Winter in North Iceland moves fast, then hits you with big skies. This Akureyri special pairs a guided Lake Mývatn geology day with an evening Northern Lights hunt, so you get both daylight weirdness and night-sky magic. I love that the day tour is paced with real stops (waterfall, caves, lava sights, and viewpoints) and not just a long bus ride. I also like that the Northern Lights plan has a built-in logic: the guide drives farther out from light pollution and adjusts each night based on sky conditions.

One consideration: you can’t control the weather. The lights aren’t guaranteed, and even the bath stop can depend on conditions on the day.

Quick highlights before you go

Small-group focus (up to 18) keeps the day feeling personal and manageable on Iceland roads.

Two anchor experiences in one: Goðafoss + Mývatn geothermal zones by day, Northern Lights out from the town by night.

Guides get you moving smart: the Northern Lights route changes based on clear-sky chances, not a fixed script.

Nature Baths are optional and not included in your price, so plan for the entry fee and bring what you need.

Photo-worthy fjord payoff on the way back, with a view back toward Akureyri.

Why this Akureyri + Mývatn combo works in winter

This is the kind of itinerary that makes sense when the days are short and the weather can swing. In one package, you do the daytime “show me the science” part of Iceland—volcano shapes, geothermal steam, and lava formations—then you swap into night gear for the area’s best shot at the Northern Lights.

I also like the logic of where you start. Akureyri gives you a base with an easy pickup plan, and the tours then move outward: the lake day heads into the Mývatn region, while the lights evening heads away from town lights. That matters because even a bright town can spoil your eyes’ dark adaptation.

Finally, the pace is built for winter comfort. You’re not expected to hike for miles, but you do get enough walking to stretch your legs at viewpoints and stops. You’ll want warm layers and sturdy shoes since the ground can be uneven and the stops are outdoors.

Day 1 (9:00 AM): Eyjafjörður to Goðafoss, then geothermal Mývatn

The Lake Mývatn day starts with a drive along Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s long fjords. Even from the bus, you’re picking up the local scale—fjords that look dramatic even in cloudy weather. This matters because it sets expectations: the region is shaped by water and ice history, but the day’s real storyline is volcanic.

Eyjafjörður fjord drive and the first big stop: Goðafoss

You stop at Goðafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It’s a strong first hit because waterfalls give you instant impact without needing perfect weather. You’ll have time to take in the falls and get your bearings before the day shifts into geothermal territory.

If you like Iceland at “maximum variety,” Goðafoss is a good warm-up. The next part turns you from waterfall power to volcanic detail—steam, sulfur zones, lava textures, and strange rock features.

Grjótagjá cave and the geothermal stop at Hverarönd (Námaskarð)

Next, you head toward Grjótagjá, a cave area people associate with geothermal activity. It’s not just scenery; it’s a way of seeing how heat and rock interact in this region. After that, the tour includes a stop at Hverarönd in Námaskarð, where you’ll see active geothermal surroundings and hot-spring areas.

This is where the day starts to feel truly “Mývatn.” The air can smell faintly sulfurous, steam can be visible even on colder days, and the ground can look subtly transformed—like the planet is still working under the surface.

Optional soak: Mývatn Nature Baths (and how to plan for it)

There’s an optional chance to relax in the Nature Baths (entry fee isn’t included). Bring your swimsuit and a towel if you want to use the soak time.

This part of the day is valuable because it balances the sensory intensity of geothermal sites. After looking at steam and lava shapes, you get warmth and slow time. It’s one of those Iceland moments that turns the tour from sightseeing into recovery.

One practical heads-up: in one past departure, the Nature Baths were closed for refurbishment, and the guide arranged a different arrangement so the group didn’t lose the day. That’s a reminder that in Iceland, sometimes “nature” wins, but businesses still have schedules. If baths are a must for you, keep some flexibility in your expectations.

The return route: Dimmuborgir and pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar

On the way back, the itinerary leans hard into the volcanic visuals that make Mývatn famous. You’ll stop in Dimmuborgir, known for its lava formations, and also visit Skútustaðagígar, the pseudocraters area.

These stops work well on a tour because you get context while you’re looking. Lava formations can look like abstract art from a distance, but with guidance you start noticing patterns—how eruptions shape the ground and how steam-driven activity can create rock features that don’t fit the normal “crater” definition.

If you’re the type who loves photos, these are the stops where you’ll actually want to slow down and look around. In winter light, textures read clearly, and you can often get striking contrast between dark lava and pale winter sky.

Fjord viewpoint back toward Akureyri

Your last stop is on the Eyjafjörður side with a view back over the fjord toward Akureyri—a good place to take photos and mentally connect the two days. It’s also a helpful transition point. You’re heading back to town, which makes the next step (the dark-sky Northern Lights drive) feel like a clean switch.

Day 2 (9:30 PM): Northern Lights hunt outside Akureyri

The Northern Lights evening starts at 9:30 PM. The goal is simple: escape light pollution and get your eyes in the right place for a faint, fast-moving phenomenon. This tour doesn’t pretend it can guarantee the lights. Instead, it focuses on maximizing the odds.

Where you’ll go depends on clear-sky chances

The viewing plan is flexible. Each night you head to where the guide believes the conditions are most favorable for clear sky. That’s the right approach in North Iceland, where clouds can sit like a blanket and clear patches can appear elsewhere.

You’ll appreciate this style if you’ve ever watched the sky turn from hopeful to gray in minutes. A fixed location doesn’t work as well when weather shifts. A responsive plan gives you more chances.

No guarantee, but there is a safety net

The Northern Lights are natural. Sightings can’t be guaranteed even if the tour runs. The important bit is what happens if you don’t see them: if the evening tour operates and the Northern Lights are not seen, the operator offers the trip again for free.

That means you should treat this as a “best effort plus option” rather than a one-shot gamble. For you, the smartest move is to schedule your Northern Lights tour on your first night in Akureyri. That way, if you need a redo date, you aren’t stuck.

What this tour is like in real terms

You’re not doing any technical stuff. You’re driving out, finding a darker spot, and then waiting in winter darkness while your guide keeps an eye on conditions. You’ll want real winter gear: layers, a warm hat, and gloves. You’ll likely spend time looking upward, so comfort matters more than you’d think.

If you care about good guidance, you’ll be in good hands. In one group experience, the guide—Sigi—kept everyone informed and entertained during the wait. Another group had Ziggie as the driver/guide and called the Northern Lights portion fantastic. That kind of vibe helps when you’re out in cold air for long stretches.

Price and value: what you actually get for $350

At $350 per person for a 2-day program, it’s not a “cheap Iceland” purchase. But it also isn’t just paying for two attractions. You’re paying for a guided circuit, winter transport, and the kind of timing that matters in this region.

Here’s the value equation as you feel it day-to-day:

• You get guided time in the Lake Mývatn area, including multiple key stops. That matters because geothermal regions make more sense with context, and you’re walking around active or recently active volcanic zones.
• You get the Northern Lights hunt, including a specific departure time and a strategy that changes with conditions.
• Airport shuttles are included for EasyJet arrivals, plus you’ll be brought back to Akureyri Airport on your departure day.

It also helps that the group is small—limited to 18. That keeps the tour from feeling like a moving checkpoint and helps you ask questions without shouting across rows of strangers.

What’s not included (so you don’t get surprised): meals and drinks, personal expenses, Nature Baths entry, and you’ll need your own swimsuit and towel if you plan to soak.

Logistics that make or break winter tours

This is a winter special, so the little details matter. The good news is this one handles the big ones.

Airport pickup for EasyJet guests

If you’re flying with EasyJet and landing in Akureyri, there’s a complimentary shuttle. You just need to provide your flight information so they know when to pick you up, and you share your accommodation details for pickup on the two tours.

That reduces stress on arrival day. In winter, stress is the enemy. You want to settle in, get warm, and then spend the day outside without juggling logistics.

Small group and English guide

The tour runs with a live English guide, and the group stays small. In Iceland, smaller groups often mean you can hear explanations, and you’re less likely to feel like you’re on a tight factory schedule.

What to bring

You already know Iceland needs layers, but this tour makes it extra clear:

• Comfortable shoes with traction
• Warm clothing in layers
• Swimsuit and a towel if you want the Nature Baths

Also, plan for cold hands during the Northern Lights wait. Gloves can be the difference between “I’m enjoying this” and “Why am I freezing?”

Who should book this tour (and who might skip it)

This works best if you want two very different Iceland experiences without doing the driving yourself. It’s ideal for people who:

• Want a guided introduction to the Lake Mývatn geothermal area
• Care about the Northern Lights odds and want a real plan, not just a random night out
• Prefer a small-group feel over large coach tours

You might think twice if you’re the type who needs comfort at every moment, because winter roads and outdoor viewing involve some waiting and cold. Also, if your trip schedule is super tight, remember that the lights depend on sky conditions, even though you have the free redo option if the tour runs and the lights aren’t seen.

Should you book Akureyri: Lake Mývatn & Northern Lights?

If you’re going to Akureyri in winter and you want the best “two-day hit” for both volcano country and night skies, I’d book it. The guided Mývatn day gives you structure for a place that can feel confusing on your own, and the Northern Lights hunt is set up with sensible flexibility outside light pollution.

Book it with one mindset: you’re buying time, expertise, and effort—not a guaranteed sky show. If you get clear conditions, you’ll feel like you won the winter lottery. If you don’t, the free redo option keeps it from turning into a total letdown.

If your travel dates allow, schedule the Northern Lights portion for your first night in Akureyri so you have the most options if the sky doesn’t cooperate.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?

The package runs for 2 days.

What time does the Northern Lights tour start?

The Northern Lights hunt departs at 9:30 PM.

What time does the Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and Nature Baths tour start?

The Lake Mývatn and related stops depart at 9:00 AM.

Is the Northern Lights viewing guaranteed?

No. Northern Lights sightings cannot be guaranteed because it’s a natural phenomenon and the tour depends on weather and sky conditions.

If we don’t see the Northern Lights, do we get another chance?

Yes. If the evening tour goes ahead and the Northern Lights are not seen, you’ll be offered the trip again for free.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are the EasyJet airport shuttle, the guided Lake Mývatn area tour, and the Northern Lights hunt.

Is entry to the Mývatn Nature Baths included?

No. The entry fee to the Mývatn Nature Baths is not included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

If you want to use the Nature Baths, you’ll need to bring a swimsuit and a towel.

How big is the group?

This is a small group limited to 18 participants, with an English live guide.