When your cruise ship docks at the charming northern Icelandic port of Húsavík, you’re stepping into one of the most magical and geologically active regions on Earth. To make the most of your shore time, there’s no better choice than the Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Waterfall Day Tour, curated to perfection by TPO.Travel—your trusted partner for premium sightseeing, seamless transfers, and luxury travel experiences across Europe.
This full-day shore excursion effortlessly combines natural wonders, mythological landmarks, and geothermal marvels, all with the comfort and quality TPO.Travel is known for. Whether you’re an independent traveler stepping off a cruise or a travel agent planning for a group, this adventure promises a day of discovery, relaxation, and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Setting Sail from Húsavík: Where Your Adventure Begins
Often dubbed the “Whale Capital of Iceland,” Húsavík is a quaint fishing town with colorful houses, dramatic mountain views, and a welcoming harbor. It’s also the perfect launching point for a full-day inland journey toward the otherworldly landscapes of Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss, two of the most captivating destinations in North Iceland.
With TPO.Travel’s trusted transportation network, travelers are picked up directly from the port, ensuring on-time return before your cruise sets sail again. Spacious, Wi-Fi-equipped vehicles with professional, English-speaking guides make your journey smooth and informative.
First Stop: Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods
Just a short drive from Húsavík lies Goðafoss, a horseshoe-shaped waterfall with a name steeped in history. Translating to “Waterfall of the Gods,” Goðafoss earned its title in the year 1000, when Iceland’s law speaker threw Norse pagan idols into the falls to mark the country’s conversion to Christianity.
As you stand on the rocky outcrops near the falls, you’ll feel the sheer power and spiritual resonance of the cascading water. Your guide will share local lore and fascinating geological facts about the falls, which plunge 12 meters into the Skjálfandafljót River with thunderous beauty.
Pro Tip: Capture the entire horseshoe shape from the eastern side for a postcard-perfect shot!
Enter the Alien World of Lake Mývatn
After Goðafoss, the tour heads deeper inland toward Lake Mývatn, a surreal landscape shaped by intense volcanic activity. Here, lava fields, bubbling mud pools, pseudocraters, and vibrant geothermal colors offer an almost Martian aesthetic—yet it’s teeming with life.
This part of Iceland is not just geologically fascinating; it’s biologically rich too. Lake Mývatn is a birdwatcher’s paradise, known for hosting some of the largest duck populations in Europe during summer.
Your guided exploration includes several remarkable sites:
Dimmuborgir – The Dark Castles
Named after the towering, eerie rock formations that resemble collapsed fortresses, Dimmuborgir is a maze of lava pillars and caves. This lava field was created by a volcanic eruption over 2,300 years ago and has since been linked to folklore about elves, trolls, and even the home of Iceland’s mischievous Yule Lads.
Wander through its winding paths and enjoy storytelling from your guide, who brings these volcanic “castles” to life with Icelandic sagas and modern pop culture references (including the fact that it was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones).
Námafjall Geothermal Area – Earth at a Boil
Next, prepare for a multisensory experience at Námafjall, where you’ll walk among Hverir’s steaming fumaroles, sulfur vents, and bubbling mud pots. The air carries a distinctive sulfur scent (like boiled eggs), but the visual drama of boiling earth, steam clouds, and orange-hued hills makes it completely worth it.
This is one of the best spots to witness Iceland’s living geology—earth in action.
Optional Stop: Mývatn Nature Baths or Grjótagjá Cave
As your tour reaches its final leg, you’re offered a choice—depending on your timing and preferences.
Option A: Mývatn Nature Baths
Often described as the quieter, less-crowded cousin of the Blue Lagoon, the Mývatn Nature Baths offer a luxurious soak in geothermal mineral-rich waters. You’ll enjoy stunning views over Lake Mývatn as you relax in the steaming pools, all while sipping Icelandic coffee or local refreshments from the on-site café.
TPO.Travel arranges quick access, towels, and bathing essentials to ensure you maximize your soak time.
Note: This option is time-dependent. Your guide will confirm if the duration aligns with your cruise return window.
Option B: Grjótagjá Cave & Rift
If you prefer to stay dry—or want to channel your inner Jon Snow—you can opt to visit the hidden Grjótagjá Cave, a small lava cave that houses a stunning thermal spring. While bathing isn’t allowed, it’s a memorable location made famous by Game of Thrones. You’ll also walk along a dramatic tectonic rift, marking the boundary between the Eurasian and North American plates.
Why Choose TPO.Travel for This Tour?
TPO.Travel specializes in curating comfortable, high-quality travel experiences for both independent travelers and international tour operators. Here’s how they elevate your Lake Mývatn day tour:
- Cruise ship coordination: Timely pickup and drop-off aligned with your cruise itinerary
- Private & semi-private transport: For comfort, efficiency, and personalized service
- Local, licensed guides: Offering deep knowledge, humor, and hospitality
- Seamless add-ons: Book your Reykjavik hotel, Blue Lagoon trip, or Golden Circle adventure with TPO in the same package
- 24/7 support: Multilingual customer service always on standby
Sample Itinerary (Approx. 7–8 Hours from Húsavík)
| Time | Activity |
| 09:00 | Pickup from Húsavík Port |
| 09:45 | Arrive at Goðafoss Waterfall |
| 10:45 | Drive to Lake Mývatn region |
| 11:30 | Explore Dimmuborgir lava fields |
| 12:30 | Visit Námafjall geothermal area |
| 13:30 | Lunch stop or optional Nature Baths |
| 15:00 | Optional visit to Grjótagjá Cave |
| 16:00 | Scenic drive back to Húsavík |
| 17:00 | Drop-off at cruise ship port |
Iceland’s Raw Beauty, Refined by TPO.Travel
From the thundering power of Goðafoss to the steamy enchantment of Lake Mývatn, this tour blends the raw drama of Icelandic nature with the comfort and reliability of expert-guided service.
Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, a photographer, a nature lover, or simply curious about Iceland’s unfiltered beauty, this day tour from Húsavík Port delivers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—with none of the hassle.
Book your Cruise Day Tour to Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss with TPO.Travel today—and sail through Iceland’s volcanic soul in style.