DISCOVERING THE BEAUTIES OF THE NORTH

In a nutshell

An impressive excursion between active volcanoes and the natural works of art created when the lava meets the icy waters.

Main stops

• Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the gods"
• Myvatn lake, Hverfell
• Pseudocraters at Skútustadir and the Dimmuborgir lava maze
• Mount Namafjall, geothermal area

The programme

• We will start our excursion from Akureyri, the cultural and trade centre of the North, and head towards the gorgeous Godafoss, the "Waterfalls of the gods".
• The name derives from a legend according to which, around the year 1000, chief Thorgeir was forced to decide which cult was to become the official religion of his nation. He chose Christianity with a public announcement and a demonstration that included the disposal of the idols.
• According to other sources, this was considered the Waterfall of the Gods even by previous populations, who thought it was sacred because its three main drops represented the Sacred Triad - Odin, Thor and Freyr.
• From this majestic Waterfall, we will continue towards lake Mývatn, which covers 37 square km and is considered one of the World's natural beauties.
• On its banks, we will admire the astonishing lava formations created by the incandescent flows coming into contact with the icy water and which, in some areas, formed structures that are over ten metres high and are known as "black castles" or mazes that form paths delving deep into this extreme nature.
• A sleeping volcano, Hverfell is located on its eastern bank, while a protected nesting area in the north-west is home to dozens of breeds of duck that crowd the lake waters.
• The surrounding area is of incredible geological value - we will visit the pseudocraters at Skútustadir before heading towards Dimmuborgir, the so-called "Dark Fortress", where lava created weird formations, columns and archways.
• The next stop on our excursion is the geothermal area near mount Námafjall,sprinkled with mud volcanoes, fumaroles, sulphur deposits and hyperthermal springs.
• After passing through the village of Reykjahlíd, we will continue along the banks of lake Mývatn and head back to Akureyri - these are corners of the world where many unique things may still happen and, most of all, where man not always has the last word over nature, which is still capable of providing great teachings!

Good to know

• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.