09/08/2025 | 2:00 PM
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 have 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.
What is Iceland's Diamond Circle?
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 quickly becoming a favorite for travelers looking to experience Iceland’s wilder side.
Its 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 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 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.
Photo: The Mývatn area, with Mývatn Nature Baths in the foreground.
Banner photo: The lunar landscape of Hverir geothermal area, just east of Mývatn.
The Diamond Circle versus the Golden Circle
Not sure which loop is best for you? Here’s a quick rundown of what you you can expect:
The Diamond Circle route contains five main stops: Goðafoss waterfall, the fishing town of Húsavík, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, the 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, the 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.
| Golden Circle | Diamond Circle | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | First-time visitors, short stays in Reykjavík | Adventure travelers, nature lovers, visitors with more time in the country |
| Crowd levels | High (popular tourist route as it's close to Reykjavík) | Lower (less crowded as it's harder to get to) |
| Reason to go | Easy day trip from Reykjavík; great introduction to Iceland highlights | Raw, dramatic northern landscapes; great detour off the Ring Road |
Map of the Diamond Circle
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.
Top stops: A Diamond Circle itinerary
Iceland’s Diamond Circle itinerary is built around five spectacular stops. These are the ones that 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.
Goðafoss waterfall
Lake Mývatn
Dettifoss waterfall
Ásbyrgi canyon
Húsavík
Planning your visit to the Diamond Circle
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.
Ready to discover Iceland's Diamond Circle?
Ready to get behind the wheel? Book your adventure to Iceland and explore the Diamond Circle your way. Icelandair offers flights to Akureyri in North Iceland and Egilsstaðir in East Iceland, giving you the opportunity to start your journey in style. Check out our fly and drive vacation packages, which include an internal flight from Reykjavík and a rental car pick-up at your chosen destination.
With a set of wheels and a route mapped out, you’ll be ready to hit the road and make some unforgettable memories on your Diamond Circle road trip.
Photo: Sunset at GeoSea geothermal sea baths, Húsavík.