a wonderful day out with a superb guide, Joanna, who is interesting, engaging, enthusiastic - & fun. She wisely arranged with group for an earlier start to get ahead of the big bus tours. Transport is in a comfortable minivan (with a little step-up stool to make getting in & out easier for those who needed it). We made stops as per itinerary, & Joanna accompanied us for great commentary & photo taking. We were indulged in a little longer stay at the baths & an opportunity for a quick stop in town. I can’t imagine anyone had as good a time in Akureyri as we did.
did this as a cruise ship excursion (we were in port for 8.5 hours) and had almost 2 hrs at Earth Lagoon. She is very conscious of getting you back to the ship on time. I booked on Viator, but I'd recommend booking directly through the Viltour site.
Joanna with Viltour is fantastic! She's very knowledgeable about the area and so passionate. She really loves the land. You visit so many varied stops on this Lake Myvatn tour, and she brings you to a local restaurant if you want to try a geysir bread sandwich (and craft beer). I highly recommend the Earth Lagoon (extra cost) if you have the time. It's similar to Blue Lagoon, without the silica, and much less crowded. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, this tour takes you to a couple filming locations. Even if you're not, they are great geological sites. I did this as a cruise ship excursion (we were in port for 8.5 hours) and had almost 2 hrs at Earth Lagoon. She is very conscious of getting you back to the ship on time.
Joanna was extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of Iceland. She was very accommodating and we stopped at some amazing sites. Great tour to see the sights of Iceland.
This was a wonderful tour for my family. We had a fantastic time, and our tour guide was excellent. She was very knowledgeable about Icelandic history and made the experience even more enjoyable. We enjoyed the small setting.
We actually did not get to do this particular tour as Viator double booked our tour guide with two different groups on two different tours on the same day. We opted to join her other group on the Diamond Circle Tour and are so glad we did. First stop was Gooafoss, a beautiful waterfall similar to Niagara Falls. Next stop was a quick stop at a quaint harbour town. Then, my favorite, a viewpoint where we saw hundreds of puffins. Next stop was Iceland’s only natural forest where we took a short hike to a beautiful canyon and lake. Then it was on to Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Our last stop was at the Hverir Geothermal Area where We felt like we were on Mars! We saw so much in one day, we even had a few extra stops including one at the tetonic plates. Small group tours are so much better than big bus tours. Besides being able to see more, they can be personalized a bit. And Joanna, with Viltour Tours, was a fantastic guide. She truly cared that each of her customers was satisfied with everything! If you are in Akureyri, I would definitely recommend booking a tour with her!!
Karen, thank you so much for this amazing review! ❤️ I'm so happy everything worked out in the end, even after the Viator mix-up. It was such a pleasure to spend the day with you, and I'm glad you enjoyed the Diamond Circle. Thank you for your kindness and for recommending Viltour. It truly means the world to me. I hope to see you again in Iceland one day! :)
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.
Thank you so much for your kind review, Rocco! It was a real pleasure to meet you and your wonderful family. I'm so happy you enjoyed the tour. It was a lovely day for me too, and I hope to see you all again one day in Iceland!
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.
Thank you so much for your kind review, Brian! It was a real pleasure to spend the day with you both. I'm so happy you enjoyed the tour and the beautiful landscapes of North Iceland. I hope to welcome you both back to Iceland one day. 😊
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



