Description
Summary
Description
Join this small group tour of the lovely Lake Mývatn area in northern Iceland. This tour is for anyone who would like to explore the scenery of Iceland while getting away from the crowds of the popular south coast.
This tour offers a chance to discover geothermal features, one of the island's most famous waterfalls, and finally relax at Mývatn Nature Baths. You'll be picked up from your accommodation in Akureyri and make your way down the coast of Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland in a small group, specially outfitted to handle the more rugged terrain of this area.
Your first stop will be Goðafoss waterfall, the waterfall of the gods. How did it earn its name? While it is beautiful enough that the gods might look favourably upon it, it is named for an important turning point in Icelandic history.
In the year 1000 AD, Christianity was declared the law for all of Iceland to stop fighting between pagans and Christians. After making this declaration, the law-speaker of Iceland, Þorgeir, threw his carved figures of the Norse gods into the waterfall on his way home from the parliament meeting, forever changing the course of Icelandic history.
Next, are two sites of geological interest, the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðagígar. These were formed in the turbulent volcanic past, after an eruption sent lava pouring over the wetlands in this area. The cold water met the boiling lava, causing explosions that carved these stunning shapes into the scenery.
Then, it's on to Dimmuborgir, the “dark cities,” where more volcanic eruption has left behind these strange caves, tubes and towers of lava, resembling the crumbling remains of a medieval castle. It is said that any number of strange creatures and people hide here.
Finally, you'll end the day at Mývatn Nature Baths to relax away the day’s exertions. Fully equipped with a relaxing bath and steam rooms, you can take advantage of the special properties of the water here. While all geothermal water in Iceland contains sulfur, the concentration of this element is especially strong here, which yields great benefits for the skin and for respiratory issues such as asthma.
Don't miss this tour of the wonderful north, less popular than its southern cousin but no less enchanting. Check availability by choosing a date.
