Myvatn Nature Baths & Waterfall

OVERVIEW

This superb tour demonstrates the importance of Iceland's natural phenomena in legend and lifestyle, as you'll visit an epic waterfall and then bathe in a soothing geothermal spa.Depart from the pier and drive inland to thundering Godafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. Godafoss means "Waterfall of the Gods" and refers to a momentous event that supposedly occurred 1,000 years ago when an Icelandic chieftain threw statues of the Norse gods into the water to symbolically demonstrate Iceland's conversion to Christianity. Whether the legend is true or not, it's quite a sight to behold the Skjalfandafljot River cascade over the horseshoe-shaped cliff and plummet into the roiling tempest below. Continuing on through the pristine countryside, you soon arrive at Myvatn Nature Baths, a luxurious geothermal spa. Here, you'll have the opportunity to bathe in a pool of warm water drawn from deep within the earth. The water contains a blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal microorganisms that are beneficial to the skin and spirit, creating an unparalleled sense of well-being for bathers. It's a wonderfully soothing experience that has been a tradition in the Myvatn region for centuries. In fact, the inhabitants of this area have been relaxing in natural geothermal springs since the Vikings founded Iceland. After luxuriating at the spa for approximately an hour and a half, you'll return to the pier in Akureyri.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.