Diamond Circle 101: Everything You Need to Know About North Iceland’s Famous Route
- Good to Know
- 27 Oct 2026
The Diamond Circle is a 250 km (155 mi) loop in North Iceland linking Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi Canyon and the harbor town of Húsavík. Think of it as the north’s answer to the Golden Circle, with Europe’s most powerful waterfall and some of Iceland’s strangest volcanic ground on one road. Akureyri is the […]
The Diamond Circle is a 250 km (155 mi) loop in North Iceland linking Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi Canyon and the harbor town of Húsavík. Think of it as the north’s answer to the Golden Circle, with Europe’s most powerful waterfall and some of Iceland’s strangest volcanic ground on one road. Akureyri is the usual starting point for tours of the route. Here’s what you’ll see and how to do it with us.
Key Takeaways
- The Diamond Circle is a 250 km loop that formally opened in September 2020.
- Its five key stops are Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi Canyon and Húsavík.
- Our cruise-timed day tour from Akureyri covers all five stops in about 8 hours.
- Winter road conditions can block access to Dettifoss, so summer is the easiest season.
What Is the Diamond Circle in Iceland?
It’s North Iceland’s signature sightseeing route, formally opened in September 2020 with a ceremony on the new Dettifoss road. If you’ve read our Golden Circle 101, the idea is familiar: famous sights linked by one scenic drive.
Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland, is the natural base for the Diamond Circle. It sits right on the Ring Road, with hotels, restaurants and a busy harbor.
What Are the Main Stops on the Diamond Circle?
Each stop looks nothing like the last:
- Goðafoss: the “Waterfall of the Gods,” 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, where a chieftain is said to have thrown his pagan idols after Iceland adopted Christianity in 1000.
- Lake Mývatn: a volcanic lake ringed by mud pots, lava pillars at Dimmuborgir and the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters.
- Dettifoss: Europe’s most powerful waterfall, dropping 45 meters over a 100-meter-wide edge.
- Ásbyrgi Canyon: a 3.5 km horseshoe canyon with 100-meter cliffs, said to be the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.
- Húsavík: a harbor town known as the whale watching capital of Iceland.
Námaskarð, near Mývatn, is the stop people remember by smell, since its steam vents give off a strong whiff of sulfur. The colors make up for it.
How Can You See the Diamond Circle With BusTravel Iceland?
Pick the format that fits your trip:
- Diamond Circle Cruise Ship Express Tour: about 8 hours from the Akureyri cruise terminal, May to September, covering all five highlights.
- Shore excursion from Húsavík: about 5.5 hours, covering Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and the Mývatn area.
- Private tour from Akureyri: around 10 hours for up to 7 passengers, April to October.
- 6-day Ring Road tour: day four crosses the region before a night in Akureyri.
The cruise tours are timed to your ship’s schedule, so you are back at port well before it sails. In winter, the Ring Road tour visits Dettifoss only when the road allows, and your guide swaps in another stop if it does not.
Plan Your Day on North Iceland’s Diamond Circle
Compare all our North Iceland tours from Akureyri and Húsavík, and book the Diamond Circle format that fits your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lunch included on the Diamond Circle tour?
Yes, the Cruise Ship Express Tour from Akureyri includes a packed lunch with a chicken or vegan sandwich and a bottle of water. That frees up more of the day for sightseeing. We still recommend bringing a few snacks for the drive.
Can I end the tour at Forest Lagoon?
Yes, on the express tour from Akureyri, tell your guide during the day and you’ll be dropped at Forest Lagoon at the end. Admission is not included, so book it separately. You’ll need your own ride back to Akureyri, and the front desk can call a taxi.
Can I see the Northern Lights in North Iceland?
Yes, from September to April we run a small-group Northern Lights tour from Akureyri that lasts about 2.5 hours. Dark skies outside town help on clear nights. Sightings depend on cloud cover and solar activity, so they are never guaranteed.
