Akureyri: Lake Mývatn & Northern Lights – Winter Special

Akureyri is a smart launch point for Iceland’s wild north, and this winter combo pairs two unforgettable styles of travel. I like how it mixes Lake Mývatn geology with a real Northern Lights hunt outside the city. You get a guided route that keeps you moving at a comfortable pace, with stops that explain what you’re looking at.

Two highlights I really value are the thoughtful daytime stops around Lake Mývatn, including Goðafoss and the Dimmuborgir lava scenery, and the evening strategy for chasing clear skies beyond Akureyri. One drawback to plan for is that the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, and the Nature Baths cost and opening hours can affect your day.

Key Things I’d Focus on Before You Book

• Two tour blocks in one package: Lake Mývatn area by day, Northern Lights hunt at 9:30 PM
• Small group cap (18 people): easier conversation with the guide and less waiting around
• Included airport shuttle for easyJet arrivals: less stress when you land in Akureyri
• Geothermal stops plus optional soak: hot springs are built in, but the Nature Baths entry fee is extra
• Guide-led timing for lights: where you go each night depends on clear-sky odds, not a fixed spot

Why Akureyri Works So Well for Mývatn and the Lights

Akureyri puts you close enough to North Iceland’s big hitters, without making your days feel like nonstop driving. This winter special is built around that advantage: one day is about volcanic terrain around Lake Mývatn, and the other is about going far enough from town to improve the odds for the Northern Lights.

I also like the way the plan respects winter reality. You’ll be dressed for cold, you’ll be on the move when conditions are best, and you won’t be stuck in a rigid itinerary that ignores weather. The Northern Lights part in particular is run with flexibility, because clear sky matters more than anything else.

Getting Picked Up: easyJet Shuttle Into Akureyri

A smooth start changes how the whole trip feels. If you’re arriving by easyJet and you bought this combo tour, there’s a complimentary shuttle from the airport to your accommodation in Akureyri.

You’ll just need to share your easyJet flight information so pickup timing matches your arrival. For the two tours, you also provide your accommodation details so the guides know where to collect you. On the departure day, the tour takes you back to Akureyri Airport, which means you do not have to figure out transport while you’re tired and cold.

This is one of those small inclusions that saves you stress. In winter, that stress can be the difference between enjoying your first night versus rushing around in bad light and bad weather.

Day One: From Eyjafjörður Coast to Goðafoss

The Lake Mývatn and geothermal day starts at 9:00 AM. First, you head along the coast of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s long fjords. The point of this early drive is simple: you get fjord views while everyone’s fresh, and you’re not trying to cram scenic stops into the darkest hours.

Your first major stop is Goðafoss waterfall. It’s one of Iceland’s most famous falls, and this stop comes with the kind of context that makes it more than a quick photo break. You’ll learn that Goðafoss sits in a region shaped by volcanic activity, and that the Lake Mývatn area was created by a large basaltic lava eruption around 2,300 years ago. When you then look at the surrounding volcanic landforms, the scene starts to feel like a living explanation.

Practical note: waterfalls in winter can be windy and slippy. You’ll want sturdy shoes and layers you can adjust, since the stops can involve both standing still and quick walking.

Lake Mývatn Geological Highlights You’ll Actually Understand

After Goðafoss, the day is built around “look closely” stops where the guide helps you connect a name to a formation. You’ll stop at Grjótagjá cave, and later you visit the hot spring area at Hverarönd in Námaskarð.

These stops matter because they put a human voice on what might otherwise feel like random rocks and steam. For example, you’ll see how volcanic landscapes form, and you’ll understand why geothermal zones behave the way they do.

Then comes the part many people plan their whole winter day around: the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Nature Baths: Optional Soak, Real Winter Comfort

The Mývatn Nature Baths are not included in the price, but they are part of the tour plan as an optional add-on. If you choose that option, you’ll get time to soak in geothermal water, a classic Iceland fix for cold muscles.

You will need your swimsuit and a towel since entry is extra. That detail is easy to forget in the excitement of planning, so I’d treat it like a checklist item rather than a reminder you hope you remember.

One important real-world wrinkle: on a recent run, the Nature Baths were closed for refurbishment. In that situation, the guide handled it by driving about 45 minutes to an alternative option, and if you chose not to do the alternative, you still were not left stranded. The guide dropped people in a local town to explore while others visited the other geothermal option.

That’s a useful signal for you: this isn’t a tour that disappears the moment plans change. You should still expect some adjustments in winter, but the structure helps you stay in control of what you do that day.

Dimmuborgir and the Pseudocrater Stops You’ll Want to Wander

On the way back, you’ll hit two of the Lake Mývatn area’s most visually memorable features: Dimmuborgir and Skútustaðagígar.

At Dimmuborgir, you’ll see unique lava formations, one of the region’s most popular attractions. This is one of those places where the terrain can look almost sculpted, and the guide’s explanations help you spot patterns in the rock.

Next is Skútustaðagígar, the pseudocraters area. Even if the name is unfamiliar, the idea is easy once you see it: volcanic activity shaped the ground into forms that look like craters, but have their own story. It’s a stop that rewards slow looking. If the group is allowed time to walk around, you’ll feel less like you’re rushing through a checklist and more like you’re learning a place.

Finally, you’ll stop back along Eyjafjörður where you can see over the fjord to Akureyri. It’s a great photo moment, and it also helps you orient yourself for the night portion.

Northern Lights Hunt at 9:30 PM: How the Night Really Works

The Northern Lights portion starts at 9:30 PM. The tour’s goal is not to chase lights like a fixed schedule, because the lights show up only if conditions cooperate. Instead, the guide takes you outside Akureyri to escape light pollution.

Here’s the key detail: where you head each night depends on where clear sky is most likely. That approach increases your odds without pretending the universe owes you anything.

Also, plan your expectations clearly. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings cannot be guaranteed even if the tour operates. If the evening goes ahead and you don’t see the lights, the provider offers the trip again for free. That is why I strongly suggest booking your Northern Lights tour on your first night in Akureyri. If the sky is cloudy or the lights don’t arrive, you still have a chance to adjust dates.

From the experience reports, the guides do a good job keeping people comfortable and engaged during the waiting. One guide named Sigi was praised for keeping the group informed and entertained through the hunt, not just driving and pointing.

Practical winter advice: if you dress for a short stop, you’ll probably regret it. Bring warm layers, and wear shoes you trust on cold ground.

The Included Guides Matter, and It Shows in the Pace

This combo is designed for a small group, limited to 18 participants, and you travel with a live English guide. That matters more than it sounds. A larger group often means more waiting, more delays, and less time at the good viewpoints.

In the experience write-ups, guides named Sigi and Ziggie were both highlighted for doing a lot right, from making pickup easy to running each day with a steady flow. One review also noted that the Lake Mývatn day had many interesting stops without feeling rushed, with enough time to explore rather than just look from the bus.

So you’re not just buying access to locations. You’re buying guided context and a rhythm that helps you enjoy the scenery without sprinting from stop to stop.

Price and Value: What $350 Buys You Over Two Days

At $350 per person for a 2-day winter package, the best way to judge value is what’s included versus what’s not.

Included:

• Airport shuttle for easyJet passengers
• Guided Lake Mývatn area tour
• Northern Lights hunt

Not included:

• Meals and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Entry fee to the Mývatn Nature Baths
• Swimwear and a towel (if you want the soak)

So you’re not paying for food, and the Nature Baths cost is extra. But you are paying for two guided experiences that are the heart of North Iceland in winter, plus the friction-free airport transfer. In winter travel, reducing logistics stress is real value.

Also, the Northern Lights repeat option if you don’t see the lights (when the tour runs) adds another layer of value. You should still dress and plan for disappointment, but it’s a comfort to know the provider builds in a remedy.

What to Pack for Winter Akureyri, Really

You’ll be outdoors in cold weather, and both tours can be subject to weather conditions. So think layers first, not style.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes with good grip
• Warm clothing in layers

If you plan to do the Nature Baths:

• Swimsuit
• Towel

My simple packing rule for winter north: if you hate being cold when you’re still, you need warmer clothes than you think. You can always remove a layer, but you cannot add warmth fast once you’re freezing.

Who This Winter Special Is Best For

This tour suits you if:

• You want two major winter experiences without planning every stop on your own
• You like geology and want explanations, not just photos
• You care about small group size and a calmer pace
• You are willing to dress for cold and wait patiently for the lights

It’s also a good fit for couples and solo travelers who like guided structure. If you’re traveling with limited time, this two-day combo helps you see more than one region focus in the same trip.

If you’re the type who absolutely needs guaranteed success, adjust your mindset on the Northern Lights. This tour is designed to maximize odds, not promise a result.

Should You Book This Akureyri Winter Special?

If your dream is a guided Lake Mývatn day plus a serious Northern Lights hunt, I think this is an easy yes. The mix of geothermal comfort, volcanic sights, and a guide-led approach to clear sky makes it feel like a focused winter plan rather than a random road-trip.

I would especially book it early in your stay, since the Northern Lights hunt can be repeated if you miss them due to conditions. And if you’re arriving by easyJet, the included shuttle is the kind of practical detail that quietly makes a big difference.

Just go in with two expectations set properly: meals are on your own, and the Nature Baths soak depends on the optional choice and possible opening changes. If that works for you, this combo is a strong value way to experience North Iceland in winter.

FAQ

What is the duration of this Akureyri, Lake Mývatn and Northern Lights winter special?

The total duration is 2 days.

What time does the Northern Lights tour start?

The Northern Lights tour starts at 9:30 PM.

Can the Northern Lights viewing be guaranteed?

No. Northern Lights sightings cannot be guaranteed because it is a natural phenomenon, and the tour depends on weather and sky conditions.

Is entry to the Mývatn Nature Baths included?

No. Entry to the Mývatn Nature Baths is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring for the tours?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing. If you want to go into the Nature Baths, also bring your swimsuit and a towel.

Is there an airport shuttle included for easyJet flights?

Yes. There is a complimentary shuttle service for easyJet passengers who have purchased one of the combo tours. You need to provide your easyJet flight information for pickup.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.