Thrilling 8-Hour Private Tour of Lake Myvatn with Optional Dettifoss Waterfall Visit

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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Mývatn, Iceland
Duration
8 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Languages
English
Available
Aug. - Dec.
Minimum age
None

Description

Explore the wonders of one of Iceland's most beautiful areas on this thrilling tour of the Lake Myvatn region. This eight-hour private adventure takes travelers to must-see attractions around Lake Myvatn with an option to visit the Dettifoss waterfall.

The action begins when you meet an expert guide at the Myvatnsstofa Visitor Center at 9:00 AM. The guide will brief you regarding the tour, the locations you'll visit, and what you can expect for the remainder of the day. In addition, they will provide safety reminders to ensure a fun-filled experience.

You'll then ride a comfortable vehicle around the Lake Myvatn area. Formed by volcanic activity over 2,300 years ago, the Lake Myvatn area is characterized by its diverse landscapes. As you get closer to the area, you'll see peaceful lakes, lush wetlands, dramatic lava fields, and steaming geothermal spots.

Lake Myvatn covers an area of about 14 square miles (37 square kilometers) and has an average depth of 8.2 feet (2.5 meters). The lake's nutrient-rich waters support various aquatic plants and algae. This abundance of food translates to a rich birdlife led by Icelandic puffins, making Myvatn one of Europe's premier birdwatching locations.

One of the first attractions you'll see is the beautiful Laxa river by the left side of the highway. One of Iceland's major salmon rivers, Laxa flows out of Lake Myvatn and through lush valleys, basalt formations, and rolling hills.

You'll then arrive at the Skutustadir pseudocraters, one of the Lake Myvatn area's most intriguing geological features. The craters are spread across a lush, green landscape, strikingly contrasting the surrounding lava fields. Walking paths are available to explore the area and see the formations up close.

Your next stop is the Dimmuborgir lava field, a geothermal wonder featuring extraordinary rock formations. Dimmuborgir means "Dark Castles" in Icelandic because of the shapes of the rock formations that resemble the ruins of an old fortress. Exploring the area is like entering a labyrinth of lava formations, some rising several meters high.

You'll also make a quick visit to the Grjotagja lava cave. Considered a hidden gem in the Lake Myvatn region, the Grjotagja lava cave features geothermal hot springs with crystal-clear blue waters.

You'll then proceed to Namafjall, also known as the Hverir geothermal area. Hverir is known for its bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant mineral deposits. Upon reaching the area, you'll notice the strong sulfur smell and steam rising from the fumaroles and hissing vents. Moreover, due to the high concentration of sulfur and other minerals in the soil, Hverir's landscape is painted in shades of orange, yellow, and red.

Next, the guide will take you to the Sigurgeir's Bird Museum, where you'll learn about the Myvatn area's dynamic birdlife. Named after the passionate ornithologist Sigurgeir Stefansson, the museum houses one of the largest collections of stuffed birds in Iceland, numbering over 300 bird species.

To give your tired legs and feet a much-deserved break, you'll head to the Myvatn Nature Baths for geothermal bathing. Often referred to as the "Blue Lagoon of the North," the Myvatn Nature Baths feature mineral-rich waters believed to have beneficial effects on the skin.

Aside from seeing these wonderful attractions, the tour allows you to visit one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls: Dettifoss. Located in Vatnajokull National Park, Dettifoss waterfall plunges 144 feet (44 meters) into the Jokulsargljufur canyon. It is approximately 330 feet (100 meters) wide, and the mist from the powerful cascade often creates rainbows on sunny days.

In addition to witnessing the waterfall's raw power, you'll see the beautiful surrounding area, characterized by rugged landscapes with rocky outcrops and barren terrain. 

At the end of the tour, the guide will safely take you back to the Myvatnsstofa Visitor Center, carrying the unforgettable memories of your Icelandic adventure.

Take advantage of this opportunity to discover the wonders of the Lake Myvatn area on this thrilling private tour. Check availability now by choosing a date.

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Included

Comfortable vehicle
English-speaking guide
Entry fee at Sigurgeir’s Bird Center

Activities

Sightseeing
Hot Spring Bathing
Museums

What to bring

Warm clothes
Sturdy walking shoes
Camera

Video

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