Iceland’s north turns geology into an adventure. I love how the Lake Mývatn guided tour strings together volcanic sights with smart timing, and I love the Northern Lights hunt that plans for clearer skies outside Akureyri. The whole thing runs in a small group (18 max), with a live English-speaking guide who keeps the drive entertaining and the stops easy to follow.

One big consideration: the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, because the weather and sky conditions call the shots. You’ll get a free re-run if the evening tour goes ahead and the lights don’t show, but you still need to show up ready to wait in the cold with warm layers.

Key things that make this winter special

• Airport-to-Akureyri shuttle for easyJet arrivals, so you’re not wrestling with transfers at night
• A tight small-group plan (18 max) that keeps the stops organized without feeling rushed
• Lake Mývatn geology that’s actually explained, from lava pillars and rootless vents to Dimmuborgir
• Optional geothermal soak at Nature Baths, with the right packing reminders so you’re not stuck
• A 9:30 PM Northern Lights chase that changes location based on cloud and sky conditions

How Akureyri logistics make or break the trip

This tour is built around one winter reality: timing matters, and you don’t want stress on top of cold-weather planning.

First, the Akureyri side is made straightforward with a complimentary shuttle for easyJet passengers. You just need to share your easyJet flight details (and your accommodation info for pickup timing on both tours). That matters because Lake Mývatn day starts at 9:00 AM, and the Northern Lights run kicks off at 9:30 PM. When transfers are handled for you, you can spend your mental energy on the scenery, not schedules.

Also, the group size is capped at 18. In a place where winter roads and weather can slow things down, a smaller group tends to move more cleanly at each stop. From what you’ll experience in practice, you get guided structure without feeling corralled.

On the Northern Lights night, the tour also uses a smart approach: where you go each evening depends on where clear sky looks most likely. You’re not stuck seeing the same dark field every time—your guide adjusts to conditions as they develop.

Day 1: Goðafoss to Lake Mývatn and the volcanic story behind it

The 9:00 AM start sets you up for a full day in North Iceland’s volcanic zone, and the itinerary is paced like a good geology lesson: big wow moments, then the science of why they look that way.

You begin with a drive along the coast of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. That stretch gives you a sense of scale and location—this isn’t just one isolated stop. The coastline backdrop helps you understand why Akureyri feels like a hub, even when you head outward toward quieter landscapes.

Goðafoss: the waterfall stop that anchors the day

You’ll stop at Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. The key is that it’s not just a pretty break. It’s a classic Iceland “reset” moment before you enter the more alien-looking geothermal terrain around Lake Mývatn.

Lake Mývatn’s volcanic origin: 2,300 years of results

When you reach Lake Mývatn, you’re seeing a landscape shaped by a major basaltic lava eruption about 2,300 years ago. The surrounding features are dominated by volcanic landforms—think lava pillars and rootless vents. If you like understanding how Iceland gets its looks, this is where the guided part really earns its keep. You’re not wandering randomly; you’re seeing a chain of related features.

Grjótagjá cave and the hot spring area at Hverarönd (Námaskarð)

The day continues to Grjótagjá cave and then into the hot spring zone at Hverarönd in Námaskarð. This is the “steam and color” part of the Mývatn region. Geothermal areas can feel confusing if you’re just walking through them, but with a guide you learn what you’re looking at—where heat is coming from, why the ground behaves differently, and why the area looks the way it does.

Practical tip for you: wear shoes you trust on uneven ground and keep your time flexible around steam. The ground can look firm while still being unpredictable.

A day that doesn’t feel rushed

The best part of this day’s structure is how it balances multiple “signature” locations without turning the day into a sprint. You get time to explore each area, and the drive between stops keeps the energy up instead of draining it.

Nature Baths: relaxing geothermal time, with a few real-world cautions

Nature Baths are one of the most satisfying ways to end a high-activity day in this region. After you’ve spent hours looking at lava formations and geothermal landscapes, soaking makes sense—it’s the same heat, but now you’re the one relaxing in it.

Here’s what you need to know so you’re not caught off guard:

• Entry to the Mývatn Nature Baths is not included, so expect an additional fee.
• You need to bring swimwear and a towel if you want to go in.

That’s a small detail, but in winter it’s the difference between a smooth experience and a last-minute scramble.

Also, there’s a real winter possibility to plan for: closures happen. On at least one winter departure, the Nature Baths were closed for refurbishment, and the guide handled it by offering an alternative geothermal option (including a drive of about 45 minutes). In that same situation, you might find you get some free time in the local area while others go to the alternative.

So for you: treat the baths as a likely highlight, but keep your expectations flexible if conditions or operations change.

Dimmuborgir and Skútustaðagígar: the weird lava-land shapes you’ll remember

After the geothermal hot spots, the tour shifts into another kind of wow: lava formations that look like something you’d draw in a notebook.

Dimmuborgir: lava formations that draw people for a reason

On the way back, you’ll visit Dimmuborgir, known for unique lava formations and described as among the most popular attractions in the Lake Mývatn area. This stop is valuable because it’s visual. You can stand in front of rock shapes and feel the imagination kick in—then the guide helps you connect what you’re seeing to the volcanic forces that created it.

If you like photos, this is a great place to slow down. Winter light can be forgiving, and the contrast between dark lava and pale winter sky makes details pop.

Skútustaðagígar: pseudocraters

You also stop at Skútustaðagígar, the pseudocraters area. Pseudocraters can be the kind of feature that sounds technical until someone explains the logic of how they form. With a guide, the stop turns into “oh, that’s why it looks like that,” which is more satisfying than just admiring.

This is also one of those places where you’ll appreciate comfortable shoes again. Trails can be uneven, and winter surfaces vary.

Eyjafjörður viewpoint back toward Akureyri

Your final stop brings you to Eyjafjörður where you can see over the fjord toward Akureyri and take a great photo. It’s a nice closing move: you end the day with context. You’re reminded that all these volcanic sites sit within a real region, not an isolated landscape.

9:30 PM Northern Lights: how the hunt works and what to expect

The Northern Lights portion runs at 9:30 PM, and the plan is simple: escape the light pollution of town and head outside Akureyri to areas where the sky is likely to cooperate.

Where you go depends on the sky

Each evening, the route can change depending on where your guide thinks clear sky is most likely. That’s important. In North Iceland, clouds can sit in one valley while another area stays clearer. A flexible plan improves your odds because you’re not locked into one viewpoint no matter what the weather does.

No guarantees, and the free re-run strategy

You should go into this knowing one sentence worth repeating: sightings cannot be guaranteed. Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and even a perfectly planned tour can be blocked by cloud cover.

But this operator builds in a safety net. If the evening tour goes ahead and the Northern Lights are not seen, you’ll be offered the trip again for free. The practical advice that comes with that: book your Northern Lights tour on your first night in Akureyri. That way, you have room to switch dates if conditions don’t line up that night.

What to bring for the night

Dress like you plan to stand still and wait—because that’s often what you do during a Northern Lights hunt. Warm layers, sturdy shoes, and a bit of patience matter more than fancy gear.

If you’re cold quickly, this is the time to over-layer. It beats spending the evening distracted by discomfort.

Price and value: is $350 per person fair for two winter days?

At $350 per person for a 2-day package, you’re paying for more than just sightseeing. You’re paying for coordination and guided interpretation, which is exactly what winter needs in Iceland.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• Airport shuttle for easyJet passengers (so you land and move without extra hassle)
• A guided Lake Mývatn area tour with multiple stops and a live English guide
• A Northern Lights hunt with planning for sky conditions
• A small group size (18 max), which helps the tour feel organized instead of chaotic

What keeps the price from being “everything included”:

• Meals and drinks are not included
• Nature Baths entry is not included
• You’ll want to budget for any snacks you carry or buy on your own during breaks
• You’ll need to bring a swimsuit and towel if you want the baths

So for your wallet: this is a solid choice if you want guidance and logistics handled in one bundle. If you’re the type who loves DIY driving at your own pace, you could piece the day together separately. But in winter, having a schedule, a driver, and a guide who can adjust the Northern Lights location based on conditions is often worth paying for.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want geology and geothermal landscapes explained in an organized route
• Like the comfort of a small group and a clear pickup plan
• Are comfortable with winter conditions and dressing for cold waits
• Want to do both a daytime exploration (Mývatn) and a nighttime experience (Northern Lights) without extra planning

It might not be the best fit if you:

• Need guaranteed outcomes. The Northern Lights can’t be promised.
• Hate driving in winter weather or spending hours bundled up outdoors.
• Have no interest in geothermal bathing and would prefer just quick photo stops.

Quick practical tips before you go

• Wear comfortable shoes you can trust on winter ground.
• Bring warm layers. You’ll use them both at sunrise-ish daytime stops and on the Northern Lights night.
• If you plan to soak at Nature Baths, pack swimwear and a towel, because entry is not included.
• For the Northern Lights, plan your first night in Akureyri for the 9:30 PM tour so you can take advantage of the free re-run if needed.

Should you book Akureyri: Lake Mývatn & Northern Lights – Winter Special?

Yes, I’d book it if you want one tidy package that handles the big winter moving parts: getting from the airport, touring the Mývatn area with a real guide, and chasing the Northern Lights outside the city.

It’s especially worth it if you appreciate that this isn’t only about views. You’re getting the “why” behind the volcanic landforms and the practical method behind the lights hunt (changing location based on sky conditions). Just go in with the right mindset: the lights are nature’s show, not the tour’s promise. If you bring patience and warm layers, you give yourself a real shot at a memorable north-of-Iceland winter.

FAQ

Is there an airport shuttle included?

Yes. The tour includes a complimentary shuttle service for easyJet passengers who land in Akureyri. You’ll need to provide your flight information.

What time is the Northern Lights tour?

The Northern Lights hunt starts at 9:30 PM.

What time is the Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and Nature Baths tour?

The Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and Nature Baths tour starts at 9:00 AM.

Are meals included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included.

Is entry to the Mývatn Nature Baths included?

No. Entry fees to the Mývatn Nature Baths are not included.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing. If you want to visit the baths, also bring swimwear and a towel.

Are Northern Lights sightings guaranteed?

No. Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings cannot be guaranteed even if the tour is operated. If the evening tour goes ahead and you don’t see the lights, the trip is offered again for free.