Diamond Circle Route

The Diamond Circle is at its best from June to September, with long daylight, open roads and whale-watching in full swing. This is a northern route, so winter brings snow, short days and closures — the east-bank Dettifoss road (864) shuts, and some tracks near Mývatn become tricky. September adds autumn colour and the first Northern Lights. Come in June–July and pack a midge net for the lake.

Most of the loop is paved (the Ring Road, Route 85 and Route 862), and a 2WD is fine in summer, though a 4x4 adds confidence on gravel and in shoulder seasons. The best-viewed east bank of Dettifoss (Route 864) is gravel and closes in winter; the west bank (862) is paved. Fuel up in Akureyri, Mývatn (Reykjahlíð) and Húsavík, and check road.is before longer legs.

Lake Mývatn literally means 'Midge Lake'. In June and July, huge clouds of (non-biting) midges swarm around the water — harmless but maddening if you're unprepared. Buy a cheap midge net to wear over your head at the local shop or petrol station; it transforms the experience. The midges thin out by late summer.

This is Iceland's north, so respect the seasons. In winter, rent a 4x4 with studded tyres, check road.is and vedur.is every morning, and expect some sights (like the Dettifoss east road) to be closed. Waterfall paths get icy — wear grippy footwear. Never underestimate northern storms, which can close roads with little warning.

N1, Olís and Orkan stations are in Akureyri, Húsavík and Reykjahlíð (Mývatn). Distances between services can be long on the loop, so fill up when you can. EV chargers (ON, Ísorka) are in Akureyri, Húsavík and around Mývatn — plan longer legs around them and charge while you explore.

Shoot Dettifoss from both banks for scale, Goðafoss's horseshoe at golden hour, the lava shapes of Dimmuborgir and humpback flukes from the whale boats. Drones may be restricted in nature reserves (including parts of Mývatn and Ásbyrgi) and near birdlife and people; always check current rules and keep line of sight.

The north swings from warm summer days to cold, wet and windy fast — pack a waterproof-windproof shell, warm layers, hat and gloves, sturdy waterproof shoes, swimwear for the baths, and a midge net for June–July. Bring a refillable bottle for Iceland's pure, free tap water.

The loop is family-friendly: whale watching, the warm Nature Baths and the easy Goðafoss viewpoints delight all ages. Dettifoss involves rough ground near cliff edges — keep children close and well back. Ásbyrgi has easy forest trails. Toilets and cafés are at Goðafoss, Mývatn, Dettifoss (west) and in the towns.

Eat fresh fish and famous 'Húsavík fish and chips' in Húsavík, hearty meals and great cafés in Akureyri, and lakeside dining (try the geothermally-baked rye bread and local trout) around Mývatn. Options thin out between stops, so carry snacks and water for the longer legs.

The single emergency number is 112 — download the free 112 Iceland app, which can send your GPS location to rescue teams. Mobile coverage is good in the towns but patchy on the loop's remoter roads, so download offline Google Maps of northeast Iceland before you set out.