Private Lake Myvatn and Dettifoss Tour from Akureyri

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Carefully designed with cruise ship passengers in mind, this private small-group experience ensures a safe, stress-free day and a reliable on-time return to your ship.
This is a private, small-group experience designed for comfort, flexibility, and a more personal connection with Iceland.
Unlike large bus tours, we travel at a relaxed pace, with time for photos, short walks, and spontaneous stops depending on weather and your interests.
Whenever possible, we aim to avoid crowds to make the experience more peaceful and enjoyable.
In addition to the highlights of the Lake Mývatn area, this tour also includes a visit to Dettifoss - the most powerful waterfall in Europe, offering a raw and unforgettable natural experience.
You will explore North Iceland with a local guide, discovering not only the main attractions but also hidden spots and stories that make this region truly special.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a more intimate, authentic, and stress-free experience.

What's Included

WiFi available on board
food and drinks are not included

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pickup is available from accommodations in Akureyri, the cruise port, and Akureyri Airport.
Pickup time is adjusted to your arrival (flight or cruise ship schedule).
For cruise passengers, pickup is scheduled according to the ship’s arrival time.
Exact pickup time will be confirmed after booking.

OR
Meeting point
Hof Cultural and Conference Centre

Meeting point: Hof Cultural Center, Akureyri. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before departure time. Your guide will be waiting at the entrance on the street side ( not by the waterfront side)

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Godafoss

    Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland. Its wide, horseshoe shape and powerful flow make it a true highlight of the North. According to legend, this is where the lawspeaker Þorgeir threw pagan idols into the waterfall after Iceland adopted Christianity over 1,000 years ago. The water comes from Vatnajökull - the largest glacier in Iceland - and depending on the light, the waterfall changes from deep blue to milky glacial colors. On sunny days, you can often spot a beautiful rainbow above the falls. It’s a place that feels powerful, yet peaceful at the same time - perfect for unforgettable photos and a moment to just take it all in.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Skutustaoagigar

    A unique place on a global scale - pseudocraters like these can be found only in a few places in the world: here in North Iceland, in Hawaii, and even on Mars. They were formed when hot lava flowed into the lake, trapping water underneath. As the water rapidly turned into steam, pressure built up until it exploded through the surface, creating these crater-like formations. Unlike real craters, they were not formed by an eruption from below, but by powerful steam explosions. Today, it’s a peaceful area with beautiful views over Lake Mývatn - perfect for a short walk and photos.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Dimmuborgir Lava Formations

    Dimmuborgir, known as the “Dark Fortress,” is one of the most magical places in Iceland. This vast lava field is filled with unusual rock formations that look like something from another world - part fairy tale, part fantasy landscape. According to Icelandic legends, this is where trolls live, along with the famous Yule Lads - mischievous Christmas characters. As you walk through the area, you might start to see shapes in the rocks - troll faces, creatures, animals, or even hidden figures. It all depends on your imagination. It’s a place that awakens your creativity and brings out a sense of curiosity - perfect for a relaxed walk, exploring, and capturing truly unique photos.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Grjótagjá is a small lava cave that you actually step inside to discover what’s hidden within - and it’s absolutely worth it. Inside, you’ll find intensely blue, hot geothermal water that looks almost unreal against the dark volcanic rock. From the outside, it may seem simple, but once you’re inside, it’s a completely different experience. Right next to the cave, you’ll find visible tectonic cracks where you can stand between two continents - the North American and Eurasian plates. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can clearly see the Earth slowly pulling apart. A short stop, but definitely one of the most unique and memorable parts of the tour.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Dettifoss Waterfall

    Dettifoss is the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, with an average water flow of around 193 cubic meters per second. It is located in Vatnajökull National Park, and the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which feeds the waterfall, originates from Europe’s largest glacier. You can feel the power of this place already from a distance - as you approach the waterfall, you may even get completely soaked by the mist. On sunny days, you can often see a rainbow, sometimes even two. This is also one of the filming locations for scenes from the movie Prometheus. If time and conditions allow, we will also visit the nearby Selfoss waterfall - smaller than Dettifoss, but equally beautiful, stretching wide across the river. Selfoss is located in the same river canyon as Dettifoss, on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, creating one of the most spectacular landscapes in North Iceland.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Viti Crater

    The Viti crater was formed during a volcanic eruption of the Krafla volcano in 1724. Today, a lake fills the crater, known for its changing colors - from deep blue to turquoise and milky green, depending on light, weather, and mineral content. Krafla is an active volcanic system, and the surrounding area is one of Iceland’s most important geothermal regions. Nearby, you can find one of the largest and most modern geothermal power plants in the country. This place shows Iceland from the inside - raw, active, and constantly changing.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Namafjall Hverir

    The Viti crater was formed during a volcanic eruption of the Krafla volcano in 1724. Today, a lake fills the crater, known for its changing colors - from deep blue to turquoise and milky green, depending on light, weather, and mineral content. Krafla is an active volcanic system, and the surrounding area is one of Iceland’s most important geothermal regions. Nearby, you can find one of the largest and most modern geothermal power plants in the country. This place shows Iceland from the inside - raw, active, and constantly changing.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Akureyri

    Scenic return drive to Akureyri with views of North Iceland landscapes, ensuring a safe and timely arrival, especially for cruise passengers.

    2 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time. This helps us start smoothly and often allows us to reach the first locations before larger crowds.
  • This tour is flexible and suitable for most travelers. All stops are optional and can be adjusted to your comfort level. Guests decide individually whether to participate in short walks or more demanding areas.
Supplied by Viltour Iceland - Private Tours

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
4WD Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Outback Tours
Shore Excursions
Port Pickup

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more
from per group (up to 15)
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}