After pick-up at the Akureyri Cruise Terminal, the tour begins with a scenic drive to the fishing town of Húsavík, often dubbed the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Continuing north, the route hugs the coast of the Tjörnes Peninsula, offering staggering cliffside views and—during the summer months—a chance to glimpse puffins nesting on the rocky outcrops.

From there, the tour enters the awe-inspiring Ásbyrgi Canyon. Surrounded by towering basalt walls, the horse-shoe shaped canyon shelters a quiet birch forest at its floor, providing a peaceful contrast to the dramatic natural forces that shaped it. Not far beyond lies the thunderous Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall – its sheer force is mesmerizing.

The next chapter of the journey brings you to the otherworldly geothermal landscapes of Námaskarð. Here, steam rises from the earth in thick columns, and the ground is painted in vivid hues by mineral-rich mud pots and fumaroles. As you pass lake Mývatn, you’ll witness an unusual volcanic shoreline scattered with pseudocraters and lava formations, a testament to the region’s turbulent geological past.

The final stop is the storied Goðafoss waterfall. Known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” it was here that Iceland’s pagan idols were cast into the water over a thousand years ago during the nation’s conversion to Christianity. With its sweeping, symmetrical cascade, Góðafoss provides a powerful and poetic end to the day’s exploration.

Guided by a local expert and including a packed lunch and roundtrip transport, this tour is ideal for cruise passengers or anyone staying in Akureyri who wants to experience the striking contrasts and stories of North Iceland in just one day.

☀️  Book now and get ready to explore the best Iceland has to offer!