The wonders of the north: A guide to Iceland’s Diamond Circle

From thundering waterfalls to geothermal pools, there are plenty of natural wonders to see across Iceland. If you’ve already gazed at glaciers in the south or explored everything the Snæfellsnes peninsula has to offer, then the Diamond Circle should be your next port of call.

The Diamond Circle is Iceland’s spectacular tourist route in the north, offering a quieter, less-traveled alternative to the more famous Golden Circle route in the south. It’s perfect for those who’ve already enjoyed Reykjavík or the highlights of South Iceland, or for anyone looking for a more unique, off-the-beaten-path experience. This loop takes you through dramatic landscapes and to jaw-dropping waterfalls, volcanic formations, and otherworldly geological sites.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip to this less-trodden route (but still packed full of Iceland’s signature drama), including an overview of the route, detailed insights into the top attractions, and practical tips for making the most of your journey.

The Diamond Circle is a 155-mile (250km) loop in North Iceland that links together some of the region’s most extraordinary natural wonders. The route was designed in 1994 as a counterpart to the Golden Circle, encouraging visitors to venture beyond Iceland’s capital and surrounding areas. It was officially launched as a tourist route in 2020, and it’s becoming a favorite for travelers looking to experience Iceland’s wilder side.

Its (relative) remoteness is the greatest draw for visitors. This corner of Iceland can feel untouched and raw, with landscapes shaped by volcanic power and time. Unlike the Golden Circle, which sits just outside Reykjavík, the Diamond Circle lies far north, and is best accessed by flying into Akureyri or Egilsstaðir if you’re looking to save time. Otherwise, you’re looking at around a five-hour drive from Reykjavík to Akureyri – as opposed to a 45-minute domestic flight.

If you opt for Akureyri, Goðafoss is the closest attraction on the route at only 22 miles (35km) away, making it about a 40-minute drive and a great natural starting point. From Egilsstaðir, you’ll be closer to Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi. Both Akureyri and Egilsstaðir have airports with frequent domestic connections from Reykjavík.

If you’ve got more time carved out for exploring the best of what Iceland has to offer, the Diamond Circle route actually links up with Iceland’s main Ring Road, which is the highway that loops around the entire island. This is ideal to weave the Diamond Circle into a longer self-drive adventure around the country.

Not sure which loop is best for you? Here’s a quick rundown of what you you can expect.

The Diamond Circle contains five key stops: Goðafoss waterfall, the fishing town of Húsavík, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, powerful Dettifoss waterfall, and the geothermal area around lake Mývatn. These sights showcase what Iceland is all about and give you the chance to explore some relatively untouched areas. With plenty of stunning detours nearby, this is a great route for those looking to make it their own. However, the remoteness of some attractions does mean tackling this route requires more planning and is best done over a few days and on a self-led tour.

By contrast, the Golden Circle includes three main highlights: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. These sights give you a taster of the breadth of Iceland’s natural wonders without having to travel too far from Reykjavík. In fact, the whole route can easily be done in a day from the capital without missing out on too much. There are a few notable detours from the Golden Circle too, but the main appeal of this route is the three highlights.

To help you visualize the route, here’s a map of Iceland’s Diamond Circle so you can see where each highlight lies within the loop.

Iceland’s Diamond Circle itinerary is built around five spectacular stops. These are the ones we recommend you put at the top of your must-see list.

All natural sites like the waterfalls and Ásbyrgi canyon are free to visit, although you may need to pay for parking at various sites, and for optional extras like whale-watching tours in Húsavík.

To give yourself the best chance of fully appreciating the splendor of the Diamond Circle, we’ve put together some advice to help you plan your travels successfully.

Driving versus taking a tour

When it comes to considering how much time you need to travel the Diamond Circle in Iceland, it’s worth knowing that, technically, you could drive the complete route non-stop in about four hours. But that would be to totally miss the point. To experience the natural wonders of your trip, using either Akureyri or Húsavík as your starting point, plan for:

• Self-drive with stops and detours: 1 full day minimum, but ideally 2-3 days to explore leisurely.
• Guided group tour: Often done in 1 day, but with limited flexibility and fewer detours.

Fly and drive, or self-driving, is a great option and offers you the freedom to explore at your own pace, linger at the more scenic spots, and check out the gamut of geological wonders that line Mývatn’s lakeshore and the route between Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi, should you fancy.

However, you don’t have to limit yourself to entirely doing things one way. Combining self-drive with guided experiences is a great middle ground. Just remember that if you’re self-driving some or all of the route, services for gas and accommodation outside of the main attractions are sparse. The best towns to stop for essentials are Akureyri, Húsavík, and the small town of Reykjahlíð in the Mývatn area.

Best time to visit

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons to explore the Diamond Circle, and there are plenty of good reasons for that. You’ll experience milder weather, longer daylight hours, and the midnight sun casting a golden glow well past bedtime, giving you the opportunity to really enjoy Iceland at your own pace. Roads are easier to navigate thanks to the more favorable weather, wildlife is abundant, and you’ll have a much better chance of spotting puffins along the coast and whales in the waters around Húsavík. It’s a great time of year to hike, take great photographs, and soak in Iceland’s natural beauty without having to rush.

Winter brings a different kind of magic. But it’s not short on a few challenges. With fewer daylight hours and icy road conditions, some attractions (like the eastern side of Dettifoss) may be completely inaccessible. That said, winter travelers are rewarded with the chance to potentially witness the northern lights dancing across the sky, and seeing the landscape in all of its snow-covered beauty is a memory that will last a lifetime. However, if you’re planning a winter visit, safety is key. Always check weather and road conditions along with travel alerts via official sources such as safetravel.is before you set out.