Private Lake Mývatn & Dettifoss Waterfall Tour

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.