Private Lake Mývatn & Dettifoss Waterfall Tour
This private tour from Akureyri is the perfect introduction to the best that North Iceland has to offer. Guided by our fun local guides, we take you to the most popular attraction in the region, as well as some less well known hidden gems.
Ideal as a private shore excursion from Akureyri, this tour features 3 of the north´s most beautiful waterfall; Góðafoss, also known as the waterfall of the Gods, where icons of the pagan gods were thrown, a symbole of the the moment Iceland converted to Christianity; Selfoss waterfall in the Vatnajökull National Park; and Dettifoss, a spectacular falls purported to be Europe´s most powerful.
At Lake Mývatn, our itinerary includes must-see attractions such as the the breathtaking views of Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, the strange lava formations at Dimmuborgir Lava formations, and the geothermally bubbling Hverir Mud pools.
On request, we can also include a refreshing dip at Mývatn Nature Baths, though please note that entrance tickets are not included with your booking.
This tour is for upto 6 people. If you are interested in a custom tour for a larger group just contact us at privatetours@bustravel.is.
Tour highlights & itinerary
- Pickup and drop off In Akureyri or Mývatn
- Private vehicle and professional English-speaking guide
- Food or drink
- Entrance tickets to Mývatn Nature Baths
- Warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
- Water and snacks. We will make a lunch stop of the tour, but lunch is not included
- Tour duration: 9-10 hours, though this can be shortened on request if you are cruise passengers and don´t have that much available tim.
- Cancellation Policy More than 28 days before departure: 90% refund. 27-4 days before departure: 50% refund. Less than 96 hours before departure: No refund.
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![Akureyri downtown in winter [Photo credit ©Yanshu Li]](https://bustravel.is/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Akureyri-downtown-in-winter-4268-1200x645.jpg "Akureyri downtown in winter-4268")
Itinerary
Itinerary
- Akureyri/Mývatn
As this is a private tour, we can collect you from anywhere in the Akureyri or Mývatn area. Just let us know!
1 Góðafoss WaterfallYour first stop of the day is to Góðafoss Waterfall. The falls are nothing out of the ordinary in terms of size or scale, but their pleasing crescent shape and the surrounding landscape make for a wonderful first stop, on a day filled with waterfalls and other natural wonders.
The Icelandic Góðafoss translates as “Waterfall of the Gods”. It is called this because around 1000ad a local chieftain symbolically tossed busts and statues of the ancient norse gods in the plunging waters, marking the christianisation of Iceland.
2 Lake MývatnLake Mývatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland, and sprawls across the landscape with its shallow waters and numerous islands. Its most remarkable feature is the presence of unique geological formations known as Skútustaðirgigur, volcanic pseudocraters. These formations, also called rootless craters, bear a striking resemblance to true volcanic craters despite not being formed by lava eruptions. Instead, they emerged during an ancient volcanic event when lava interacted with the wetlands surrounding the lake, leading to steam explosions that shaped their crater-like appearance.
We can also include a visit to Mývatn Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon of the North. The calming geothermal waters and stunning views make for a memorable visit. Please note that entrance tickets are not included in your booking.
3 Highlights near MývatnThe area surrounding lake Mývatn is a hive of remarkable volcanic and geological natural wonders.
Dimmuborgir is an ancients lava field where the lava hardened into mysterious black shapes, caves, and structures. The name translates to Black Fortress in English, and apt name for this foreboding landscape.
Grjótagjá is a cave featuring a hot-spring pool. Used for bathing in times gone by, the pool is now off-limits due fluctuating temperatures. It is still a fascinating place to visit. The pool was featured in Game of Thrones, in a scense set north of the Wall.
Námafjall, also known as Hverir, is a geothermal area featuring boiling mud-pools and hot-springs. The rocks and ground here has been discoloured in eye-catching ways by minerals from the goethermal water.
4 Dettifoss and Selfoss WaterfallsSelfoss and Dettifoss waterfalls stand as two awe-inspiring natural wonders nestled within the rugged landscapes of northeastern Iceland. Both waterfalls offer a humbling display of nature’s raw power and beauty.
Dettifoss Waterfall commands attention as perhaps Europe’s most powerful waterfall, its thunderous roar greets visitors long before they can see it. Vast volumes of water race over its precipice, measuring up to 500 cubic meters per second in summertime. Around 45m high and 100m wide, Dettifoss is truly imposing. The sheer force and magnitude of Dettifoss leave spectators in awe, as the milky white waters churn below, carving through the imposing canyon walls.
Less well known is Selfoss waterfall, with its graceful cascade plunging over a wide ledge, impresses visitors with its elegant beauty, rather than its power. The water gracefully flows over the edge, framed by surrounding basalt cliffs.
- Akureyri
After your day of touring is over, our guide will drop you back to the same place from which you were collected.
If you are a cruise ship passenger please let us know your docking times in advance so we can ensure your return to your ship on time.
As this is a private tour, we can collect you from anywhere in the Akureyri or Mývatn area. Just let us know!
Your first stop of the day is to Góðafoss Waterfall. The falls are nothing out of the ordinary in terms of size or scale, but their pleasing crescent shape and the surrounding landscape make for a wonderful first stop, on a day filled with waterfalls and other natural wonders.
The Icelandic Góðafoss translates as “Waterfall of the Gods”. It is called this because around 1000ad a local chieftain symbolically tossed busts and statues of the ancient norse gods in the plunging waters, marking the christianisation of Iceland.
Lake Mývatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland, and sprawls across the landscape with its shallow waters and numerous islands. Its most remarkable feature is the presence of unique geological formations known as Skútustaðirgigur, volcanic pseudocraters. These formations, also called rootless craters, bear a striking resemblance to true volcanic craters despite not being formed by lava eruptions. Instead, they emerged during an ancient volcanic event when lava interacted with the wetlands surrounding the lake, leading to steam explosions that shaped their crater-like appearance.
We can also include a visit to Mývatn Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon of the North. The calming geothermal waters and stunning views make for a memorable visit. Please note that entrance tickets are not included in your booking.
The area surrounding lake Mývatn is a hive of remarkable volcanic and geological natural wonders.
Dimmuborgir is an ancients lava field where the lava hardened into mysterious black shapes, caves, and structures. The name translates to Black Fortress in English, and apt name for this foreboding landscape.
Grjótagjá is a cave featuring a hot-spring pool. Used for bathing in times gone by, the pool is now off-limits due fluctuating temperatures. It is still a fascinating place to visit. The pool was featured in Game of Thrones, in a scense set north of the Wall.
Námafjall, also known as Hverir, is a geothermal area featuring boiling mud-pools and hot-springs. The rocks and ground here has been discoloured in eye-catching ways by minerals from the goethermal water.
Selfoss and Dettifoss waterfalls stand as two awe-inspiring natural wonders nestled within the rugged landscapes of northeastern Iceland. Both waterfalls offer a humbling display of nature’s raw power and beauty.
Dettifoss Waterfall commands attention as perhaps Europe’s most powerful waterfall, its thunderous roar greets visitors long before they can see it. Vast volumes of water race over its precipice, measuring up to 500 cubic meters per second in summertime. Around 45m high and 100m wide, Dettifoss is truly imposing. The sheer force and magnitude of Dettifoss leave spectators in awe, as the milky white waters churn below, carving through the imposing canyon walls.
Less well known is Selfoss waterfall, with its graceful cascade plunging over a wide ledge, impresses visitors with its elegant beauty, rather than its power. The water gracefully flows over the edge, framed by surrounding basalt cliffs.
After your day of touring is over, our guide will drop you back to the same place from which you were collected.
If you are a cruise ship passenger please let us know your docking times in advance so we can ensure your return to your ship on time.