Akureyri: Lake Mývatn & Northern Lights – Winter Special

Chasing fire in the sky. This two-day Akureyri tour pairs Lake Mývatn’s volcanic sights with a Northern Lights hunt, making good use of your limited time in North Iceland. I like the small group size, capped at 18, and the airport shuttle offered to easyJet passengers. The main catch is simple: the aurora is never guaranteed, and the Nature Baths admission costs extra.

The schedule also works well for a short stay. You get a daytime outing at 9 AM and an evening aurora trip at 9:30 PM, with the option to repeat the Northern Lights hunt for free if the lights do not appear. I especially like that the route includes Goðafoss, Dimmuborgir, Hverarönd, Grjótagjá, and Skútustaðagígar instead of rushing straight to the baths.

Key points to know

• Two distinct tours over two days: See Lake Mývatn by day, then leave Akureyri after dark to search for the aurora.
• A volcanic sightseeing route: Expect lava pillars, pseudocraters, hot ground, a cave, and a famous waterfall.
• Small-group transport: The group is limited to 18 people, with an English-speaking guide.
• Nature Baths are optional and extra: Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to soak.
• Book the aurora hunt early in your stay: If conditions fail or the lights do not appear, you may be offered another outing for free.
• EasyJet airport help: A shuttle is included for qualifying easyJet passengers, including pickup and return to Akureyri Airport.

Why this two-day Akureyri plan works

At $350 per person, this is not a bargain-basement excursion. Still, the price covers two guided outings, transport around a wide area of North Iceland, an airport transfer for easyJet passengers, and the chance to try the Northern Lights more than once if conditions are poor.

That bundled approach can save you from piecing together separate rides, especially if you are staying in Akureyri without a car. You also get a guide who handles the driving on winter roads while explaining what you are seeing. That matters here. The Lake Mývatn area is spread across a broad region, and the stops make more sense when someone points out how lava and geothermal activity shaped the area.

The tour suits a short visit particularly well. You arrive, receive help getting from the airport to your accommodation, spend the next day seeing the major sights, and finish with a return transfer to the airport on departure day. The exact timing of that final ride depends on your flight and accommodation details, so provide those details when booking.

The drawback is the long winter day. The daytime tour begins at 9 AM, while the aurora outing starts at 9:30 PM. After a full day on the road, you may be tired before the sky show even begins. Warm clothing and sturdy shoes are not optional here.

Following Eyjafjörður toward Goðafoss

The daytime outing begins by driving along Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. This gives you a scenic introduction to the area before the route turns inland toward Lake Mývatn.

Your first major stop is Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. The name means Waterfall of the Gods, and the broad cascade is an excellent early stop because it gives you a dramatic view without requiring a long hike. You will have time to get out, take photographs, and see the falling water from close viewpoints.

Winter conditions can change the feel of Goðafoss from one day to the next. Snow, ice, wind, and low light may make the stop especially striking, but they can also make footing slippery. Wear shoes with good grip and keep your camera protected from spray and weather.

The stop also breaks up the first stretch of driving. That is useful on a route with several major sights still ahead. Rather than treating the waterfall as a quick roadside photo, the tour places it near the start, when you are fresh and ready to explore.

Lake Mývatn’s volcanic story

Lake Mývatn was created by a large basaltic lava eruption about 2,300 years ago. The lake and its surroundings are shaped by volcanic activity, so this part of the tour feels less like a standard scenic drive and more like a moving lesson in how Iceland was formed.

You will see unusual lava formations, including lava pillars and rootless vents. These features give the area its distinctive look. You might find the scenery more rewarding if you pay attention to the odd shapes and textures rather than simply waiting for one grand viewpoint.

The route includes several stops, which helps you understand the area from different angles. You are not confined to one overlook or one short walk. The guide can connect the sights, explain their volcanic origins, and keep the day moving without making every stop feel rushed.

Still, this is a sightseeing tour rather than a strenuous walking trip. The information provided does not promise long hikes or extensive time on trails. If you want a full day of independent exploration around every corner of Lake Mývatn, renting a car would give you more freedom. If you want the key sights with someone else handling the route, this guided format is easier.

Hverarönd and the hot ground at Námaskarð

At Hverarönd in Námaskarð, the volcanic character becomes more active and visible. This hot spring area is known for geothermal ground, so you may see steam, hot pools, and mineral-colored earth.

This is one of the stops where sturdy shoes and warm layers matter most. The air may be cold, but geothermal areas can feel intense near the hot ground. Stay on the marked paths and follow your guide’s instructions. The unusual colors and steaming earth make this a strong stop for photographs, but the setting is also a reminder that Iceland’s volcanoes are not just ancient scenery.

The tour does not treat the hot spring area as a bathing stop. You look at the geothermal activity here, then save your own soak for the Mývatn Nature Baths. That separation is useful because it lets you see the raw volcanic setting and then enjoy a controlled, comfortable bathing experience later.

Grjótagjá, the cave with a complicated past

The route also visits Grjótagjá cave, a well-known volcanic cave in the Lake Mývatn area. The cave adds variety to the day because the experience shifts from open lava country to a smaller, enclosed geological feature.

Your time here may depend on conditions and access. The supplied details do not promise swimming or entry into the water, so plan to view Grjótagjá as a sightseeing stop rather than a bathing opportunity. The cave is part of the area’s volcanic character, but it is not a substitute for the Nature Baths.

This is a good example of why the full route is worthwhile. You see a waterfall, a lake, lava shapes, hot ground, a cave, and pseudocraters in one outing. None of these stops alone would explain the whole area. Together, they show how varied North Iceland can be within a relatively compact region.

A soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths

The Mývatn Nature Baths are the relaxing part of the day. If you select that option, you can soak in geothermal water surrounded by Icelandic volcanic scenery. After several outdoor stops, the warm water offers a welcome change of pace.

Admission is not included in the $350 price, so check the cost before you commit to the bathing option. You also need to bring your own swimsuit and towel. These are easy items to forget when you are focused on winter sightseeing.

The baths are optional, which is a real advantage. You can choose the soak if you want a slower, more restful afternoon, or skip it if you have already visited another geothermal spa. One useful example comes from a winter outing when the Nature Baths were closed for refurbishment. The group was offered an alternative facility about 45 minutes away, and one passenger chose not to go because they had visited Forest Lagoon the previous evening. Instead, guide Sigi dropped that person in a local town to explore while the others visited the alternative baths.

That arrangement shows some flexibility, but do not assume every disruption will be handled in exactly the same way. Bath closures and weather can alter the plan. If soaking is central to your trip, confirm current operating conditions before departure.

Dimmuborgir and Skútustaðagígar

On the return route, the tour stops at Dimmuborgir, a group of striking lava formations and one of the most popular sights around Lake Mývatn. The name is often translated as Dark Fortress, which fits the rough, sculpted shapes.

Dimmuborgir is a strong stop for anyone who likes unusual geology. The formations do not look like a conventional mountain view. You may see arches, pillars, and twisted lava shapes that make the area feel almost built rather than naturally formed.

The tour also visits Skútustaðagígar, an area of pseudocraters. These are not ordinary volcanic craters formed by a direct eruption. Their rounded forms developed when lava flowed over wet ground and caused steam explosions. You do not need to be a geology fan to enjoy the shapes, but the explanation makes the stop more memorable.

Because the route includes both Dimmuborgir and Skútustaðagígar, you get two different views of volcanic activity. One stop is dominated by solid lava formations. The other focuses on rounded crater-like landforms. The stops are also valuable for breaking up the drive back to Akureyri.

The final Eyjafjörður viewpoint

Before returning to Akureyri, the route makes a final stop in Eyjafjörður. From here, you can look across the fjord toward Akureyri and take a broad photo of the town and surrounding water.

This last viewpoint gives the day a sense of place. After seeing volcanic areas around Lake Mývatn, you return to the fjord setting where the trip began. It is a calm ending to a busy route and a useful photo stop before the evening aurora outing.

The day begins at 9 AM, so expect a full schedule. The route includes many stops, but the guide aims to leave enough time for you to explore rather than simply step off the vehicle, take one photograph, and climb back aboard. That balance was praised by Julian, who described the Lake Mývatn trip as full of interesting stops without feeling rushed.

Searching for the Northern Lights at 9:30 PM

The evening Northern Lights tour leaves at 9:30 PM and heads outside Akureyri, away from city light pollution. The destination changes from night to night, based on the guide’s judgment about cloud cover and viewing conditions.

That flexibility is important. The best place for aurora viewing is not fixed, and a clear sky in one direction may be hidden by clouds in another. You are not simply driven to one permanent viewing point and told to hope for the best.

The North Iceland setting can offer excellent conditions, but the aurora remains a natural event. No tour company can promise a sighting, even when the trip operates. Weather and sky conditions may also cancel the outing.

The strongest practical advice is to schedule this tour on your first night in Akureyri if possible. If the lights do not appear, or if the trip is canceled because of conditions, the operator offers the outing again for free. Booking early gives you a chance to use another night rather than losing your only opportunity.

Keep your expectations realistic. You may see a bright display, a faint glow, or nothing at all. The tour’s value comes partly from having local transport and a guide watching the conditions, but nature still makes the final decision.

The Northern Lights outing received especially strong praise from Julian, who had Sigi as guide for both tours and described the lights show as excellent. Another passenger also identified Sigi, spelled Ziggie in one account, as the guide and driver for the airport transfer and both excursions. His role across the trip is useful because you do not have to explain your plans to a new driver each time.

Group size, guide service, and transport

The group is limited to 18 participants, which is small enough to feel more personal than a large coach tour. It is not a private excursion, so you still need to keep to the schedule and share stops with other people.

English is the tour language. A live guide handles the sightseeing and driving, which gives you a chance to ask questions and hear context as you move between locations. Sigi’s cheerful, informative service was a major strength for the people who singled him out by name.

The airport shuttle is included for easyJet passengers who buy one of the qualifying combination tours. You need to provide your easyJet flight information so the pickup can be arranged. Accommodation information is also required for pickup for the two outings.

On departure day, the company takes you back to Akureyri Airport. That can be valuable if your visit is built around this package, though you should still allow enough time around your flight and confirm the pickup arrangements.

What to pack and what the $350 covers

Pack comfortable shoes, sturdy soles, and warm clothing in layers. You may move between cold open areas, windy viewpoints, geothermal sites, and the warm Nature Baths in one day.

Bring a swimsuit and towel only if you plan to use the baths. Meals, drinks, personal expenses, and bath admission are not included, so budget for those separately.

The $350 cost makes the most sense for a visitor who needs transport and wants several major sights handled in one package. It is less appealing if you already have a rental car, do not want a guided schedule, or have little interest in geothermal bathing or the Northern Lights.

The package becomes better value when you count the two outings, airport service for easyJet passengers, and the free repeat aurora opportunity. The value drops if poor weather cancels the aurora and you cannot stay another night, or if the baths are a main reason for booking and they are unavailable.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this tour to first-time visitors staying in Akureyri for a short winter break. It suits you if you want the major Lake Mývatn sights without driving, prefer a small group, and like having a guide manage changing weather conditions.

It is also a good fit for easyJet passengers who want airport transfers built into the plan. The combination of pickup, sightseeing, aurora hunting, and return transport keeps the trip simple.

I would think twice if you dislike fixed schedules or want long, quiet walks at each stop. I would also avoid making the Nature Baths the sole reason to book. Admission is extra, closures can happen, and the bathing option may require a change of plan.

Book it if you value convenience, geological variety, and a second chance at the aurora. Schedule the Northern Lights outing early in your stay, bring proper winter clothing, and treat the lights as a lucky bonus rather than a promise. That is the fairest way to judge this well-organized two-day North Iceland experience.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

The experience lasts two days. The Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss, and Nature Baths outing starts at 9 AM, while the Northern Lights tour starts at 9:30 PM.

What is the price?

The listed price is $350 per person.

Is airport pickup included?

Airport shuttle service is included for easyJet passengers who purchase a qualifying combo tour. You need to provide your flight information.

Is return transport to Akureyri Airport included?

Yes. The company provides transport back to Akureyri Airport on your departure day.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour has a live English-speaking guide.

How large is the group?

The tour is limited to 18 participants.

Are the Mývatn Nature Baths included?

No. Entry to the Mývatn Nature Baths is not included in the price.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to use the Nature Baths. They are not provided as part of the tour.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included, so you should budget for them separately.

Can the Northern Lights be guaranteed?

No. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings depend on weather and sky conditions. If the tour operates but the lights are not seen, the outing can be offered again for free.