Mývatn and Goðafoss in one cruise day. This tour packs northern Iceland’s strangest geology and most famous falls into one guided loop from Akureyri.

I especially love Mývatn Lake country for the mix of crater views and geothermal weirdness, and I’m a big fan of Goðafoss for how fast you go from mist and roar to clear photo spots.

The main catch is time. You only get brief visits at each stop, so bring warm layers and plan to move efficiently.

Key takeaways before you go

• A tight “geology greatest hits” route from Lake Mývatn to Námaskarð to Dimmuborgir to Goðafoss
• Short, well-timed viewing windows (often 20–45 minutes) so you see a lot without rushing the whole day
• Included packed lunch (chicken sandwich, chocolate, and juice) that keeps you fueled for walking and waiting
• Sights with real variety: pseudo-craters, lava formations, boiling sulphur mud pits, then a horseshoe waterfall
• Cruise-port friendly schedule with pickup at the harbour after your ship docks

Entering the day: Akureyri pickup and the pace of a 6-hour cruise tour

This is a 6-hour guided bus tour built for the cruise clock. Your pickup is at the Akureyri harbour, scheduled 1 hour after your ship arrives, and the bus leaves about 30 minutes later. When you book, pay attention to that window so you’re not sprinting across the dock later.

You’ll start at Laufásgata 2 and the operator uses a bus marked Soleil de Minuit. From there, the day moves in a hop-on, hop-off rhythm: quick bus rides, then short guided stops.

That pacing is the whole tradeoff. You won’t linger like you would on a self-drive day, but you will hit the big northern icons in a way that feels organized and low-stress—especially if you’re working with limited cruise time.

Lake Mývatn and Skutustadir pseudo-craters: weird geometry with strong views

The first major nature stop is the Lake Mývatn area. You’ll have a short on-the-ground window to get oriented and enjoy the surroundings, then you’ll head to Skutustadir, known for its symmetrical pseudo-craters.

Pseudo-craters are one of those Iceland geology things that sound like trivia until you see them. They’re crater-like mounds formed by geothermal activity and how water interacts with volcanic material. The reason Skutustadir is so popular is the shape: the formations are easy to read at a glance, and the symmetry makes it feel almost engineered.

From Skutustadir, you also get a good view out over Lake Mývatn and the mountains around it. That matters because it turns your visit from just “walking on lava” into “understanding the scene.” You’ll likely find it easier to spot how the lake and geothermal zones connect.

Time-wise, don’t plan on a long hike here. Think of it as a prime viewpoint stop: walk a bit, take photos, and get your bearings fast.

Dimmuborgir lava fields: walking through a frozen mess of ancient fire

Next comes Dimmuborgir Lava Fields. This is where the scenery becomes surreal in a very literal way. Lava cooled into strange, broken shapes, and over time nature added textures and shadows that make the area look like something you’d see in a fantasy movie.

You’ll have about 30 minutes here. That’s enough for a short walk and some scenic viewing on the way, but it’s not enough for a long detour. Wear boots with grip and keep an eye on footing—volcanic ground can be uneven, and the surfaces can be slick if conditions are damp.

What I like about Dimmuborgir in this tour context is the contrast. You go from pseudo-craters at Skutustadir (clean, readable forms) to Dimmuborgir (chaotic, storybook shapes). Your brain gets a reset each time the geology style changes.

Námaskarð (Hverir) geothermal area: boiling sulphur mud pits and color in motion

Then the tour swings toward one of Iceland’s most eye-catching geothermal stops: Námaskarð Geothermal Area, also known as Hverir.

You’ll get around 30 minutes at this stop, which is just right for seeing the main geothermal features without feeling trapped by the heat and smell. Here you’re dealing with solfataras—places where sulphur vents release gas and the ground looks like it’s simmering. The tour notes mention boiling sulphur mud pits, and that’s exactly the effect: steam, bubbling mud, and that strong geothermal character that makes Iceland feel alive.

One of the standout parts of this area is the color range. Depending on where you stand, you can spot yellows, browns, and other mineral tones tied to sulphur deposits and changing ground conditions. It’s the kind of place where photos come out better if you pause and look around in between shots—your eyes will catch patterns your camera might miss.

If you’re sensitive to strong smells, keep a steady pace and don’t expect a breezy day. Geothermal areas are geothermal areas.

Reykjahlíð break and lunch timing: when to eat so the falls visit stays fun

Between the geothermal stops and Goðafoss, there’s a Reykjahlíð break of about 20 minutes. This is a helpful breather, especially after Námaskarð. Use it to stretch your legs, reset your socks, and make a quick bathroom stop if you need one.

Lunch is packed: a chicken sandwich, chocolate, and juice. Having lunch handled is a big value point on a cruise day. You avoid the hassle of hunting for food across remote stops, and you’re not stuck choosing between spending time eating or getting to the waterfall before your window ends.

As for your own snacks: bring a few extras if you like, but don’t overdo it. With a packed lunch provided, you’re already covered for the main meal.

Goðafoss Waterfall: The Waterfall of the Gods in a 45-minute window

The final nature star is Goðafoss, called the Waterfall of the Gods. This is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls for good reason. It forms a horseshoe shape, with an estimated 12 meters high (36 feet) and about 30 meters wide (90 feet).

You’ll get roughly 45 minutes to explore the waterfall area. That’s a strong amount of time for photos, walking to vantage points, and taking in the mist. You can also grab a coffee at the Godafoss Coffee Shop, which is ideal if you want something warm after cold spray.

Here’s what to remember for a better visit: Goðafoss isn’t only about standing still. The angles matter, and the mist changes how bright your photos look. Give yourself a moment at the main viewpoints, then walk a little to find your preferred sightline.

This is also a historically themed stop. The tour description ties Goðafoss to saga-time events, which adds a layer beyond “pretty waterfall.” Even if you’re not a deep history person, it makes the place feel more grounded and less like a photo stop.

Price and value: is $135 per person fair for this route?

At $135 per person, you’re paying for a lot of convenience: transportation from the Akureyri Cruise Terminal, guided stops, and a packed lunch included. On an Iceland cruise day, that combination can be the difference between enjoying the experience and spending your energy solving logistics.

You’re also buying time-efficiency. The route includes Myvatn / Skutustadir, Dimmuborgir, Námaskarð, a break in Reykjahlíð, and then Goðafoss. Doing all of that by independent means usually means more planning, more driving, and more risk if weather or timing gets weird.

Would I call it cheap? No. But I do think it’s fair value for a guided cruise-day plan—especially because lunch is included and the day is designed to fit ship arrival and departure timing.

What to pack for a cold, wet, geology-heavy day

Because this is a northern Iceland day with waterfalls and geothermal steam, you’ll want gear that handles wind and mist.

Pack basics like:

• Waterproof outer layer (Goðafoss mist is real)
• Warm mid-layer (you’ll feel it when the bus stops)
• Gloves or at least something for your hands
• Closed-toe shoes with grip (lava fields and uneven ground)
• A small day bag so you can keep your sandwich, camera, and layers organized

Also, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, since it involves walking and uneven volcanic areas.

If you’re prone to cold feet, plan for it. One cold hour can ruin the rest of the day, even if the scenery is fantastic.

Who should book this Mývatn and Goðafoss cruise tour

This is a great pick if you:

• Are on a cruise and want a guided, time-managed way to see the north’s best-known geology
• Like variety: pseudo-craters, lava formations, geothermal vents, then a major waterfall
• Prefer not to worry about driving, parking, or figuring out timing between remote stops
• Want lunch taken care of so you can focus on the views

It might be less ideal if you:

• Want long hikes or extended time at a single site (this tour is built for short stops)
• Have mobility needs that make walking on uneven ground difficult

Should you book? My practical call

If you’re choosing between a “do-your-own-thing” day and a guided cruise tour, I’d lean toward booking this one. It’s compact, logical, and focused on the big-name sights that actually make north Iceland feel distinctive.

Book it if you want a smooth day where the route and timing are handled, you get included lunch, and you can accept that each stop is a bite-size visit.

Skip it only if you know you’ll be frustrated by short viewing windows and want a slower, deeper exploration style instead. For a cruise day, this route hits the right balance between wow-factor and convenience.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Akureyri?

The tour duration is 6 hours.

Where do I meet the bus?

Pickup and drop-off are at the Akureyri harbour (your bus will be marked Soleil de Minuit). The tour starts at Laufásgata 2 and ends back there.

What stops are included?

You’ll visit Lake Mývatn, Skutustadir Pseudo-craters, Dimmuborgir Lava fields, the Hverir / Námaskarð geothermal area, a break in Reykjahlíð, and Goðafoss Waterfall.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a packed lunch with a chicken sandwich, chocolate, and juice.

What language is the guide?

The tour has a live guide in English.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Is there a cancellation window and reserve options?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and it also has a reserve now & pay later option.