Although less famous yet therefore less crowded than the more popular cousin Golden Circle, the Diamond Circle is one of the most spectacular loops in Iceland which features, throughout its 260 kilometres, some of the country’s most extraordinary natural formations.
While planning your road trip through Iceland, a detailed tourist map of Iceland will definitely help you navigate not only the Diamond Circle, but also other nearby attractions, hidden gems and other useful information such as accommodation, transport and activities.
You can start the Diamond Circle loop either from Húsavík or Akureyri. While it could technically be completed in one day, most travellers spend way more time exploring the area’s incredible natural attractions.
The five main highlights of the route are Húsavík, Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, and Ásbyrgi Canyon, along with numerous lesser-known stops which complete this incredible journey.
Húsavík – Iceland’s Whale Watching Capital
This fascinating fishing village located on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, in the north area of Iceland, is widely known as the best place for whale-watching in the country. Here, nutrient-rich waters attract humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and even the majestic blue whale during certain periods of the year (one of the few places on earth where you can meet these wonderful giants).
The town also features the interesting Whale Museum, the picturesque Húsavíkurkirkja, one of the many iconic wooden churches of the country, and the relaxing GeoSea geothermal baths overlooking the bay.
Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods
Literally translated as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” Goðafoss, is a stunning waterfall roughly 30 meters wide and 12 meters high which plunging into Skjálfandafljót River, within an impressive horseshoe canyon. Walking paths along the waterfall provide excellent viewpoints.
According to Icelandic tradition, the local chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into the waterfall after officially adopting Christianity around 1000 DC.
Lake Mývatn
The Lake Mývatn area, formed by multiple volcanic eruptions thousand years ago, is one the most fascinating volcanic areas in Iceland, with numerous caves and lava tubes, geothermal vents, steaming fumaroles and countless craters.
Among its highlights are the bizarre lava rock formations of Dimmuborgir, also known as the “Dark Castles”, the stunning geothermal area of Hverir, the Víti crater, and Grjótagjá, a lava cave with geothermal springs.
Mývatn Nature Baths, now Earth Lagoon, is a great (and often less crowded) alternative to the far and more famous Blue Lagoon in Reykjanes peninsula.
Dettifoss – Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall
Dettifoss is recognised as the most powerful waterfall in Europe with a volume of 200 tons of water per second plunging from its 44 meters high slopes, pouring glacial water coming from Vatnajökull.
The roar of this incredibly powerful jump, can be heard long before reaching the viewing platforms, while the constant mist often creates beautiful rainbows on sunny days.
The hiking path around Dettifoss leads to nearby and also spectacular waterfalls Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss, making this one of Iceland’s finest hiking areas.
Ásbyrgi Canyon
Ásbyrgi Canyon was allegedly formed after either after catastrophic glacial floods towards the end of the last Ice Age or (according to Norse mythology) by the hoofprint of Sleipnir,Odin’s eight-legged horse. which created this unusual horseshoe-shaped canyon surrounded by cliffs over 100 metres high.
Visitors here can enjoy peaceful walking trails through surprisingly lush woodland, visit the tranquil pond Botnstjörn, and appreciate one of the greenest landscapes in North Iceland.
Wildlife Along the Diamond Circle
The Diamond Circle offers some of Iceland’s richest wildlife experiences.
With whales being undoubtedly the main attraction, birdwatchers will also find plenty to admire. Colorful puffins nest along coastal cliffs during the summer season, while countless seabirds populate the coastline and wetlands surrounding Lake Mývatn, one of the best places in the country for bird wildlife.
Among the broad variety of species populating the area, here, the Arctic tern begins its journey towards the Antartica, undertaking the longest migration of any animal on Earth. It is one of the standout species featured on the Greatest Wildlife Migrations Map, which showcases the planet’s most extraordinary animal journeys.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit the Diamond Circle all-year round and each season offers different experiences.
Summer (June to August) provides never ending daylight hours, comfortable temperatures, accessible roads, whale watching, hiking, and abundant birdlife.
Autumn (September) brings colourful landscapes, fewer tourists, and increasing chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Winter transforms waterfalls into stunning frozen sculptures, which might be lit by the dancing Auroras, but be careful as snow and ice may affect road conditions. Be aware that daylight hours are very limited.
Spring offers still less tourists than the summer peak season and rushing waterfalls fed by melting glaciers while migratory birds returns to the land.
How to Get There
Most travellers reach the Diamond Circle by car while undertaking the famous Ring Road trip. If you are short of time, you might consider a domestic flight Reykjavík to Akureyri, then rent a car and start your journey.
Meta description: Discover Iceland’s Diamond Circle, a spectacular driving route featuring Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss, Húsavík, whale watching, volcanic landscapes, and unforgettable North Iceland scenery.