Diamond Circle Iceland: Self-Drive Guide to North Iceland's Best Attractions

What Is the Diamond Circle?

The Diamond Circle is a 270–320 km scenic driving route in northeast Iceland, centred around the Mývatn lake region. It's a relatively uncrowded alternative to the Golden Circle, offering volcanic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and exceptional wildlife. Typically driven from Akureyri, it can be completed as a long day trip or a more relaxed two-day loop.

Key Attractions

1. Goðafoss — Waterfall of the Gods

50 km east of Akureyri on Ring Road 1. One of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls — wide, horseshoe-shaped, and directly accessible from the road. Named for Iceland's conversion to Christianity in 1000 AD, when Norse idols were thrown into it. Allow 30–45 minutes.

2. Lake Mývatn — Volcanic Wonderland

A shallow, geothermally active lake with lava fields, pseudo-craters, mud pools, and steam vents. Key sites:

• Skútustaðagígar — pseudo-craters formed from lava flowing over wetland
• Námafjall Hverir — bubbling mud pools and yellow sulphur fumaroles (expect a strong sulphur smell)
• Dimmuborgir — strange lava formations called "the dark castles"
• Mývatn Nature Baths — geothermally heated outdoor pool; more peaceful than the Blue Lagoon (ISK 5,900 entry)

3. Dettifoss — Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall

30 km east of Mývatn. Dettifoss carries 193 m³ of water per second on average — the raw power is felt as vibration through the ground. Two approaches:

• West bank via Route 864 (gravel): Best views, but requires 4WD or high clearance
• East bank via Route 862 (paved): Accessible in any car, slightly less dramatic view

4. Ásbyrgi Canyon

A horseshoe-shaped canyon 2.5 km wide, believed in Norse mythology to be the hoofprint of Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir. An easy walking trail through birch forest leads to a viewpoint. Allow 1–1.5 hours.

5. Húsavík — Whale Watching Capital of Iceland

The best location in Iceland for whale watching. Humpback whales are sighted on 98% of tours in summer (May–October). Book in advance. Tours: 2.5–3 hours, ISK 10,000–13,000 per person.

Route and Distances from Akureyri

• Akureyri → Goðafoss: 50 km
• Goðafoss → Mývatn: 35 km
• Mývatn → Dettifoss (Route 862, east bank): 55 km
• Dettifoss → Ásbyrgi: 65 km
• Ásbyrgi → Húsavík: 50 km
• Húsavík → Akureyri: 90 km
• Total loop: ~345 km

Road Conditions

Ring Road 1 between Akureyri, Mývatn, and Húsavík is paved and open year-round. Route 864 to Dettifoss (west bank) is gravel and open May–October only. Route 862 (east bank) is paved.

In winter, all the main sites except Dettifoss are accessible, and the Mývatn Nature Baths are spectacular in snow.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August): Whale watching, midnight sun, best road access. Most crowded.

Autumn (September–October): Autumn colours, aurora season begins, fewer crowds.

Winter (November–April): Northern lights from Mývatn; Nature Baths exceptional in snow; Dettifoss inaccessible.