Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour

Goðafoss is the first big payoff here, but the best part comes later: sitting outdoors in warm, mineral-rich water while the strange volcanic country around Lake Mývatn stretches beyond the pool. This tour gives you a quick taste of North Iceland without asking you to plan transport or risk missing your ship.

I like the smart route, with Goðafoss waterfall and the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðagígar before the baths. I also like the practical packed lunch, free Wi-Fi, and guides who often add songs, local tales, and personal stories. The main drawback is time: the schedule is tight, and some departures provide only about an hour in the water.

The other consideration is the meeting point. Buses leave from the large parking area at Gránufélagsgata 50, not necessarily right beside the ship. Check the pickup instructions carefully, bring swimwear and a towel, and allow time to find the bus.

Key points at a glance

• A strong first stop: Goðafoss is broad, curved, and tied to the story of Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.
• Volcanic oddity: Skútustaðagígar offers a short look at the pseudo-craters around Lake Mývatn.
• Two hours at the baths: The included entry is the centerpiece, though the actual soaking time can feel shorter on a busy day.
• Lunch keeps the route moving: Choose a chicken or vegan packed lunch and a bottle of water.
• Good cruise-stop planning: The six-hour schedule is built around ship docking times, with return to the Akureyri terminal.
• Guides make a difference: Arno, Hannes, Runar, Ricky, Vicki, and others have been praised for humor, stories, music, and local context.

Why this Akureyri shore trip works

Akureyri is a pleasant town, but the most memorable sights in this part of Iceland lie beyond it. Lake Mývatn is about 75 minutes away by road, and independent transport takes planning. This excursion handles the long drive, admission to the baths, lunch, and the return to your ship in one package.

At $247 per person, it is not cheap. Iceland is expensive, and the price includes a six-hour guided outing, transport from the cruise area, the Mývatn Nature Baths ticket, lunch, and Wi-Fi. You are paying for convenience as much as sightseeing. For a cruise stop, that matters: you do not have to compare rental cars, drive unfamiliar roads, or watch the clock alone.

The route also has a good rhythm. Goðafoss gives you a powerful natural sight early in the day. The Mývatn stop adds volcanic scenery. Then the baths provide time to slow down before the return drive. It is a more satisfying mix than a bus trip made entirely of quick photo stops.

Finding the bus at Gránufélagsgata 50

The stated starting point is the large parking lot at Gránufélagsgata 50. Your guide is expected to meet you there, but the exact bus position can matter. One group found the vehicle about 100 yards from the ship and had to hurry after receiving a call that the bus was waiting.

I would not assume the ship gangway leads directly to the coach. Confirm the meeting location before leaving the vessel, and keep your phone available. A few minutes of confusion can make an already tight morning stressful.

The tour lasts six hours, with roughly 30 minutes to Goðafoss, 35 minutes at the waterfall, 15 minutes at Skútustaðagígar, about two hours at the baths, and a 75-minute return drive. The exact start time changes with ship schedules, so check the current departure time rather than relying on a general timetable.

This is a live English-language tour. Guides have included Arno, Hannes, Runar, Ricky, Vicki, Elsa, and others. Their styles differ, but the strongest guiding adds much more than directions. Some have shared Icelandic songs, troll stories, local family history, geology, and humorous explanations of the country.

Goðafoss: a broad waterfall with a national story

Goðafoss means Waterfall of the Gods. It is not Iceland’s tallest waterfall, but its shape makes it memorable. The water spreads in a broad crescent, wider than it is high, and drops over a low, rocky edge in several channels.

You get about 35 minutes here for photographs, a walk, and views from the surrounding paths. That is enough for a proper look without making the day drag. The stop works well early in the route because you can stretch your legs after the first bus ride and see one of North Iceland’s signature sights before the main activity.

The waterfall also carries a story that gives the place more weight. Around the year 1000, a local chieftain is said to have thrown pagan statues into the falls after Iceland adopted Christianity. The story may be brief, but it helps connect the rushing water to a major change in Icelandic culture.

Bring a waterproof outer layer even if the sky looks calm. The tour information does not promise dry weather, and waterfall spray and wind can make the stop feel colder than the bus. Good shoes matter too, since the visit includes walking rather than simply looking from the coach.

Skútustaðagígar and the strange side of Lake Mývatn

The next short stop is at Skútustaðagígar, a group of pseudo-craters beside Lake Mývatn. These are not ordinary volcanic cones with lava rising through a central vent. They formed when hot lava met water, creating steam explosions and the rounded formations you see today.

You have about 15 minutes here, so think of it as a focused photo stop rather than a hike. The attraction is the shape of the land: low craters, open water, volcanic ground, and a broad view that feels unlike the countryside around Akureyri.

Lake Mývatn is one of Iceland’s most unusual regions. Ancient eruptions shaped the area, and the lake’s surroundings still show that history in craters, lava fields, steaming ground, and unusual rock forms. The tour gives you a viewing point and roadside scenery rather than a full exploration of the lake.

There is one nuisance to prepare for. Midges, tiny flying insects, can be bothersome around Mývatn, especially in warmer conditions. One visitor strongly wished for a warning and head net. You may not need one, but a hat, face covering, or insect net can make the short outdoor stops more comfortable.

The volcanic sights also require care. Stay on marked paths and follow your guide’s instructions near hot ground and bubbling areas. A past incident involved a teenager crossing a rope near bubbling mud, which is a useful reminder that Iceland’s pretty scenery can hide serious heat.

Mývatn Nature Baths: the day’s main event

Mývatn Nature Baths is the reason many people choose this outing. Often called the Blue Lagoon of the North, it offers naturally heated geothermal water in an outdoor setting above Lake Mývatn.

The included visit is listed as two hours, though the time you spend actually soaking may be closer to one hour on some departures. The schedule can be affected by late starts, changing ship times, or the need to divide the group between different activities. If you want a long, unhurried spa session, a dedicated visit would be better.

Still, even a shorter soak can feel like the right finish to a sightseeing morning. You can sit in the warm water, look toward the volcanic country, and let the long bus rides fade into the background. The pools offer different areas, so you are not limited to one spot.

The water contains minerals and is promoted for its soothing qualities. I would treat the health claims lightly, but the basic pleasure is clear: geothermal bathing is one of Iceland’s defining experiences, and this is an easy introduction. You do not need to arrange a separate transfer or add another booking.

There are a few practical points. Bring your own swimsuit and towel if possible. Both can be rented at extra cost, but relying on rentals adds expense and one more thing to arrange. The changing facilities include communal showering, which may surprise visitors used to private shower stalls. You must be comfortable with that part of the bathing routine.

You may also notice a sulfur smell. It is normal around geothermal water, but one visitor found it stronger than expected. That smell is part of the setting, not a sign that anything is wrong.

Lunch, transport, and the value of a fixed schedule

A packed lunch includes a chicken or vegan sandwich and a bottle of water. It is designed to save time, since stopping for a restaurant meal would cut into the waterfall and bath visits. Expect practical fuel rather than a long Icelandic dining experience.

If you need the vegan option, tell the guide at the start. One passenger reported receiving only chicken salad despite being told a vegetarian choice would be available, so I would confirm your choice clearly when boarding. It is also wise to check the bag before leaving the first stop.

The buses include free Wi-Fi, which is useful during the long stretches between sights. The route has about 75 minutes of driving on the way back, and the scenery helps, but you should still expect a substantial amount of time seated.

The shore-excursion design is valuable. Guides and drivers have repeatedly been praised for keeping to time and getting people back to the ship early or just before all-aboard. One group returned about 45 minutes ahead of schedule after choosing the direct route back.

That said, communication has not always been perfect. Some people found the pickup directions unclear, and one group was split between buses after arriving at the wrong location. Another found the day’s instructions hard to follow because the guide spoke in a monotone. These are not reasons to reject the tour, but they are reasons to listen closely when the guide explains the plan.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This outing suits you if you want the major sights without renting a car. It is especially useful for cruise passengers who need a planned return and prefer to let a driver handle the roads.

It is also a good match if you want both scenery and bathing. The waterfall and volcanic country give you a sense of North Iceland, while the baths provide time to rest. Families with older children and teenagers can enjoy the mix, though everyone needs to follow safety rules around hot ground.

You may want something else if your priority is a long spa visit. Two hours at the facility can sound generous, but changing, showering, and gathering the group reduce the time in the water. You may also prefer a quieter, more flexible day if short photo stops and a fixed bus schedule bother you.

The tour is less suited to anyone who dislikes communal showers, sulfur smells, flying insects, or packed lunches. None of these issues ruins the day, but they are part of the practical picture.

Tips that make the six hours easier

• Wear shoes suited to short walks over uneven ground.
• Bring swimwear and a towel to avoid rental fees.
• Carry a warm, waterproof layer for Goðafoss and the lake.
• Pack a hat or insect net if you are sensitive to midges.
• Confirm the pickup point at Gránufélagsgata 50 before leaving the ship.
• Tell the guide immediately if you need the vegan lunch.
• Listen for the return instructions, especially if the group divides at Mývatn.
• Keep the day’s timing in mind. The baths are relaxing, but the bus cannot wait indefinitely.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Those terms help if your cruise plans are still shifting, but the key decision is still the route and pace.

Should you book the Goðafoss and Mývatn tour?

I would book this tour if you have one Akureyri port day and want a reliable introduction to North Iceland. The combination of Goðafoss, volcanic Mývatn, and geothermal bathing is strong, and the included transport, lunch, and bath entry make the $247 price easier to justify.

I would not book it if your main goal is a full, leisurely spa day. In that case, the sightseeing route takes away time you might want in the pools. For most cruise passengers, though, the tour gives you the right balance: one great waterfall, a taste of Mývatn’s strange volcanic country, and a warm outdoor soak before returning to the ship.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The buses leave from the large parking lot at Gránufélagsgata 50 in Akureyri. The guide will meet you there.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts six hours, including transport, sightseeing, lunch, and the visit to Mývatn Nature Baths.

Is transport from the cruise terminal included?

Yes. Transportation from the Akureyri cruise terminal is included, with the tour ending back at the cruise ship area.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour has a live English-speaking guide.

What food is included?

You receive a packed lunch with a chicken or vegan sandwich and a bottle of water. Tell the guide your choice at the start.

Is entry to Mývatn Nature Baths included?

Yes. The entrance ticket to Mývatn Nature Baths is included in the price.

Are towels and swimsuits provided?

No. You should bring your own swimwear and towel. Both can be rented at the baths for an additional cost.

How much time is spent at Goðafoss?

The planned stop at Goðafoss lasts about 35 minutes and includes sightseeing, photographs, a walk, and views.

How long is the visit to Mývatn Nature Baths?

The planned visit lasts about two hours, although the actual soaking time can be shorter depending on the schedule.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.