Day Trips and Tours from Akureyri

See northern Iceland’s thundering waterfalls, picturesque highlands and other top-rated destinations when you book a day trip from Akureyri.

The charming town of Akureyri—located at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord— is a great place to base yourself if you’re interested in exploring some of Iceland’s most iconic natural attractions, such as Lake Mývatn, Godafoss Waterfall and Askja Caldera among others.

Spend some time away from civilization and take in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty, which has been applauded for decades by visitors from around the world.

Lake Mývatn

Lake Mývatn, located around 80 kilometers west of Akureyri, is a volcanic lake with dozens of small islands, many of which are actually pseudocraters formed by steam explosions. Thanks to Mývatn’s geothermal activity, the lake’s water is warm enough to bathe in.

The area surrounding the lake is home to more duck species than anywhere else in the world, thus making Mývatn an ideal bird-watching destination. In addition to ducks, you may spot mice, rats, voles and maybe even arctic foxes if you’re lucky.

When looking for a Lake Mývatn day trip from Akureyri, you can choose between private tours, shared group excursions and trips that include other famous attractions like the Godafoss Waterfall.

Godafoss Waterfall

If you have ever seen pictures of the mighty Godafoss Waterfall, you’ll understand why so many guidebooks recommend that you visit this impressive natural attraction during your time in northern Iceland.

The 12-meter-high and 30-meter-wide waterfall can be found in the Skjálfandafljót River, which is the country’s fourth largest river. There are many local legends surrounding the waterfall that can be linked to the Norse gods, making it a fascinating as well as beautiful destination.

While you could always drive to the falls on your own, a guided Godafoss Waterfall day trip from Akureyri offers a convenient way to experience this must-see attraction with a local guide leading the way, handling your travel plans and providing you with valuable information.

Diamond Circle

Diamond Circle day trips from Akureyri are ideal for those looking to make the most of their time in northern Iceland and see as much as they can in one day. Home to some of the country’s most noteworthy natural attractions, the 250-kilometer circuit offers an iconic route.

The five key attractions that can be found along the Diamond Circle include the Goðafoss Waterfall, Lake Mývatn, the Dettifoss Waterfall, Ásbyrgi Canyon and Húsavík—a small town overlooking Skjálfandi Bay.

It takes around 4 hours to drive along this famous circuit, but with all the magnificent stops along the way, you can expect your Diamond Circle day trip to be a full-day excursion packed with adventure and forgettable sightseeing.

Dettifoss Waterfall

Famed for being one of the most powerful waterfalls in all of Europe, Dettifoss draws in nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide. The falls can be found on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which is a cold, glacier river.

The impressive falls, which are 45 meters high and around 100 meters wide, have an average water flow of roughly 193 meters cubed per second. Located in the Vatnajökull National Park, the area surrounding the waterfall is breathtakingly beautiful.

Join a Dettifoss Waterfall day trip from Akureyri to get up close and personal with these thundering falls. This magnificent natural attraction is sure to be one of the major highlights of your trip to northern Iceland.

Kerlingarfjöll Highlands

Referred to as the ‘land of ice and fire’ by the locals, the Kerlingarfjöll Highlands is a mystifying region for many reasons. The snow-capped mountain range is filled with hot springs, rivulets, hiking trails, red volcanic rock and many other natural wonders that will leave you speechless.

The highlands, which are only accessible by 4x4, provide an unforgettable escape from civilization. With their rusty appearance and magnificent views, the highlands make it easy to feel as though you are on another planet entirely!

Kerlingarfjöll Highlands day trips from Akureyri are perfect for those looking to explore Iceland’s rugged landscapes with a local guide ensuring that you don’t miss a thing! Don’t forget to pack your camera to capture the incredible views on offer.

Askja Caldera

If you’d like to see an active volcano during your time in Iceland, then an Akja Caldera day trip from Akureyri is the ideal excursion for you. While the volcano hasn’t erupted since 1961, there were tremors in the region about a decade ago.

After an eruption in 1875, the Öskjuvatn Lake was formed 50 meters beneath the floor of the Caldera. This beautiful lake makes your visit to Askja Caldera even more worthwhile as it offers incredible views and gives you an idea of the power of the volcano.

On your way to the volcano, you’ll pass dazzling landscapes that will give you an idea of the true natural beauty that Iceland has to offer its visitors.