Aurora and geothermal in two tight days. This Akureyri winter special lines up the Lake Mývatn area’s volcanic oddballs with a late Northern Lights hunt, and it’s organized enough that you can focus on the views instead of the logistics. I especially like the small-group feel, which means more time at the good stops and less rushing. I also like that guides such as Sigi (and Ziggie on some runs) keep things clear, calm, and genuinely entertaining. One fair drawback: the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings are never guaranteed.

The practical side is solid too. You get a complimentary shuttle for EasyJet arrivals to Akureyri, and the group is limited to 18, so the tour doesn’t feel like a cattle call in winter. I also like that the day includes real variety, from waterfalls to steam vents, plus an optional soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 18): more time to look around, fewer “move, move, move” vibes
• Two very different days: geology in the morning, aurora hunting at night
• Clear-sky planning: where you go for the lights can change based on conditions
• Optional hot springs soak: pay the Nature Baths entry fee separately, bring swimwear and a towel
• Backup if lights don’t show: if the evening tour runs and you don’t see the aurora, you get the trip again for free

Akureyri winter timing: how the 2-day plan really works

This is built for winter reality: dark mornings for long fjord drives, and long nights where you hunt for clear skies. The package runs for 2 days, with a morning slot at 9 AM for Lake Mývatn and a late slot at 9:30 PM for Northern Lights.

What makes that timing useful is simple. Lake Mývatn geothermal sights are best when there’s enough daylight to actually see details like lava textures, steam behavior, and the weird shapes around the vents. Then you switch to the dark with enough time to get away from Akureyri’s light pollution and wait for the sky to cooperate.

Also, plan to dress for cold that can sneak up on you. You’ll want warm layers and sturdy shoes for outside time and short walks. The tour can be affected by weather for both the morning and evening parts, so having flexible expectations is the whole game.

Finally, the day isn’t just sightseeing and then a long goodbye. On your departure day, you’ll be taken back to Akureyri Airport, so you’re not trying to guess local transport schedules in winter.

From Eyjafjörður to Goðafoss: the morning geology starts strong

Your morning begins with a drive along the coast of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords. It’s the kind of route that helps you understand the region fast: fjord water on one side, winter slopes on the other, and volcanic ground showing up in the background again and again.

Then the tour hits Goðafoss waterfall. This is one of Iceland’s standout waterfalls, and the timing works well because you get it early while daylight is still steady. You’re not just snapping photos from a single angle either. The stop is part of the story of how the area formed, because after the fjord drive you move into the volcanic world around Lake Mývatn.

From Goðafoss, the tour continues toward Lake Mývatn, which was formed by a major basaltic lava eruption about 2,300 years ago. That context matters because once you understand that the ground is volcanic, the stops stop feeling random. You start noticing why the terrain looks the way it does and why you’ll keep seeing lava-related features all day.

What to watch for during this part

• Cold wind at waterfalls can be intense, so keep layers on until you’re properly sheltered.
• Short viewing times still need good footing, so sturdy shoes are worth it even if you’re not doing long hikes.

Grjótagjá and Hverarönd: hot springs power without the fluff

After the fjord-to-waterfall transition, the tour moves deeper into geothermal country. You’ll make a stop at Grjótagjá cave, plus a stop at the hot spring area Hverarönd in Námaskarð.

This is where the tour earns its keep for people who like geology but don’t want a crash course. These stops show you the geothermal system in a practical way: steam, heat, and volcanic rock all in close proximity. Even if you don’t study the science at home, you can still read what’s happening by watching where steam comes from and how the ground looks around it.

Then there’s the option to soak at Mývatn Nature Baths. The entry fee is not included, so you’ll want to budget for that separately and pack the right things. The tour specifically calls out bringing a swimsuit and towel if you plan to go in.

This is also the section of the day where your mood can shift quickly. Standing outside at geothermal sites is cold and sometimes intense. A warm soak later makes the whole experience feel balanced, like you earned a reset.

A real-world note about the baths

One booking included a situation where the Nature Baths were closed for refurbishment, and the guide adjusted. In that case, the group drove about 45 minutes to an alternative, and if you chose not to go, the guide dropped people into a local town to explore. You should treat that as a helpful example of how flexible the operation can be, not a promise that the exact same backup plan will always exist.

Dimmuborgir and Skútustaðagígar: the lava you can actually see

On the way back, the tour focuses on the Lake Mývatn area’s most visually memorable volcanic formations.

First up is Dimmuborgir, known for dramatic lava formations that are among the most popular attractions in the region. This isn’t just about a single viewpoint. You get time to see the formations and take photos, and the overall pacing helps you avoid the feeling of being dragged from spot to spot.

Next you’ll stop at Skútustaðagígar, the pseudocraters area. These are often the kind of feature you’d expect to look confusing from a distance. Close up, they make more sense. You start seeing how volcanic activity shaped the ground in ways that look solid and still, while the geothermal energy is happening around it.

Why I think these stops are worth your time

• They give you variety: caves, steam vents, lava formations, and pseudocraters all in one day.
• They’re designed for photography and close looking, not just scenic passing views.
• The pacing is built so you can explore without feeling rushed, which matters a lot in winter when you’re already dealing with cold and coordination.

Eyjafjörður photo stop: a last look at Akureyri from across the fjord

Your last stop brings you back toward the fjord view again, with a point in Eyjafjörður where you can see over the water toward Akureyri and get a great photo.

This kind of ending matters because it gives your brain a reference point. After a day full of volcanic features, it’s nice to see the region’s structure from a distance: fjord, town lights far away, and the winter scale of North Iceland.

It’s also a clean mental transition into the night portion of the experience. You’re basically switching from interpreting the ground during daylight to interpreting the sky once it gets dark.

The Nature Baths soak: what’s included, what costs extra, and why it feels good

The Nature Baths part is optional, but it’s hard to regret if you like hot-spring soaking. The key points are practical:

• Nature Baths entry fee is not included in the tour price.
• You’ll want swimwear and a towel, since you may be expected to go in.
• If you skip the baths, the rest of the itinerary still runs, and you keep moving through the geothermal sites.

The best value here is not just comfort. It’s recovery. After a cold day of outdoor geothermal viewing, your body benefits from warmth. That matters on aurora night too because the Northern Lights portion is a long wait outside.

And if you ever worry about the baths being closed, one real winter scenario showed the operator adjusting on the spot. That’s a sign of flexibility, even if the exact plan depends on what’s happening at the time.

Northern Lights hunt outside Akureyri at 9:30 PM

Now comes the night you came for. The Northern Lights tour starts at 9:30 PM, and the main idea is to escape light pollution from Akureyri.

Each evening, where you head can change based on the likelihood of clear sky and the best aurora conditions. That’s important because the best aurora hunting in Iceland is less about luck and more about going where clouds aren’t sitting on top of the sky.

What you should know about the lights

• The Northern Lights are natural, so sightings are not guaranteed.
• The tour depends on weather and sky conditions.
• If the evening tour goes ahead but you don’t see the lights, you can get the trip again for free.

That last point is the reason I suggest scheduling your Northern Lights tour for your first night in Akureyri. If clouds ruin the first attempt, you still have a chance to adjust without feeling like your whole trip depends on one single evening.

How the tour approach helps

This tour doesn’t pretend it can control the sky. Instead, it gives you a structured attempt outside the city and focuses on getting you into the right conditions when they appear. In a region where weather can flip fast, that’s about as good as you can plan.

Guides and group energy: why Sigi and Ziggie make a difference

A winter tour lives or dies by the guide. You’re outside, you’re cold, and you’re trying to understand what you’re seeing without slowing the group down.

In the experience’s feedback, guides such as Sigi and Ziggie are praised for keeping guests informed and entertained. I like that style because it helps you feel like you understand what’s going on, even when you’re mostly waiting for the aurora.

The other big theme is the pacing. The Lake Mývatn day includes lots of interesting stops, but the overall rhythm avoids that exhausting feeling of being constantly on the move. You still get time to explore, which is the difference between seeing a place and actually noticing it.

Small group size also supports the vibe. With a maximum of 18 participants, it stays easier to hear instructions and manage a winter schedule without chaos.

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

At $350 per person for a 2-day combo, this sits in the middle zone for North Iceland winter tours. The real question is what you get for that money, and here the package is clearer than many.

What’s included:

• Guided tour of the Lake Mývatn area
• Northern Lights hunt
• Airport shuttle for EasyJet passengers landing in Akureyri
• A live English-speaking guide
• Small group size (max 18)

What’s not included:

• Meals and drinks
• Mývatn Nature Baths entry fee
• Swimwear and a towel

When I look at value, I focus on time and coordination. Two separate guided experiences with transportation and airport transfer included can quickly cost more if you book everything individually in winter. This package also handles the difficult part for you: fitting morning geology and night aurora into one clean plan without you having to arrange pickup times and route decisions yourself.

The only real “extra cost” you should plan for is Nature Baths entry (if you soak) and food. If you’re traveling with a budget mindset, you can also choose to skip meals on the tours and manage food independently, but that depends on your preferences.

For many people, the biggest value is not the sightseeing list. It’s the reduction in stress when it’s cold, dark, and weather is changeable.

Who should book this Akureyri Lake Mývatn and Aurora combo

This tour makes the most sense if you want a guided, structured winter experience without feeling rushed.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You’re visiting North Iceland and want to see the Lake Mývatn geothermal region plus Goðafoss in one day
• You care about getting outside Akureyri for the aurora hunt rather than watching from inside town
• You want a small-group tour where the guide can actually manage the details
• You’re comfortable with winter basics: layers, warm socks, and sturdy shoes

It may not be ideal if:

• You hate the idea of waiting outside for the Northern Lights with no guarantees
• You don’t want any optional add-ons, since Nature Baths entry costs extra

Should you book this tour?

If your priority is Lake Mývatn geothermal sights plus a proper Northern Lights attempt, I think this combo is a strong choice. The morning itinerary gives you variety, and the night portion is handled with a realistic approach: go where conditions look best, and rerun for free if the tour operates and the aurora doesn’t show.

Book it especially early in your Akureyri stay. That one decision gives you the best shot at turning the weather into your favor.

And one more tip: pack for long outdoor time. Warm layers and shoes won’t just keep you comfortable; they help you enjoy both the geology day and the aurora wait without turning cold into a distraction.

FAQ

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

It starts at 9 AM.

What time is the Northern Lights tour?

The Northern Lights hunt runs at 9:30 PM.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes, there’s a complimentary shuttle service for EasyJet passengers who land in Akureyri. You’ll need to provide flight information, and for pickup for both tours you’ll also share your accommodation details.

Are meals included in the price?

No. Meals and drinks are not included.

Do I have to pay for the Mývatn Nature Baths?

Yes. The entry fee to the Mývatn Nature Baths is not included, and you’ll need to bring swimwear and a towel if you want to go in.

Are Northern Lights sightings guaranteed?

No. The Northern Lights depend on weather and sky conditions. If the evening tour goes ahead but you do not see the Northern Lights, the trip is offered again for free.

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