Top Akureyri Day Trips

See the big three landmarks of northern Iceland with this day trip to Lake Mývatn and the Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls. With a carefully prepared itinerary, you’ll maximize your time at each site, going straight to the vantage points and learning about the geology of the region from a guide. Extra stops include the Grjótagjá lava cave and Mývatn Nature Baths; just note that entry is extra.

Make the most of your time on land with this shore excursion from Akureryi Port. This comprehensive tour takes you to see some of Iceland's most picturesque natural wonders at Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall, and includes an optional stop at the Myvatn Nature Baths.

Explore the natural wonders of Northern Iceland on this full-day tour from Akureyri. Enjoy spectacular views of Godafoss waterfall, then visit Lake Myvatn and enjoy free time to soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths (entrance fees not included). Along the way, marvel at natural wonders including the Dimmuborgir Lava formations and Hverir mud pools, visit Grotcaja cave, and see filming sites from hit TV show Game of Thrones.

Hop on a small group tour for an exploration of northern Iceland’s natural wonders from Akureyri. Visit Goðafoss waterfall, see Lake Mývatn, admire the volcanic landscape of lava and craters, and check out the Mývatn Nature Baths—the ‘blue lagoon of the north’—where you can enjoy a warm soak in the geothermal waters.

Go in search of the Northern Lights on a nighttime tour from Akureyri. Travel by 4x4 Jeep outside of town to escape any light pollution, and watch the dark sky for one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular shows. This area of northern Iceland is one of the best places to see the lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, so don’t miss the chance while you’re here. Hot chocolate and an Icelandic doughnut will keep you warm and awake while you wait for the lights to appear.

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales on this Eyjafjord whale watching cruise from Akureyri. Iceland’s longest fjord is known for attracting these massive mammals for summer feeding. Board a high-speed, specially adapted ship capable of covering all the likely viewing areas, and watch for whales from the viewing platforms and decks. Choose from several departures, including a late-night cruise (June to August), with use of thermal coveralls, raincoats, or blankets included.

Iceland’s north coast is one of the best places in Europe to see whales in their natural environment. This 2-hour whale watching cruise from Akureyri is limited to 12 passengers for a personalized experience, and offers the chance to spot humpback whales, mink whales, white-beaked dolphins, and more.

Realize your dreams of watching humpback whales in their natural environment on a 3-hour Original Whale Watching tour from Húsavik, capital of whale watching in Iceland. After selecting a departure time to suit your schedule, climb aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship and set sail for a prime whale-watching destination on the ocean. With luck, marvel at the majestic mammals as they dive and plunge before your eyes, listening to informative commentary from your guide as you observe.

Float over class 2 and 3 rapids in the West Glacial River on this guided rafting tour. After getting outfitted in the included wetsuits and helmets, enter the canyon on a raft with your onboard and experienced guide. Make your way down the river, enjoying views of the high canyon walls and unique geology.

See the standout sites of northern Iceland without the crowds of a large tour group, and get the key information as you explore. This small-group tour of the Diamond Circle from Akureyri is limited to just eight people for a more sociable and intimate experience. Asbyrgi, Dimmuborgir, and the cascades of Godafoss and Dettifoss are among the sights en route.

North Iceland boasts many natural wonders, including lava formations, waterfalls, thermal pools, and more. This small-group tour from Akureyi covers the best in a convenient day trip, including an optional swim at Myvatn Nature Baths. Marvel at the waterfalls at Godafoss, Dettifoss, and Selfoss; view Lake Myvatn, hot springs, and the Dimmuborgir lava fields, and then choose to bathe in the naturally heated Myvtan baths. Hotel and airport pickup and drop-off are included.

Most tourists in Iceland travel the well-trodden Ring Road. The lesser-trafficked Diamond Circle offers the chance to avoid those crowds and discover the under-visited northern region. As you travel to landmarks such as Dettifoss waterfall in Vatnajokull National Park, Godafoss waterfall and the Lake Myvatn area, you'll learn all about Icelandic culture and history from your guide.

Book a small-group tour to see Lake Mývatn the most intimate way: with a guide and a group no bigger than eight people. You'll visit the famous geothermal lake along with other nearby sights like Godafoss, and learn about the volcanic eruptions that formed the landscapes here in bygone days.

Travel into the Austurdalur wilderness and pit your paddling skills against the surging torrents of the East Glacial River on this 6-hour white-water rafting adventure from Hafgrímsstaðir. Pull on your drysuit at the base in Hafgrímsstaðir, then grab your paddle and hit the waves. Navigate the choppy waters of the grade IIII–listed river and see why it consistently tops Iceland’s white-water rafting rankings. Tackle challenging rapids such as ‘Alarm Clock’ and ‘Deep Fry’ with your guide, and end your trip with a cliff jump into the glacial waters.

Explore the Icelandic landscape around Lake Mývatn on this day trip from Akureyri by 4x4 Jeep. This area of northern Iceland is home to natural wonders like Goðafoss (‘Waterfall of the Gods’), Dettifoss (Europe´s most powerful waterfall) and Hverarönd (hot springs). See craters and lava formations, and be amazed by the incredible geology of this island in the Atlantic.

If you only have time for one day trip from Akureyri, make it a tour of the Diamond Circle, a circuit that takes in some of North Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders. This full-day small-group tour visits the Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, the Hverir hot springs, Lake Mývatn, and the Víti crater. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Iceland is renowned for its natural wonders but few travelers get chance to explore the wild landscapes of the north. Venture off-road into the remote Kerlingarfjöll Highlands on this full-day tour from Akureyri and admire the striking rhyolite mountains, explore the Hveravellir geothermal area, and take a dip in a natural hot spring. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Of all the natural jewels in northern Iceland, see the ones that most interest you on a customizable private day trip from Akureyri for up to eight people. Travel by 4x4 vehicle to waterfalls, craters, lakes and more, such as Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss or the Mývatn Nature Baths. With a guide, create an itinerary that suits you and your group.

Hop on a small group tour with a personal service that takes you along the route of Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir Lavafield, Námafjall geothermal (boiling mud pools fumaroles), Psudocraters and the Grjotagja Cave. If we have time, depending on cruise ships departure time, we visit the Myvatn Naturebaths,

Explore the highlights of northern Iceland without the crowds on this private guided tour. Starting in Akureyri, head for the teeming Goðafoss waterfall and Lake Mývatn, before continuing on to Europe's largest waterfall Dettifoss.

Many of Iceland’s most impressive natural attractions lie on the famous Golden Circle route, and it’s the perfect way to admire the country’s rugged beauty. On this private tour, spin along the Golden Circle route in comfort from your Reykjavik accommodation with your guide. Hit top attractions like Gullfoss waterfall, UNESCO–listed Thingvellir National Park, and the Haukadalur geothermal area, and personalize your route to hit the sites of most interest.

Go off the beaten track in Iceland on this small-group off-road Super Jeep tour from Húsavík that takes you into some of the island's most striking landscapes. See lava that is thousands of years old; follow old trails up to the top of a mountain; visit colorful geothermal areas; and get the best views over Skjálfandi bay and the Kinnarfjöll mountains.

The popular Diamond Circle sightseeing route covers northern Iceland's must-see natural landmarks, but you need a guide to appreciate and understand the nature that created them. This private option offers all you need to get the most out of your time on the route, with in-depth commentary and personal transport just for your group.

Make sure you get the most out of your visit to Lake Mývatn, and see the geothermal lake with a private guide. You'll find impressive places for views and photos, and get the lowdown on how the dramatic landscapes were created millennia ago. Engaging commentary and a private transport service complete the experience.