Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour

Godafoss and Mývatn Nature Baths make a smart pair: first you see North Iceland’s volcanic power in a broad, thundering waterfall and strange crater country, then you spend two hours soaking in warm geothermal water. The baths are the main event, but Godafoss gives the day its visual punch.

I like the way this tour is built around a cruise call. The schedule is set to get you back to Akureyri’s port, and the packed lunch saves you from losing sightseeing time at a restaurant. I also like the guides’ role: Arno has explained the geology, while Runar, Victoria, Elsa, and others have added local stories, humor, songs, and practical help.

The main caution is that this is a tightly timed shore excursion. Godafoss gets about 35 minutes and Skútustaðagígar about 15, so you will see the highlights rather than explore at length. Also bring protection from Mývatn’s famous midges, especially in warm, still weather.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours at Mývatn Nature Baths: Your entrance is included, giving you enough time to change, soak, and enjoy the view without rushing.
• Godafoss with an Icelandic history lesson: The waterfall is linked to the story of Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.
• A practical cruise-port schedule: The tour starts and ends in Akureyri, with the operator planning around ship departure times.
• Volcanic scenery at Skútustaðagígar: This short stop shows the pseudo-craters formed by ancient eruptions around Lake Mývatn.
• Lunch is included: Choose a chicken or vegan sandwich, with a bottle of water.
• Pack your own swim kit: Towels and swimwear are not included, though both can be rented at the baths for an extra charge.

Why this six-hour Akureyri shore trip works

At $238 per person, this is not a cheap bus outing. But the price includes cruise-terminal transport, an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi, lunch, and admission to Mývatn Nature Baths. For a single day in port, that bundle matters. You avoid arranging several separate rides, paying bath admission at the door, and worrying about finding your way back before the ship sails.

The real value is the combination of sights. Many North Iceland outings focus on scenery alone, while this one adds a proper soak in geothermal water. You get a waterfall, a volcanic area, a lake viewpoint, food, and a long bath stop in six hours.

This is especially useful if your ship is in Akureyri for only part of the day. The company adjusts departure timing to docking schedules, and the tour ends back at the port meeting point. Several outings have returned a few minutes before departure, which is exactly the margin you want on a cruise day.

Still, do not expect a slow country drive with long walks at every stop. The bus ride to the first attraction takes about 30 minutes, the return takes about 75 minutes, and the scenic stops are brief. You are buying a well-packed introduction to the region, not an in-depth expedition around Lake Mývatn.

Starting at Akureyri’s cruise port

The meeting arrangement depends on where your ship docks. At Tangarbryggja Pier, the guide meets you in the large parking lot at Gránufélagsgata 50. At Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, you meet at the Visitor Center by the cruise port, then go to the buses at Gránufélagsgata 50.

Look for an orange jacket or vest marked BusTravel Iceland. This detail is worth remembering because port areas can be confusing, and one past departure caused stress when the meeting information did not match the actual pickup point. Check the pier listed for your ship and allow time to reach the bus area.

The vehicles have free Wi-Fi, a small but useful touch on a longer ride. You will spend close to two hours on the road altogether, so the ability to check messages or look back at photos is welcome.

The guide does more than announce stops. Strong guides on this route have explained Icelandic history, local culture, geology, and personal stories. Arno, a geologist with local family roots, received particular praise for making the volcanic setting easier to understand. Other guides, including Runar, Victoria, Elsa, and Vicki, have been praised for humor, songs, patience, and clear help at the stops.

Guide quality can vary from one departure to another. Some people have found a guide’s delivery hard to hear or too monotone, and some instructions about what happens next have needed repeating. If you cannot hear well from your seat, tell the guide early rather than trying to guess the schedule.

Godafoss: a wide waterfall with a political story

Godafoss is the first major stop, after roughly 30 minutes on the bus. You get about 35 minutes for photographs, a walk, and views of the falls.

The name means Waterfall of the Gods, and the site carries an important Icelandic story. Around the year Iceland adopted Christianity, a local chieftain is said to have thrown his pagan statues into the falls. The gesture became a symbol of the country’s religious change.

The waterfall itself is broad rather than tall. It curves in a crescent shape, with water spreading across a low rock shelf. That shape makes Godafoss easy to appreciate from viewpoints near the walking area, even with a short stop.

I like this opening stop because it gives you both scenery and context. You are not simply taking a photograph of rushing water. You are looking at a place tied to a major decision in Icelandic history.

Thirty-five minutes is enough for a good look and a set of photographs, but not enough for an extended walk around every viewpoint. Wear shoes you can walk in, and keep your schedule in mind. The bus will not wait for a long search for the perfect angle.

Skútustaðagígar and Lake Mývatn’s volcanic shapes

The next stop is Skútustaðagígar, a group of pseudo-craters beside Lake Mývatn. The visit lasts about 15 minutes, so think of it as a viewpoint and photo stop rather than a full hike.

These rounded formations were created by ancient volcanic activity. They are not ordinary volcanic craters formed by a direct eruption from a central vent. Instead, steam and water helped shape the ground as hot lava moved across wet terrain. The result is a peculiar pattern of low crater-like forms around the lake.

This is where the region starts to feel unusual. Lake Mývatn is not just a body of water surrounded by mountains. Its edges and nearby ground show the effects of repeated volcanic forces, leaving shapes that look almost designed.

The short visit means your guide’s explanation is important. A clear guide can turn a quick photograph into an understandable lesson about how the pseudo-craters formed. If the weather is windy or cool, this stop may feel very different from the warm baths later, so keep an outer layer easy to reach.

Mývatn is also known for small flies, often called midges. They can be irritating around the lake and at outdoor viewpoints, especially when the air is still. A hat, long sleeves, sunglasses, or head net can make the stop much more pleasant. This is one of the few practical details that can strongly affect your enjoyment.

Two hours at Mývatn Nature Baths

The longest stop is Mývatn Nature Baths, with about two hours for changing and swimming. Admission is included, and this is the part of the tour that gives the outing its Icelandic holiday feel.

The water is naturally heated by geothermal activity below the ground. It is mineral-rich and known for its pleasant effect on the skin. You can move between the different pool areas, rest in the warm water, and look across the Mývatn area while you soak.

Two hours is a sensible amount of time. You can change, enter the water, spend a relaxed stretch outside, and still have time to dry off and prepare for the return trip. You are not left with a rushed half-hour dip, but the stop also does not take over the entire day.

You need to bring swimwear and a towel. Neither is included. The baths rent both for an extra fee, so you can still manage if you are traveling light, but bringing your own is simpler and avoids an added charge.

Expect communal changing and shower facilities. This is standard for Icelandic public pools, but it can surprise anyone expecting private changing areas. Follow the facility’s shower instructions before entering the pool.

The water may smell more strongly of geothermal minerals than you expect. That sulfur-like scent is part of the natural heating system, not a sign that anything is wrong. If you dislike strong mineral smells, this is worth knowing before you book.

Mývatn Nature Baths are often compared with the Blue Lagoon, but the practical point is simpler: this stop gives you a geothermal pool experience without requiring a separate visit from Akureyri. It is a good first taste of Iceland’s public bathing culture, especially if you are not planning to visit another pool during your trip.

Lunch on the road

The packed lunch includes a chicken sandwich or a vegan sandwich, plus a bottle of water. The format is useful because it protects sightseeing time and keeps the group moving between stops.

Do not assume you will have a long, formal lunch break. The schedule is designed around the waterfall, crater area, and baths, and some departures have had limited time or too few sandwiches available for everyone to eat comfortably at once. If you are hungry early, tell the guide and ask when lunch will be handed out.

The meal is best viewed as practical fuel rather than a culinary reason to book the tour. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, confirm what is available before departure, since the stated choices are chicken or vegan.

How the timing feels in real use

The stated duration is six hours. The route includes roughly 30 minutes to reach Godafoss, 35 minutes at the waterfall, 15 minutes at Skútustaðagígar, two hours at the baths, and about 75 minutes to return to Akureyri.

That leaves some time for boarding, traffic, guide introductions, and transitions. The schedule is compact but logical. The active sightseeing comes first, and the relaxing stop comes after you have seen the main scenery.

This order works well. You can take photographs and listen to explanations before changing into swimwear. After the baths, the longer ride back becomes a chance to rest.

The cruise connection is the most important timing issue. The company says departures are planned around ship docking times, and the tour ends at the cruise-port meeting point. Still, port excursions always deserve a little caution. Confirm your pier, arrive early, and tell the guide if you have a strict all-aboard time.

The tour has also handled mixed language groups, with at least one guide switching between English and German. The advertised tour language is English, so do not book expecting a bilingual service every time.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip if you want the main North Iceland sights without renting a car or planning a complicated shore day. It suits couples, families, and first-time visitors who want scenery plus a classic geothermal soak.

It also works well for anyone who values an entertaining guide. Several guides have added songs, dry humor, local stories, and extra explanations, making the bus ride part of the experience rather than dead time.

Families should note that the day includes a bus ride, quick stops, and communal bathing facilities. Older children and teenagers who enjoy unusual geology or swimming should find plenty to like, while very young children may find the transitions tiring.

You should consider another option if you want long walks, quiet time at Lake Mývatn, or a full day devoted to geological sites. The short stop at Skútustaðagígar is not enough for extensive exploration, and the waterfall visit is focused on seeing the main viewpoints.

Small details that make the day easier

Bring a swimsuit, towel, warm layer, sturdy walking shoes, water-resistant clothing, and something to protect your face from midges. You may also want a plastic bag for wet swimwear on the ride home.

Keep your phone or camera ready at Godafoss, but do not let photography consume the whole stop. Thirty-five minutes passes quickly once you have walked to the viewpoint and listened to the guide.

At the baths, plan your time before you enter. You have enough hours for a relaxed visit, but you still need to allow time for showering, changing, and returning to the bus. Leaving the water at the last possible minute creates needless stress.

If you are nervous about entering the baths, ask the guide for help. Guides have assisted people with the process, and the organized group setup makes the visit easier than arranging it independently on a busy port day.

Should you book the Godafoss and Mývatn tour?

Book it if you want a dependable six-hour introduction to North Iceland with a proper two-hour soak at the end. The included transport, entrance fee, lunch, Wi-Fi, and cruise-focused schedule make the $238 price reasonable for a shore excursion, especially if getting back to the ship on time matters more to you than keeping costs low.

Skip it if you want an unhurried day or dislike communal changing, geothermal smells, crowded transport, or insects around lakes. For most cruise passengers, though, the mix is hard to beat: a historic waterfall, volcanic formations, an included meal, and warm water with a view. Pack your towel, prepare for midges, and this tour gives you a lively, practical taste of Iceland’s north.

FAQ

How long is the Akureyri to Mývatn tour?

The tour lasts six hours, including transportation from Akureyri, sightseeing stops, time at Mývatn Nature Baths, and the return to the cruise-port meeting point.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes transportation from Akureyri Cruise Terminal, an English-speaking guide, free Wi-Fi, a packed chicken or vegan lunch with water, and admission to Mývatn Nature Baths.

Are towels and swimwear included?

No. You need to bring both. Mývatn Nature Baths rents towels and swimwear for an additional cost.

Where does the tour meet in Akureyri?

If your ship docks at Tangarbryggja Pier, meet the guide in the large parking lot at Gránufélagsgata 50. If your ship docks at Oddeyrarbryggja Pier, meet at the Visitor Center by the cruise port. Look for an orange BusTravel Iceland jacket or vest.

How much time do you get at Mývatn Nature Baths?

The scheduled visit lasts about two hours, including swimming and time to change.

Can you cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later.