North Iceland and the Diamond Circle

Whales, waterfalls and the wonders of Myvatn.

HomeItinerariesNorth Iceland and the Diamond Circle

The best of the north

The Diamond Circle gathers the north's greatest sights into one loop, from Europe's most powerful waterfall to a bird filled volcanic lake.

Based around Akureyri and Husavik, three days lets you enjoy whales, geothermal wonders and grand waterfalls.

Length: 3 days  ·  Best season: May to September best  ·  Good for: Families, nature lovers, couples  ·  Start and end: Akureyri loop

Day by day

A suggested route you can follow at your own pace.

1

Akureyri and Godafoss

Explore the capital of the north, then the graceful waterfall of the gods.

Stops: Akureyri · Godafoss

2

Husavik and Asbyrgi

Whale watching at Husavik, the horseshoe canyon of Asbyrgi and a clifftop soak at GeoSea.

Stops: Husavik · Geosea · Asbyrgi

3

Dettifoss and Myvatn

Thundering Dettifoss, then the craters, mud pools and baths around Lake Myvatn.

Stops: Dettifoss · Lake Myvatn · Namafjall · Dimmuborgir

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How to book this trip

Build it your way, with local operators through Bókun.

We can help you turn this itinerary into a booked trip, pairing a rental car or transfers with day tours and activities from trusted Icelandic operators through Bokun. Tell us your dates and we will tailor the route to you.

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Good to know

Quick answers for planning.

What is the Diamond Circle?

A loop in the northeast linking Godafoss, Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss, Asbyrgi and Husavik, the north's answer to the Golden Circle.

How many days do I need in north Iceland?

Three days covers the Diamond Circle comfortably. Akureyri and Husavik make ideal bases.

Can I fly to north Iceland?

Yes, there are quick domestic flights from Reykjavik to Akureyri, making a northern trip easy without the long drive.

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