Akureyri Tour: Myvatn, Nature Baths & Godafoss – Honest Review

Thinking about taking a tour from Akureyri, Iceland? So, this one that hits Myvatn, the Nature Baths, and Godafoss Waterfall, is it actually worthwhile? To be honest, I had been wondering the same, too. I’m going to break down what the tour involves, the good stuff, the not-so-good, and what you could expect. So, hopefully, it’ll assist you in deciding whether it’s a fit for your trip.

What This Tour Is All About

Essentially, this tour bundles several top sights close to Akureyri into one day-long outing. That’s, Myvatn lake, the Godafoss Waterfall and Myvatn Nature Baths are what you’d see. Most of the tour companies run pretty similar itineraries. Often, you are picked up either right at the port or from a spot in downtown Akureyri if you aren’t coming off a cruise ship.

It’s almost always a coach-style trip, just you know, prepare for traveling with maybe 30-50 fellow explorers. Guides do provide information as you make your way between locations. They cover a bit about Icelandic history, geology, and some folktales. Depending on the weather, so, it might determine the exact route and how much time gets spent where.

Myvatn: A Lake Like No Other

Myvatn? I have got to tell you, this lake is special. Seriously, its landscape really sets it apart from others you could have seen. The lake came to be from volcanic eruptions, too it’s filled with unusual geological features, and lots of birdlife. You will notice pseudocraters – volcanic craters – which actually form when hot lava runs over the wet ground. Those pillars are so cool.

Then you have those basalt formations at Dimmuborgir – quite an otherworldly locale. It looks a lot like something you would picture on the moon. The tour tends to include short stops to snap pictures and wander just a bit. Just a note that in summertime, because Myvatn actually means “midge lake,” be ready for swarms of midges (tiny flies). Sometimes it’s fairly manageable; sometimes, a net over your head would really be welcome.

Godafoss: The Waterfall of the Gods

So, waterfalls have to be my favorites, but I need to say that Godafoss is majestic. Very wide horseshoe shape to it and powerful falls of water thunder into the river below. Stories say way back in history, that after Iceland decided to convert to Christianity, statues of Norse gods were thrown into these falls. Thus the waterfall picked up that name, Godafoss, or Waterfall of the Gods. Usually, you would have roughly 30-45 minutes there.

Myvatn Nature Baths: Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Alternative

Now this bit, to me, that, that’s one of the high points. Think of these nature baths kind of like the Blue Lagoon, just with fewer people around and slightly cheaper. It’s a geothermal spa, and the water stays around 100-104°F (38-40°C) constantly. Loads of minerals, they say, that’ll soothe your skin. Anyway, is that nice?

The admission is commonly part of the tour price, so really all you have to think about is bringing your bathing suit. When it’s cold outside, and that, that can happen quite often in Iceland, being in such waters feels fantastic. Count on approximately a couple of hours here. It gives enough time to de-stress.

The Upsides of Doing this Tour

Ok, here are the positives of signing up for a Myvatn-Godafoss-Nature Baths kind of outing:

• Efficiency: Gets you to see multiple top destinations near Akureyri without self-driving. Good if you do not want to drive or your stay in Akureyri happens to be very brief.
• Information: Your tour guides give historical/cultural background which definitely enriches a visit.
• Relaxation: The Myvatn Nature Baths? Well that really would be relaxation. Particularly welcome, if it happens to be cool outside.

Things To Keep In Mind

No tour’s perfect, alright? Here’s a couple of points to bear in mind:

• Crowds: Know, you are on a bus tour. Which means dealing with bus tour-sized crowds.
• Time Constraints: Usually everything moves swiftly. Should you favor more time to independently investigate a location, then, it’s perhaps too regimented.
• Weather Dependent: Iceland’s weather, let’s face it, has the ability to become unpredictable. The journey, specifically in winter, will probably vary based on prevailing circumstances.
• Midge Alert: Visiting Myvatn during summertime means dealing with bugs. Keep some bug repellent nearby.

Is It A Good Decision For You?

Then who will benefit most out of that tour? Seriously, here’s a rundown:

• Cruise Passengers: Perfect option should you dock within Akureyri and then wish to explore attractions fast and conveniently.
• Short-Stay Travelers: It does mean seeing numerous landmarks within a day, and so ideal for anyone having short stays.
• No-Drivers: Makes the Icelandic landscape attainable without anyone handling their rental cars.
• Relaxation Seekers: Seriously, spending a few hours unwinding at the Myvatn Nature Baths usually serves as a wonderful incentive.

What To Take With You

Ready to hit the ground running? Make sure that, you really are packed for the tour with things which could make it even more pleasant:

• Swimsuit: Required, to be able to make full use of Nature Baths at Myvatn.
• Towel: Usually one will be available to rent; however, possessing the one happens to be an excellent precaution.
• Camera: The landscapes are remarkable, and then, absolutely worthwhile of taking pictures.
• Warm Layers: The Icelandic temperatures will be erratic. Layers really offer versatility and adaptableness.
• Waterproof Jacket: Is really advisable, as rainfall will appear seemingly from nowhere.
• Bug Spray: Should the travels take place during the summertime, this could really be valuable when around Myvatn.

Possible Alternatives

In case this group tour isn’t entirely what is wanted, here are a few other avenues worth investigating:

• Renting A Car: That then makes possible to go to attractions by themselves and spending time dependent on individual tastes. Remember that winter, specifically, would entail quite cautious driving.
• Smaller, Private Tours: Such can then offer more adaptable itineraries and often more intimate exposure to sites. They often cost much more.
• Akureyri City Exploration: Just spending an afternoon walking around Akureyri can easily prove pleasurable, replete as it is including botanical garden, galleries as well as coffee houses.

The Akureyri, Myvatn & Godafoss Experience: A Recap

Bottom line? That excursion hitting Akureyri-Myvatn-Nature Baths plus Godafoss? Really, is usually quite reliable choice, most notably whenever there isn’t ample time, or when someone is arriving just by cruises, and seeking getting optimum viewing while in Iceland. Just keep realistic view concerning crowds and speed during group visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

• Excellent way to view Iceland’s iconic destinations close to Akureyri on a guided tour.
• Good for cruise visitors or short-stay guests with limited travel time.
• Always double-check that the Nature Baths’ admission has been included and also pack properly based upon probable climate.