This was a delightful tour with Joanna. There are great guides, and there are GREAT guides. The tour spots themselves are amazing, but Joanna made this really special by sometimes joining the walks with us. In Dimmuborger, she brainstormed imaginary troll and animal sightings in the lava formations with us, and always went the extra mile to help get great photos of us in the sites. Her enthusiasm, stories and knowledge about Icelandic culture and lore along the drive made the tour extra special. Thank you, Joanna, for lifelong memories of our time here!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- insurance
- WiFi available on board
Excludes
- Meals
- Earth Lagoon (Nature Bath Myvatn)
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland and a true highlight of the North. Its wide, horseshoe shape and powerful flow create an unforgettable first impression. According to legend, this is where the lawspeaker Þorgeir threw pagan idols into the waterfall after Iceland adopted Christianity over 1,000 years ago. The water flows from Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland, and depending on the light, it shifts from deep blue to milky glacial tones. On sunny days, a beautiful rainbow often appears above the falls. It is a place that feels both powerful and peaceful at the same time - perfect for unforgettable photos and a moment to simply take it all in.
A truly unique place on a global scale - pseudocraters like these exist in only a few locations in the world: here in North Iceland, in Hawaii, and even on Mars. They were formed when hot lava flowed into the lake, trapping water beneath the surface. As the water rapidly turned into steam, pressure built up until it exploded through the ground, creating these perfectly shaped crater-like formations. Unlike real volcanic craters, they were not formed by an eruption from below, but by powerful steam explosions - making them a rare and fascinating geological phenomenon. Today, this area feels calm and almost surreal, with wide-open views over Lake Mývatn. It is the perfect place for a short walk, to take in the landscape, and to experience a quiet moment in one of Iceland’s most unusual environments.
Dimmuborgir, known as the “Dark Fortress,” is one of the most magical and mysterious places in Iceland. This vast lava field is filled with dramatic rock formations that feel almost unreal - part fairy tale, part otherworldly landscape. According to Icelandic legends, this is home to trolls and the famous Yule Lads - mischievous Christmas characters deeply rooted in local folklore. As you walk through the area, the landscape begins to play with your imagination. You may start to see shapes in the rocks - troll faces, creatures, animals, or hidden figures - each formation telling its own silent story. It is a place that invites you to slow down, explore, and look closer. A quiet, almost magical environment where creativity awakens and every step reveals something new.
Grjótagjá is a small lava cave that hides one of the most unexpected sights in North Iceland - and stepping inside is an experience in itself. From the outside, it looks simple and easy to miss. But once you enter, you discover a narrow cave filled with intensely blue, steaming geothermal water that contrasts beautifully with the dark volcanic rock. The colours feel almost unreal. Just outside the cave, the landscape opens up to reveal visible tectonic cracks - a place where you can stand between the North American and Eurasian plates and witness the Earth slowly pulling apart. It is a short stop, but one that feels surprisingly powerful - a hidden place that stays in your memory long after the tour ends.
Hverir is one of the most raw and otherworldly places in North Iceland - a landscape that feels closer to another planet than to anything familiar. Often compared to Mars, it is one of the most visually striking stops on the tour. The ground is alive. Steam rises from the earth, vents hiss, and thick mud bubbles in shades of yellow, brown and deep red. The colours are intense, the textures constantly shifting, and the entire area feels like it is still being created beneath your feet. This is a place that engages all your senses - you can see, hear and even feel the energy of the earth. The strong smell of sulfur is part of the experience, a reminder that this is not just a landscape, but an active geothermal area. It is wild, powerful and unforgettable - a true glimpse into the forces that shape Iceland.
Earth Lagoon (Mývatn Nature Baths) is more than just a geothermal bath - it is a moment where you truly feel Iceland. The water comes from deep underground, around 2.5 kilometers below the surface, and is rich in minerals known for their soothing and restorative effects on the body and skin. Its milky-blue colour creates a striking contrast with the raw, open landscape of North Iceland. As you step into the warm water, surrounded by rising steam and quiet space, everything slows down. The silence, the heat, and the vast surroundings create a feeling that is both calming and deeply grounding. Many people leave feeling lighter, calmer, and sometimes even a little renewed. It is the perfect way to end the day - not by doing more, but by simply being present in the moment.
On the way back to Akureyri, you can relax and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of North Iceland - wide open spaces, quiet valleys and the feeling of being far from everything.
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Reviews
The tour is very well structured and gives you enough time to take photos and enjoy the beautiful areas by strolling aroundz. The guide (Joanna) is very well prepared and gives you good info/tips not only about the tour itself but also about other possible areas to explore all around Iceland. Plus she is quite funny and (I must admit it) very beautiful (and it is very good plus :D). I was very lucky also with the weather: the day was sunny but windy. Joanna anyhow helped me in taking photos (the wind was too strong for the tripod). I must thank Joanna for having saved my trip to Akureyri since on that day no any other tour operator was accepting to bring me to the tour as a solo traveller while Joanna offered the option since the very first day that i contacted her.
Joanna of Viltour was our guide. She was knowledgeable, well organised and kind, lending us quality waterproof raincoats that kept us v dry . Throughout the tour we were well looked after and shown all the attractions with adequate time given. At the beautiful Earth Lagoon Spa Bath, we were given enough time to bathe unhurriedly and this really made it a very enjoyable experience that we cherished n in fact is what made our Iceland trip so special n memorable !
We had an fantastic tour with Joanna! She went the extra mile, to make sure we got to see the places we really wanted to visit. Joanna was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. She made the tour feel relaxed and personal, and she knew the best spots to stop. She was also great at taking photos and helped us get some really beautiful pictures from the day. Thank you so much, Joanna
We had an incredible day with Joanna exploring Mývatn and Akureyri, she knows these areas inside and out and is passionate about Iceland. Beyond being a wonderful guide, she’s just so personable, the kind of person who makes a long day of sightseeing feel like hanging out with a friend. Her communication is exceptional too. I messaged back and forth with her multiple times before the tour with questions, and she always responded quickly and thoroughly. That kind of responsiveness before you even meet someone says a lot. Don’t wait, book her tour now. You won’t regret it.
Joanna was truly one of the best tour guides I have ever had! From the moment we met her, you could feel how passionate she is about her job and about sharing the beauty and history of Akureyri and the surrounding area with visitors. Joanna didn’t just show us the sights — she helped us understand what makes this part of Iceland so special. We had an incredible day exploring so many beautiful places, and she came prepared for everything! She even provided us with face nets for the non-biting midges, which was such a thoughtful touch and definitely came in handy. She also took SO many photos for us throughout the day, giving us memories that we’ll be able to look back on forever. Most importantly, she made sure we were able to spend the entire day exploring while still getting us back to our cruise ship with plenty of time to spare. Joanna was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, thoughtful, and genuinely fun to spend the day with. If you’re traveling to Akureyri, I would absolutely recommend booking with Joanna and Viltour Iceland Travel. You are guaranteed to have an exciting, memorable day exploring this incredible part of Iceland! 🏔️🐑📸🇮🇸
Joanna was truly one of the best tour guides I have ever had! From the moment we met her, you could feel how passionate she is about her job and about sharing the beauty and history of Akureyri and the surrounding area with visitors. Joanna didn’t just show us the sights — she helped us understand what makes this part of Iceland so special. We had an incredible day exploring so many beautiful places, and she came prepared for everything! She even provided us with face nets for the non-biting midges, which was such a thoughtful touch and definitely came in handy. She also took SO many photos for us throughout the day, giving us memories that we’ll be able to look back on forever. Most importantly, she made sure we were able to spend the entire day exploring while still getting us back to our cruise ship with plenty of time to spare. Joanna was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, thoughtful, and genuinely fun to spend the day with. If you’re traveling to Akureyri, I would absolutely recommend booking with Joanna and Viltour Iceland Travel. You are guaranteed to have an exciting, memorable day exploring this incredible part of Iceland! 🏔️🐑📸🇮🇸
Be prepared for a wonderful day out with a superb guide, Joanna, who is interesting, engaging, enthusiastic - & fun. She wisely arranged with group for an earlier start to get ahead of the big bus tours. Transport is in a comfortable minivan (with a little step-up stool to make getting in & out easier for those who needed it). We made stops as per itinerary, & Joanna accompanied us for great commentary & photo taking. We were indulged in a little longer stay at the baths & an opportunity for a quick stop in town. I can’t imagine anyone had as good a time in Akureyri as we did.
did this as a cruise ship excursion (we were in port for 8.5 hours) and had almost 2 hrs at Earth Lagoon. She is very conscious of getting you back to the ship on time. I booked on Viator, but I'd recommend booking directly through the Viltour site.
Joanna with Viltour is fantastic! She's very knowledgeable about the area and so passionate. She really loves the land. You visit so many varied stops on this Lake Myvatn tour, and she brings you to a local restaurant if you want to try a geysir bread sandwich (and craft beer). I highly recommend the Earth Lagoon (extra cost) if you have the time. It's similar to Blue Lagoon, without the silica, and much less crowded. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, this tour takes you to a couple filming locations. Even if you're not, they are great geological sites. I did this as a cruise ship excursion (we were in port for 8.5 hours) and had almost 2 hrs at Earth Lagoon. She is very conscious of getting you back to the ship on time.
Joanna was extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of Iceland. She was very accommodating and we stopped at some amazing sites. Great tour to see the sights of Iceland.
This was a wonderful tour for my family. We had a fantastic time, and our tour guide was excellent. She was very knowledgeable about Icelandic history and made the experience even more enjoyable. We enjoyed the small setting.
We actually did not get to do this particular tour as Viator double booked our tour guide with two different groups on two different tours on the same day. We opted to join her other group on the Diamond Circle Tour and are so glad we did. First stop was Gooafoss, a beautiful waterfall similar to Niagara Falls. Next stop was a quick stop at a quaint harbour town. Then, my favorite, a viewpoint where we saw hundreds of puffins. Next stop was Iceland’s only natural forest where we took a short hike to a beautiful canyon and lake. Then it was on to Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Our last stop was at the Hverir Geothermal Area where We felt like we were on Mars! We saw so much in one day, we even had a few extra stops including one at the tetonic plates. Small group tours are so much better than big bus tours. Besides being able to see more, they can be personalized a bit. And Joanna, with Viltour Tours, was a fantastic guide. She truly cared that each of her customers was satisfied with everything! If you are in Akureyri, I would definitely recommend booking a tour with her!!
Joanna was very timely and professional. She met our ship as soon as we docked and promptly put us in a comfortable van for our of five. She spent the next six or seven hours showing us the area and explaining northern Iceland's natural wonders. I would highly recommend tour.
Joanna was a wonderful guide. She made our day trip and tour enjoyable, and gave interesting info, thoughts, and tidbits about life and history in this amazing part of Iceland. The stops were beautiful and we loved seeing the ever changing landscape of Akureyri.
What an amazing, unforgettable day! Thanks to Joanna! She is a professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and caring tour guide! I highly recommend her! Do not hesitate to book a tour with her in Iceland, you won’t regret it. Thank you/grazie Joanna :-)
The trip to Mývatn was an amazing experience! Our guide Joanna was excellent – very knowledgeable, professional, and truly engaged. She shared interesting insights about Iceland in a way that was easy to follow and made the whole journey even more enjoyable. On top of that, the atmosphere was great – relaxed, friendly, and fun. Everything was well organized, and we could fully enjoy the beautiful scenery. I would definitely recommend this tour and Joanna as a guide!
This was an absolutely fantastic tour! Everything was perfectly organized, and the places we visited – Mývatn, Goðafoss, Grotagja, Nature Baths and Dimmuborgir – were truly breathtaking. The highlight, however, was our guide Joanna – incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and full of positive energy. She made every stop engaging and interesting, while also ensuring everyone felt comfortable and relaxed throughout the day. The experience was so amazing that I decided to come back again in winter to join another tour and hopefully see the Northern Lights! Thanks to such a wonderful guide, this trip became truly unforgettable – highly recommended!
Our family had a truly fantastic experience with Joanna. She made the entire day feel effortless, warm, and genuinely well taken care of. From her deep local knowledge and perfect pacing to helping us capture beautiful photos and adding thoughtful touches along the way, everything felt personal, relaxed, and exceptionally well organized. What truly sets Joanna apart, however, is her professionalism and care in unexpected situations. During one of our mountain hikes, my mother unfortunately injured her leg. Joanna immediately took control of the situation — she acted quickly, called for emergency assistance without hesitation, and even physically supported and carried my mother when needed. Her calmness, strength, and genuine compassion helped us navigate a very stressful moment with confidence. Thanks to Joanna, what could have been a difficult experience turned into a powerful reminder of how much a great guide can truly make a difference. We are incredibly grateful and would highly recommend her to anyone looking not just for a tour, but for someone who truly cares about their guests. Best regards, From Dmitry and all our Family
An unforgettable trip to the wonderful Iceland with a great tour guide! I went to m first trip to Akureyri in the North of Iceland to see Aurora Borealis at the end of November - beginning of December 2025. No much luck there, I mean I saw the Northern lights but not as spectacular as I expected. Iceland is a fairy land with open spaces, clean air, beautiful landscapes, and adding to that an amazing tour guide like Joanna the trip is just unforgettable. Joanna is positive energetic knowledgeable and friendly and she is brightening everybody’s day. She showed me the stunning Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), almost all the key volcano sites in the Lake Mývatn area (at that time the blue lake was frozen), I visited the Christmas village, and of course the sightseeing travelling everywhere was just breathtaking. She is a great driver even with the snow and the ice on the roads and the winds I always felt safe and secure and she was stopping at every spot where she knows the pictures taken and video records show the best of this amazing land. She knows so much about history culture and beauty of the country and she always allows her tourists to enjoy the experience in various spots by themselves. The sky was changing all the time but the colours of the clouds and the sky with sometimes the sun coming out for a brief moment are just incredible. For me the most unexpected experience were the baths. Never in my life I wouldn’t have believed that I will immerse myself outdoors at -15℃ with snow and ice, in geothermal infinity pools with fjord views at Forest Lagoon, or Mývatn Nature Baths with mineral-rich, milky-blue waters, and natural steam baths. A unique experience! I will definitely go back to Akureyri and I whole heartily recommend Joanna as a tour guide if you want the best trip ever.
We had a wonderful day! Joanna is wonderful! She explains well, she takes her time and she answers all our questions. She is very quiet, friendly. We were a group of 7 people (older people and children) and everyone loved their experience!
I had the pleasure to experience a private tour of Northern Iceland with Joanna from Viltour – and it was just fantastic! Joanna is incredibly competent, friendly and showed us places with her insider tips that you can not find in the guidebook. Her positive nature and constant smile made the whole tour even more enjoyable – just really good vibes from start to finish. The car was very comfortable and the route perfectly chosen – with breathtaking views that we won’t soon forget. I can absolutely recommend Joanna and her tours – a real highlight of our Iceland trip!
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