Diamond Circle
North Iceland's hidden gem circuit
Duration
1–2 days
Distance
250 km
Difficulty
Easy
Best time
May–September
The Diamond Circle is a 250 km loop in north Iceland taking in Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn's geothermal landscape, the thundering Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), the horseshoe canyon of Ásbyrgi, and the whale-watching capital Húsavík.
💡 Travel Tips
Dettifoss: the north bank (Road 862) gives the best views — paved all the way Mývatn Nature Baths: book online, closes 22:00 in summer Húsavík whale watching: book at least a day in advance in July–August
🚗 Essential for This Route
Rent Your Car
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Book early for best rates. Free cancellation on most rentals. All major providers included.
Route Overview
Interactive Route Map
Day by Day
Itinerary
Day 1
Goðafoss → Húsavík
Goðafoss
Witness Iceland's 'Waterfall of the Gods' in all its glory.
Mývatn
Dettifoss
Witnessing Dettifoss is a truly visceral experience; the sheer volume of glacial meltwater crashing down into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon is deafening, and the mist rises high into the cloudy sky, often creating rainbows on sunny days. The image perfectly captures its immense scale, with the turbulent grey-brown water dominating the scene as it plunges over the dark, columnar basalt cliffs. Visitors can stand remarkably close to the edge, feeling the ground vibrate and the spray on their faces, truly connecting with nature's force amidst the stark, rocky surroundings and patches of vibrant green moss.
Asbyrgi
Horseshoe-shaped canyon with lush birch forest
Húsavík
Húsavík, Iceland's charming whale-watching capital, boasts a vibrant harbor and a distinctive church against verdant hills.
✈️ Getting Here
Fly to Iceland
Find the best flight deals to Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Direct flights available from major European and North American cities.
Search Flights to Iceland🎒 Be Prepared
What to Pack
Dettifoss: the north bank (Road 862) gives the best views — paved all the way Mývatn Nature Baths: book online, closes 22:00 in summer Húsavík whale watching: book at least a day in advance in July–August
🚗 Stay Safe
Driving in Iceland
🌐Check Road Conditions
Always check road.is and safetravel.is before departure.
View live road conditions →⛽Fuel Up Regularly
Gas stations can be sparse, especially in remote areas. Fill up whenever you see a station. Many accept credit cards 24/7.
🐑Watch for Animals
Sheep roam freely in summer. Arctic foxes, reindeer, and birds also cross roads. Drive cautiously.
📱Emergency: 112
Download the 112 Iceland app for emergency assistance. Share your location with ICE-SAR if needed.
❓ Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Diamond Circle as good as the Golden Circle?
Different rather than better or worse. The Diamond Circle is less crowded, more rugged, and has arguably more diverse scenery.
🚀 Ready for Your Adventure?
Book Your Diamond Circle Trip Today
Everything you need for an unforgettable Icelandic road trip — flights, rental cars, hotels, and guided tours.
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