Lake Mývatn Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Lake Mývatn. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

• 6-Day Minibus Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik

• Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour from Akureyri

• Akureyri North Iceland Waterfalls and Nature Baths Small Group Tour

• Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss, and Goddafoss Waterfalls Day Tour from Akureyri

While there’s no fee to visit Lake Mývatn, many travelers opt to explore the natural wonder as part of a guided tour of the Diamond Circle. Full-day tours of Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall from Akureyri start at around US$200 per person, while full-day shore excursions from Húsavik start at about US$300.

Lake Mývatn is known for its volcanic landscape, where you can hike around the Dimmuborgir lava field, admire the unique pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar, and explore the Hverir geothermal area. One of the lake’s most popular attractions is the Mývatn Nature Baths, an open-air lagoon fed by natural hot springs.

Summer (June to August) is the ideal time for hiking and bird-watching, with long daylight hours and the chance to experience the midnight sun. If you’re hoping to spot the northern lights, though, come in the fall (September to October); avoid the wintertime, when the trails become snow-covered and inaccessible.

Lake Mývatn lies along the Diamond Circle driving route, and most travelers combine it with nearby sights such as the thundering Dettifoss Waterfall, the dramatic Ásbyrgi Canyon, and the bubbling mud pools of the Hverir geothermal area. Another popular destination is the port town of Húsavík, known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital.

Yes, many travelers rent a car to explore the Diamond Circle route, including Lake Mývatn and its surroundings. However, it’s best to stick to the summer months if you’re going it alone—in the winter you’ll need a 4WD and some experience driving in snow. If you’re not driving, or would like to simplify your trip, consider joining a guided tour.