Port Akureyri: Godafoss Waterfall, Myvatn and Dettifoss

Dettifoss is the big prize here: a broad, forceful waterfall reached after a long ride through northeastern Iceland. Along the way, you get a useful sampler of volcanic Iceland, from Goðafoss and its historic role to steaming mud pots, lava castles, pseudo craters and a cave split by the continental rift. I especially like the range of sights and the careful return timing for cruise passengers.

I also like the personal touch reported from guides Joana and Johanna, including thoughtful photo help and clear explanations at each stop. The tradeoff is simple: this is a full nine-hour day with many hours in a minibus, and the route can change if weather or road conditions turn rough.

Key points at a glance

• Dettifoss is the day’s most powerful stop: You reach one of Europe’s strongest waterfalls after about 40 minutes of driving from Hverir.
• Lake Mývatn packs in several different sights: Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir, Grjótagjá and Hverir each show a different side of volcanic activity.
• Goðafoss adds history to the scenery: Your guide explains why this waterfall matters in Icelandic history, not just where to take pictures.
• Joana and Johanna receive special praise: Their humor, care, local information and photo assistance are important parts of the experience.
• Cruise timing is taken seriously: The tour returns at least 30 minutes, and usually about 50 minutes, before the ship departs.
• Bring a packed lunch: Refreshments are available at a café stop, but that break comes late and food is not included.

Why this nine-hour route works from Akureyri

This excursion uses Akureyri as a starting point for a long loop through the volcanic north. You leave the cruise terminal and follow Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords, before heading toward Goðafoss and the Mývatn region.

I like the route because it does not ask you to choose between waterfalls, geology and scenery. You get a little of everything. The result is busy, but in a good way. Each stop has a different look and purpose, so the day does not become one long series of similar viewpoints.

The cost is $288 per person, which is not small. Still, the value improves if you are arriving by cruise ship and want a guided trip that handles the long driving, navigation and return deadline. A comfortable minibus, an English-speaking guide, onboard WiFi and a cruise ship return guarantee are included.

You should still judge the price against your own priorities. If you want a relaxed day with long walks and plenty of time at each stop, this schedule may feel tight. If you want to see the strongest sights in the region without arranging a car, it is easier to justify.

Goðafoss, the waterfall tied to Icelandic history

After roughly 35 minutes by bus, you reach Goðafoss. The stop lasts about 35 minutes, giving you time for a guided introduction, photographs, a walk and a little free time.

Goðafoss is not the biggest waterfall on this route, but it makes an excellent first stop. Water pours over a curved rock edge in several channels, creating good viewing angles from the surrounding paths. Spray can produce a rainbow in favorable weather, and the guide can help you find better photo positions.

The historical connection gives the stop extra weight. Your guide explains why Goðafoss matters in Iceland’s past, so you are not simply looking at moving water and moving on. There may also be time for local snacks or shopping, though you should not count on this as a full meal.

This is a short stop, so keep your camera ready and listen for the meeting instructions. The surfaces may be wet, and Icelandic weather can shift quickly. A waterproof outer layer and shoes with a firm sole will make this first walk easier.

Skútustaðagígar and the strange shape of pseudo craters

The ride from Goðafoss to Skútustaðagígar takes about 35 minutes. You then have another 35-minute visit for walking, photographs, sightseeing and a guide’s explanation.

These low, rounded formations are pseudo craters. They resemble volcanic craters, but they did not form in the same way as a traditional erupting cone. Their unusual shape comes from interactions between hot lava and water, creating steam explosions that leave crater-like hollows.

The guide places this feature in a wider geological context. Similar formations are found in only a few places around the world, including Hawaii, one location in the Azores and Mars. That comparison helps you understand why this modest-looking area deserves a stop.

Do not expect a dramatic waterfall or a single grand viewpoint here. The appeal comes from the patterns spread across the ground and the chance to walk among them. The visit is short, so you will get an introduction rather than a long hike. A food market or regional food opportunity may be available as part of the stop, but meals are not included in the tour price.

Dimmuborgir, lava shapes with room to wander

A 15-minute drive brings you to Dimmuborgir, where the tour allows about 35 minutes. The area is known for unusual lava formations, with openings, ridges and dark rock shapes that give the place a castle-like feel.

This is one of the more atmospheric stops. Instead of viewing a single feature from a roadside pullout, you walk through an area shaped by an old lava flow. The formations show how molten rock can leave behind hollows and irregular walls after cooling.

The tour description allows for walking and hiking, but the short visit means you will not cover every path. I would treat this as a focused introduction. Stay close enough to return on time, and use the walk to see the main shapes rather than trying to explore the whole area.

Refreshments such as coffee, tea, local snacks or regional food may be available, but they are not part of the package. Since the café stop comes late, you should bring a packed lunch even if you plan to buy something along the way.

Grjótagjá and the rift between continents

After about 12 minutes on the road, you arrive at Grjótagjá for a 30-minute visit. This cave contains a hot blue river and sits in a region shaped by the movement of the Eurasian and American continental plates.

The stop is mainly about scenery and geology. You can look into the cave, photograph the water and hear how the rift has shaped the area. The idea of standing across two tectonic plates gives the visit a memorable visual hook, though the key value is understanding the forces beneath Iceland.

The cave is not presented as a swimming stop. Treat it as a viewing point, and follow the guide’s instructions around the rock. The ground may be uneven, and you should allow time to take in the view without turning the stop into a rushed photo line.

Because Grjótagjá comes before Hverir, it also helps the day build a clear story. You first see volcanic rock in solid form at Dimmuborgir, then a cave with heated water, followed by open geothermal activity.

Hverir, where the ground steams and bubbles

Hverir is only about eight minutes from Grjótagjá, and the scheduled visit lasts around 30 minutes. Here, the earth feels active. Smoking fumaroles release steam, and boiling mud pots churn in colors created by heat and minerals.

This is one of the easiest stops to understand with your senses. You can see the steam, hear the bubbling ground and notice the strong geothermal setting around you. The guide helps explain what is happening below the surface, turning the stop into more than a collection of strange smells and bright earth.

Stay on marked paths and listen closely to safety instructions. The area is hot, and the fumes can be unpleasant for some people. Wind direction may affect how comfortable the stop feels, so keep your visit flexible and avoid wandering away from the group.

The 30-minute schedule is sensible. Hverir rewards careful looking, but you do not need hours to understand its main features. It also provides a strong contrast with the waterfalls earlier in the day.

Dettifoss, the reason to accept the long drive

From Hverir, the minibus travels for about 40 minutes to Dettifoss. You have roughly 40 minutes at the waterfall, followed by a long return drive of about 110 minutes to Akureyri.

Dettifoss is widely known for its force, and the approach is part of the appeal. The waterfall is broad, loud and powerful, with huge volumes of water driving over the edge. On a sunny day, you might see a rainbow above the falls.

This is the emotional high point of the route. Goðafoss is graceful and historic, but Dettifoss feels raw. You are not just seeing water drop over rock. You are watching a major natural force at close range, with sound and spray making the experience hard to forget.

The time allowance lets you take photographs, walk to the viewing area and simply watch the falls. It is not a long trek, but you should wear sturdy shoes and prepare for wet or windy conditions. Keep hold of hats and loose items, especially near exposed viewpoints.

The long ride back is the main drawback. After a full day of stops, 110 minutes on the road can feel tiring. The comfortable minibus helps, and onboard WiFi is included, but you should still see this as a demanding day rather than a gentle sightseeing outing.

Cruise timing, food and the practical details

The meeting point is the parking lot in front of the Akureyri cruise terminal. That makes the start straightforward, especially if you are stepping off a ship and do not want to search for a city pickup point.

The return is planned for at least 30 minutes before ship departure, and usually around 50 minutes before. That buffer matters in Iceland, where road and weather conditions can change. It is still wise to check the exact departure time and follow the guide’s instructions at every stop.

The tour includes transport in a comfortable minibus, a fully guided English-language experience, free WiFi onboard and a cruise ship return guarantee. It does not include food or drinks.

Bring a packed lunch, water and snacks. A café stop is planned for refreshments, but it comes quite late in the day. You do not want to reach Dettifoss hungry or depend on an unplanned food purchase.

The route can change at short notice because of weather and road conditions. That is not a minor footnote in northeastern Iceland. It is part of choosing a long road trip in a place where conditions can affect access and timing.

Wheelchair access is available, though a private tour is recommended for greater comfort. Contact the operator before booking if accessibility is important to you. Infant seats are available as well.

The guide can shape the whole day

The strongest personal praise centers on Joana and Johanna. The descriptions of their work point to humor, careful explanations, attention to individual needs and thoughtful photographs taken while people were focused on the scenery.

That matters on a nine-hour trip. A guide does more than announce the next stop. The right guide helps you understand why pseudo craters look different from volcanic cones, why Goðafoss matters historically and what you are seeing at Hverir.

Photo help is also useful here. Iceland’s waterfalls and geothermal areas can look flat in poor light, and a guide who points out a better angle can save you time. You should still manage expectations: weather controls the views, and no guide can guarantee a rainbow.

The consistently high rating, five out of five from nine published ratings, supports the idea that the guiding is a major strength. The most useful lesson is to value the human side of the tour, not just the list of stops.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this tour if you are visiting Akureyri by cruise ship and want to see the Mývatn region without driving yourself. It suits you if waterfalls, volcanic geology and geothermal features all sound appealing.

It also works well if you prefer a guide who can explain what you are seeing. The route has enough geological detail to feel confusing without context, especially at Skútustaðagígar, Grjótagjá and Hverir.

You may want a different plan if you dislike long drives, need a slow pace or want a substantial meal included. The day is full, the return journey is long and the stops are measured in minutes rather than hours.

Should you book the Goðafoss, Mývatn and Dettifoss tour?

Book it if your priority is maximum variety and reliable cruise timing. For $288, you are paying for transport across a large area, a guide, a minibus, route planning and a return guarantee, not simply admission to a few viewpoints.

Bring lunch, dress for wind and rain, wear firm shoes and accept that the weather may alter the route. If you can handle the pace, this is one of the more efficient ways to connect Akureyri with Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss in one day.

Skip it if you want unhurried walks or a quiet local outing. But if you have one port day and want Iceland’s strongest mix of water, fire and geology, this is a well-targeted choice.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts nine hours, including transportation from the Akureyri cruise terminal and the return journey.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the parking lot in front of the Akureyri cruise terminal.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guided tour is conducted in English.

Is food included?

No. Meals and beverages are not included. A café stop is planned, but it comes late, so bringing a packed lunch is recommended.

Will the tour return before the cruise ship departs?

The tour returns at least 30 minutes before the ship departs and usually about 50 minutes before departure. A cruise ship return guarantee is included.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. Weather and road conditions can cause short-notice changes to the itinerary.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. A private tour is recommended for greater comfort, and you should contact the operator before booking. Infant seats are available.