Godafoss, Dimmuborgir & Hot Springs Express
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Port
Akureyri, Iceland
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$229.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
A panoramic drive takes you along the coastline of Eyjafjordur. This is Iceland's longest fjord, and it's also Akureyri's backyard. Weather permitting, you will take in an excellent view of the town and the surrounding mountains.
Crossing Vikurskard Pass, you enter the Fnjoskadalur Valley, where clear geological remains from glacial and post-glacial times can still be seen.
You'll stop at Goðafoss – one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. The water of the River Skjalfandafljot rushes to a 40-foot drop over a width of almost 100 feet. The resulting cascade is mighty, impressive and loud. History states that in AD 1000, the legislative assembly decided that Christianity would be the official religion of Iceland. Statues of the pagan gods (Goða) were pitched into the waterfall (foss) to symbolize abandoning the Norse pagan religion. Its astounding beauty and power might cause you to think of other reasons for the Waterfall of the Gods to be so named.
Next, drive directly to the Lake Myvatn area, stopping to view the rather unusual craters at Skutustadir.
Walk through the Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth -- a Tolkien-esque paradise of towering lava castles, natural arches and countless unexplored grottos.
Your last stop is at the gurgling purple and yellow sulfur cauldrons at the Namaskard geothermal field. The pools here are so hot that they actually boil.
A short city sightseeing tour of Akureyri is included if time allows.
Notes: Dress warmly in layers, with a water- and windproof outer layer. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Some walking is involved, but it is optional; however, the main attractions are not easily accessible by guests using walking or mobility aids. Small black flies (midges or "no-see-'ems") populate the Lake Myvatn area. Although they don't bite, they can be quite annoying. Wear insect repellent and bring a light scarf or net to cover your face and/or mouth. The toilet facilities at Fosshóll, Goðafoss Waterfall carry a charge of 200 ISK (approximately $1.50) for toilet use. Please note that this charge applies to all visitors who wish to use the facilities, including those who shop in their store; they accept card payments only; it is not possible to pay with cash.