The Diamond Circle: Iceland’s Other Scenic Drive

The Diamond Circle is one of Iceland’s most rewarding scenic routes – and still far less talked about than the Golden Circle.

Located in North Iceland, this loop links together powerful waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, dramatic canyons and geothermal areas, all with noticeably fewer crowds.

If you’re driving the Ring Road and have a little flexibility, this is one detour that delivers in a big way.

This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I may receive a small commission. Read the full disclaimer here.

Where is the Diamond Circle & how do you get there?

The Diamond Circle sits in North Iceland, looping around Lake Mývatn and stretching east towards Vatnajökull National Park.

Most travellers explore it by self-drive, starting or ending in either Húsavík or Akureyri.

Why driving yourself works best:

• Long distances between stops
• Flexibility with weather and timing
• Ability to linger (or move on) as you like

Self-driving also meant we could change our timing a little when the day dawned with grey skies and pouring rain.

If you are visiting Akureyri on a cruise, this is a popular shore excursion as most of the loop can be seen in a day. There are also options on Get Your Guide for sections of the loop too.

Diamond Circle route overview

• Total distance: approx. 250 km (plus side trips)
• Time needed:
  • 1 long, full day
  • or 2 days at a relaxed pace
• Direction: works equally well clockwise or anti-clockwise

It fits neatly into a Ring Road itinerary and feels far less rushed when spread over two days.

We did a couple of stops in the afternoon, stayed at Húsavík, then spent the next day exploring further before a night at Akureyri.

Sadly the weather was not great during our visit, but we still had an enjoyable time and some of these places really have to be seen to be believed.

Diamond Circle attractions

These are the main attractions of the Diamond Circle – but I recommend also looking at Google Maps as you drive and exploring some of the other marked places too.

You might find something else truly remarkable in this stunning landscape.

Húsavík

Húsavík is best known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital, but it’s also a lovely place to ease into the Diamond Circle.

Why stop here

• Excellent whale-watching tours
• Compact, walkable town
• Comfortable overnight base

If you’re staying overnight, GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths is an optional extra that pairs nicely with a day on the road.

We ended up spending a couple of hours there in the morning hoping the constant rain would let up. If we were going to be wet, we may as well do it in a stunning warm pool.

If visiting in season, you may like to stay an extra day in Húsavík as it’s the best location to do a whale watching tour.

Ásbyrgi Canyon

Ásbyrgi Canyon is one of the most unexpected landscapes on the route.

Why it’s worth your time

• Vast horseshoe-shaped canyon
• Flat, easy walking trails
• Lush and green compared to nearby volcanic scenery

It’s calm, quiet and a great contrast to the more dramatic stops.

From the car park, it’s a short walk to see the lake in the canyon, then a little further to climb up higher for more views, showing the horseshoe shape of the canyon walls.

Read the story about the beast that lives in the lake on the signs near the carpark – and keep your eyes peeled – Ásbyrgi is meant to be the capital for the “hidden people”.

Dettifoss (and nearby waterfalls)

Dettifoss is the powerhouse of the Diamond Circle – Europe’s most powerful waterfall.

Things to know before you go

• Access is possible from both east and west
• East side: rougher roads, closer viewpoints
• West side: easier access, better paths

If time allows, also visit:

• Selfoss – wide and elegant
• Hafragilsfoss – dramatic and usually quieter

Strong winds and slippery paths mean this isn’t a place to ignore barriers – safety really matters here. We saw people standing right on the edge of the waterfall, it looked like an accident waiting to happen.

We chose the east side to visit, and I can confirm that the road is rough and slow-going. Weather was. not great for us, raining heavily during the drive and when we visited Dettifoss.

But still, the incredible sound and power of the waterfall is really something to see and experience.

Lake Mývatn area

Lake Mývatn isn’t one single stop, but a cluster of unique landscapes packed into a relatively small area.

Highlights around Lake Mývatn

• Dimmuborgir lava formations
• Hverir geothermal area with bubbling mud pools
• Skútustaðir pseudocraters along the lake
• Hverfjall crater for a short, steep hike

The area is also home to the Earth Lagoon Mývatn (formerly the Mývatn Nature Baths), which fits naturally into an overnight stay if you feel like winding down after a big day of sightseeing.

It’s currently being expanded, and while we didn’t get there (we thought two thermal baths in a day might be a bit much 🙂) it looks like a great option instead of the Blue or Sky Lagoon – it’s cheaper too.

It’s entirely optional though and easy to skip if time is tight.

Our pick here is Hverir. We really enjoyed wandering across this multi-coloured landscape. It was smelly, windy and cold, but truly unique and

Goðafoss

Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods”, is one of Iceland’s most beautiful and accessible waterfalls.

Why it’s a great stop

• Right off the Ring Road
• Multiple viewpoints
• Strong historical significance

It’s a natural pause point before heading towards Akureyri.

Akureyri (optional endpoint)

Akureyri is a logical place to finish the Diamond Circle.

Good for

• Restaurants and cafés
• Stocking up on supplies
• Overnight stays

Forest Lagoon just outside town is a nice bonus if you’re spending the night, but very much optional.

Suggested Diamond Circle itineraries

Here are some ideas to help you decide how much time you will need to

One-day Diamond Circle

Best if you’re short on time and happy with a long driving day.

• Dettifoss and nearby waterfalls
• Key Lake Mývatn highlights
• Goðafoss
• Finish in Akureyri or Húsavík

Optional geothermal soak if time and energy allow.

Two-day Diamond Circle (recommended)

Day 1

• Húsavík
• Ásbyrgi Canyon
• Dettifoss area
• Overnight near Lake Mývatn

Day 2

• Lake Mývatn sights
• Goðafoss
• Finish in Akureyri

This pace allows you to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Practical tips for driving the Diamond Circle

• Expect gravel roads, especially near Dettifoss. They weren’t in great condition during our visit.
• Fuel up before you start – towns are spread out and there aren’t a lot of options for fuel along this route
• Weather changes quickly in North Iceland. We had lots of fog and rain with limited visibility, so carefully drive to the conditions
• Allow more time than Google Maps suggests, both for the weather and road conditions, but also in case you want to stop and admire the views.

Is the Diamond Circle worth it?

If you enjoy self-driving, wide-open landscapes and fewer crowds, absolutely. The Diamond Circle feels more rugged and less polished than the Golden Circle — and that’s exactly its appeal.

It’s not ideal for tight schedules, but if you’ve come this far north, it’s one of Iceland’s most rewarding detours.