Top 5 North Iceland Half-Day Tours: Real Reviews & Great Recommendations

Alright, are you thinking about taking a trip to North Iceland and want to make the most of your time there? I get it! With so much to see and do, choosing the right tour can be, well, a little overwhelming. So, let me walk you through my top picks for half-day tours that’ll really knock your socks off. These options offer up a great taste of the region without requiring a huge commitment, time-wise.

1. Whale Watching from Akureyri: Up Close with Giants

Okay, first on the list is a super popular whale watching tour departing from Akureyri, which you may know is the “capital of the North.” Basically, the tours usually only take around 3 hours, but wow do you get a lot of bang for your buck. Plus, what you should know, is that the waters here teem with life, especially during the summer months, making it the ideal spot to witness majestic humpback whales, and you might see minke whales or harbor porpoises, too!

It’s almost unbelievable the way these tours work; you climb aboard a specially fitted boat, complete with warm indoor areas, and professional guides who totally know their stuff provide you, the tourist, with insight into the whales’ behavior and the local marine ecosystem. Really, that is pretty cool. It’s more than just a boat ride, too it’s an education! You get the chance to observe these creatures in their home environment, creating memories that’ll last forever. Pro-tip for you – don’t forget your camera because you will definitely want to capture these incredible moments. You probably already knew that though, heh.

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2. Lake Mývatn Sightseeing: A Geothermal Wonderland

Next up, we have a tour that will really, seriously take you to Lake Mývatn, which I just have to say, is quite the region. So, prepare to see striking volcanic formations and abundant birdlife, almost unbelievably combined! That being said, it’s a geological wonderland just waiting for you to poke around. Tours generally revolve around the lake and the surrounding spots, plus you could visit places like Dimmuborgir (the “Dark Castles”), which really gives off the feeling of some sort of other-worldly lava formations, the pseudo-craters at Skútustaðagígar, or the bubbling mud pools at Hverir.

Okay, it’s very important for me to tell you, these tours are just awesome if you’re someone who just gets a kick out of geological wonders. What’s more, local guides can clue you in on the formation of the landscape and tell stories, and local folk tales that give a fuller appreciation for the region. So, take the opportunity to check out the Mývatn Nature Baths. Think of a smaller and way less crowded version of the Blue Lagoon. This can be a relaxing addition to your itinerary!

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3. Goðafoss Waterfall Visit: The Waterfall of the Gods

Are you into majestic sights, then you really want to go to Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. In some respects, it’s so-called “Waterfall of the Gods.” These tours generally provide just a great opportunity to see this beauty up close. Also, they often include tales regarding the waterfall’s historical significance during Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. Pretty darn neat, if I may say so myself.

Well, that just makes my jaw drop thinking about it! The power of the water thundering down the river will make you just stare open-mouthed. Plus, this tour might be short, but yet you still will enjoy ample opportunity to take photos and soak in the amazing natural beauty. You might, possibly even want to try to capture the perfect rainbow that is rather often visible in the mist. If you are visiting during the winter season, you should know the surrounding snow-covered landscapes make Goðafoss extremely gorgeous.

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4. Horseback Riding in the Icelandic Countryside

Okay, ready for a bit of a ride, huh? As I was saying, the tours offer a unique opportunity to connect with the Icelandic horse. And what you want to know is this horse is special, they’re known for their small stature and five gaits. This, that one small detail, makes them quite easy to ride. If you take a tour, the pace and route are set so that you can adjust yourself to the riders of differing experience levels, as the goal here is a relaxing ride through serene landscapes that really bring you up close and personal with North Iceland’s awesome natural scenery. Don’t overlook the photo opps with your new four-legged pal!

I suppose it might be cool for you to learn that many of these tours often run nearby Akureyri, it seems like you often will find many tour operators catering to riders from total beginner level up to the level that you feel yourself being, and the kind of adventure you have in mind. Also, as a matter of fact, just remember to bring clothing which are suitable for different weather conditions, it really is important, plus sturdy footwear so you’ll enjoy the ride with total comfort! After your horse ride, I understand the tour companies may sometimes just offer a light snack with Icelandic bread to go along with it!

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5. Akureyri City Walk: Discover the “Capital of the North”

Now that you know all this, I would suggest finishing it all up with a city tour by foot of Akureyri! Basically, it’s a really relaxed walk to visit its landmarks, which should be included for anyone interested to find out about Iceland’s northern culture. You can walk through the town while a local shows off iconic spots which range from the famous Akureyri Church and the charming old town. You’ll take it all in by stopping a lot to soak up the views of the fjord, Eyjafjörður. Keep in mind this tour, the tour by foot, usually takes about 2-3 hours, the right time to explore some gems without wearing out your patience.

And what you want to do is to listen as a local provides background regarding history in this area, it’s kind of something you should find important. They give light on interesting local tales, historical points, and perhaps the hidden jewels of the town. Along the walk, feel open to try out some regional cafés and stores or grab traditional pastries and other delights. So, take time to check out the Arctic Botanical Garden (Lystigarðurinn), in particular. I am telling you it’s kind of like a relaxed refuge and provides something lovely to photograph. You are encouraged to do some reflection here!

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