Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Shared Shore Excursions

Myvatn packs a lot into one day. This shared tour from Akureyri strings together Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn geothermal sites with an English guide, using a comfortable A/C vehicle to get you there without fuss.

I also like the small-group feel for such a busy itinerary, so you spend less time herding people and more time actually seeing. The main thing to consider is that this is a long day, and Mývatn can mean bugs and flies when conditions are warm.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Goðafoss first, so you get the headline waterfall while the day is still fresh
• Geothermal variety in one loop, from steam and mud pots to lava formations
• Game of Thrones stops, with Kalfastrond, Dimmuborgir, and Grjotagja tied to filming locations
• Nature Baths at the end, optional geothermal soaking, with admission not included
• A/C vehicle and guided narration, helpful when weather turns or the terrain looks unfamiliar
• Small vehicle group concept, with a personal feel even though the overall tour can have more participants

A long-but-smart circuit from Akureyri

This is the kind of day trip that works because it is built as a route, not a checklist of random stops. You start in Akureyri and spend roughly 6 to 7 hours moving through the dramatic volcanic scenery around Lake Mývatn, hitting multiple high-impact places without worrying about driving, parking, or route timing.

What I like most is the structure: you get short, focused time at each place, instead of one long stretch where you start to feel worn down. The goal is efficient viewing. That is also why it can feel intense if you want slow travel. Think of it as a “see it all” day, with a calmer finale.

The tour also keeps things practical. You get pickup offered, an A/C vehicle, and a guide who runs the schedule in a way that tries to protect your time at the sights.

Pickup and meeting points, especially if you are on a cruise

If you are sailing into Akureyri, meeting the group is usually the make-or-break moment of any excursion. Here the provider gives clear meeting options, and you should plan to double-check which port you dock at.

For cruise ships:

• Tangabryggja Port: you meet at Star Travel, house number 3, outside the cruise ship area near several small wooden houses.
• Oddeyrarbryggja Port: meet right outside the ship at the designated agent area next to an Icewear shop. Look for a team member wearing a bright yellow jacket.

If you are staying in Akureyri:

• The main start point is listed as Oddeyrarbryggja, Strandgata 600.
• Make sure you select the correct accommodation for pickup.
• Keep your phone number reachable in case the team contacts you with updates.

Two practical tips I’d add: arrive a little early. If your phone battery is low, top it up before you head out. This tour uses mobile tickets, so you want your phone ready.

Goðafoss: get the waterfall wow out of the way early

You begin with a stop at Goðafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, with about 30 minutes on site. Admission is listed as free, which is a nice perk because it keeps your day from feeling like everything costs extra.

Why it is a smart first stop: early in the day, you have the best shot at clearer skies and better light for photos. Also, after the long drive, having the main wow early helps you avoid that mid-day slump where you start rushing to the next thing.

In practice, 30 minutes is enough for viewing, short walks, and getting a feel for the power of the falls. If you want long, quiet time, this might feel short. But if you want a high-impact start, it does the job.

The Lake Mývatn circuit: steam, lava, and Game of Thrones spots

The heart of the day is the Mývatn geothermal region. You will bounce between places that feel different from each other, even though they are all part of the same volcanic system.

Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters and geothermal steam

Next up is Skútustaðagígar, the pseudo craters area. You get around 25 minutes, and admission is listed as free. The focus here is the geothermal feel: steam and mud pots. It is a good stop if you enjoy seeing how Iceland’s heat reshapes the ground in very literal ways.

This is also a place where you will likely feel the difference between “pretty steam” and “wow, that’s active.” It is short enough to be manageable, but long enough to take in what is happening.

Kalfastrond viewpoint: North of the Wall energy

You then stop at Kalfastrond, roughly 15 minutes. The big draw is the view over Lake Mývatn, and the fact that it was a filming location tied to the Game of Thrones North of the Wall vibe.

Fifteen minutes sounds brief, but viewpoints work best when you want one clean look, quick photos, and then move on. If the weather is poor, this stop can still be worth it because your time is limited and the payoff is fast.

Dimmuborgir lava formations

On the return leg, you hit Dimmuborgir, with about 35 minutes on site. Admission is listed as free. This is one of the most popular attractions in the Mývatn area, and it is famous for its unusual lava formations.

Why this stop matters: after steam and mud, lava scenery gives you a different angle on the same volcanic story. It also tends to be more visually “architectural,” so you get that moment where your brain starts drawing shapes and patterns in the rocks.

Grjotagja cave, the old bathing cave

Next is Grjotagja cave, about 15 minutes, listed as free. It is connected in pop culture with the Game of Thrones love cave theme.

This is not the kind of stop where you need an hour to appreciate it. It is more about seeing the location and getting the feel of the cave space. Since time is tight, aim to be ready when your group pulls in.

Namafjall Hverir: a viewpoint over the geothermal area

Then comes Namafjall Hverir, a 20-minute stop and free entry. This is framed as a viewpoint over the Lake Mývatn area. If you are feeling “geothermal’d out” by this point, viewpoints help reset your brain. You get context, not just close-up features.

Lake of the Lights

You also make a stop called lake of the lights. The duration is not specified in the details you provided, so expect it to be short and part of the flow between the other geothermal moments. Treat it as a quick extra highlight, not your main anchor.

Expect the Mývatn reality: bugs can be intense

One downside that came up for many people is that Mývatn can be a bug challenge. The flies, often described as everywhere, can make outdoor stops feel miserable when conditions are right for them. I’d plan for it, especially if you are traveling in warm months when the midges and flies are most noticeable.

Practical move: bring a head net if you have one. Even basic protection changes the whole experience when you are trying to enjoy steam vents and viewpoints without fighting insects nonstop.

Nature Baths at Mývatn: optional geothermal soaking, not included

The day usually ends at Earth Lagoon Myvatn (also referred to as Jardbodin vid Myvatn). Time on site is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Here is the money detail that matters: Nature Baths admission is not included, and bathing suit and towel are not included. If you show up unprepared, you can end up dealing with last-minute purchases and schedule stress.

Why this stop is so popular: after all the walking and wind, geothermal water feels like a reset button. It is also a rare place where you get to relax instead of just look.

Construction note: one review called out that expansion work can bring cranes and other building elements, which can take away from the pure nature feeling. Still, the geothermal heat is the real thing, and lots of people love the soak anyway.

You can also tailor the ending. If you want more time elsewhere, ask if your guide can adjust the plan. Some groups have successfully swapped the baths for other waterfall time when everyone agreed, so it depends on timing and how the day is going.

Guides and comfort: what you actually get in the van

This tour is offered in English, and the experience hinges on how well the guide handles the route.

You will notice the difference right away in how the group is managed at each stop. Several guides were praised by name, including Siri, Ziggy, Siggi, Johanna, Reynir, Hilly, Hogni, Kristján, Christian, and Peter. Common threads: people felt the guides explained what to expect, guided everyone where to look, and kept the timing under control.

Comfort-wise, you ride in an A/C vehicle, and it is built for maneuvering around stops without the hassle of big-coach bottlenecks. People also liked that the day felt organized and that the time at each place was workable, even though the itinerary is packed.

Group size is another factor. The details say a group capped at 18 people for a more personalized feel, while the overall maximum for the activity is listed as 67 travelers. Practically, you should expect small-vehicle grouping rather than a huge crowd at every stop.

Price and value: why $200.33 can make sense

At $200.33 per person, this is not a budget tour. It is priced like a guided day that replaces your own driving plus adds local route expertise.

Here is where the value comes from:

• You get an A/C vehicle plus a guide and driver, and local taxes are included.
• Most stops have free admission, so you are not paying entry fees every time you step out.
• You are covering multiple major sites around Lake Mývatn in one day, which is hard to do smoothly on your own without spending time planning and shuttling between parking and viewpoints.
• If you are on a cruise, the route is designed around getting you back to the ship on time, which can be the difference between a good excursion and a costly mistake.

The biggest cost “gotcha” is that the Nature Baths fee is not included. If you plan to swim, budget extra for admission, plus a swimsuit and a towel.

My take on the deal: if you want the highlights with minimal hassle, the price can be fair. If you like flexible timing and do not care about guided interpretation, you might prefer independent driving and building your own route. But you give up the logistics help, and you also lose the way a good guide helps you know what matters at each stop.

Who this tour fits best, and who might skip it

This works especially well for:

• First-timers to North Iceland who want a strong introduction to the geothermal Mývatn region
• Cruise passengers who need a reliable plan and a clear meeting point
• People who would rather trade a car rental for guided pacing and interpretation
• Anyone who wants a controlled group day with quick stops and a relaxing end at the baths

Consider a different approach if:

• You hate long days or you want unhurried time at fewer locations
• You know you are very bug-sensitive and you do not want to deal with outdoor conditions at Mývatn
• You prefer fully independent timing and do not want optional paid add-ons at the end

Should you book this Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn shared tour?

Book it if you want the convenience of transportation from Akureyri, an English guide, and a packed geothermal day that hits multiple major stops without the stress of planning. The combination of Goðafoss, geothermal sites, and the optional Nature Baths is a solid way to experience the region in a single shot, especially if you are short on time.

Think twice if you are allergic to midges and flies or you are traveling with a strict schedule where a long day feels risky. Also, arrive prepared for the baths, because the soak is great, but it is not included.

If you do book: pack layers for wind and cold, bring bug protection if you have it, and keep your phone charged for mobile ticket access. That turns a good day into a smooth one.

FAQ

What is the typical duration of the Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss shared tour?

It runs about 6 to 7 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes an A/C vehicle, a guide, a driver, and local taxes. Food and drink are not included.

Is admission included for all the stops?

Admission is listed as free for stops like Goðafoss, Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir, and Grjotagja. Nature Baths admission is not included, and you also need to bring a bathing suit and a towel.

Where do I meet if I am on a cruise ship?

If you are docking at Tangabryggja, meet at Star Travel house number 3 outside the cruise ship area. If you dock at Oddeyrarbryggja, meet outside the ship at the designated agent area next to an Icewear shop, and look for a team member wearing a bright yellow jacket.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.