A Guide to Diamond Circle in Iceland + Itinerary
Diamond Circle is a scenic drive in North Iceland that connects some of the top attractions and must-visit places in the area, such as Dettifoss, Myvatn, Godafoss, Husavik, and Asbyrgi Canyon. Read our self-drive Diamond Circle itinerary, including the best things to see and do, tips on how to get around, when to go, and where to stay.
There is never a shortage of scenic drives and amazing routes in Iceland.
If you are exploring the northern part of the country, you should definitely visit the Diamond Circle.
So what is the Diamond Circle? It's one of the best ways to explore the very best that North Iceland has to offer.
Same as the more popular route near Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, Diamond Circle connects some of the top natural attractions in the area that are possible to visit in one very long day.
Of course, you can split driving the loop into more days and enjoy top places such as Dettifoss Waterfall, Lake Myvatn, Asbyrgi Canyon, or Husavik at a more relaxed pace.
The chances are that you have some of these places on your itinerary anyway, as part of this route is on the iconic Ring Road.
So why not put them together and create an ultimate self-drive Diamond Circle itinerary?
Why Visit Diamond Circle
Diamond Circle is a 240 kilometers long route in North Iceland and one of the most incredible places you can visit while you're there.
The scenic road will take you through a diverse landscape boasting powerful waterfalls, geothermal areas, plains with a volcanic origin, epic sea views, beautiful canyons, untamed rivers, and rolling hills.
It will also allow you to do activities such as whale watching, hiking, or soaking in hot pools.
It takes about four hours to finish the whole Diamond Circle without making any stops.
However, that's not the reason why to arrive here as rushing is not the best approach here.
It would be a shame not to enjoy at least one or two short hikes, not to join a whale watching tour, or soak up in the hot pool.
Allow yourself at least a full day for Diamond Circle. Enjoy the scenery, and make sure you get the most out of your trip.
In this article, we aim to show you why you should include Diamond Circle in your Iceland itinerary.
How Much Time Do I Need
It is better to do the Diamond Circle in the summer when days are long and roads passable.
In summer, a full day might be enough for Diamond Circle, especially if you can take advantage of the super long Icelandic days.
If you're not sure what that exactly means, read our post on things to know about Iceland.
Ideally, you will need two days for Diamond Circle, so you will have enough time to relax in Myvatn Baths, hike in Asbyrgi Canyon, and take a whale watching tour in Husavik.
As the area around Myvatn was very interesting, and we knew right from the start that there were many places worth exploring, it took us two days to complete the Diamond Circle.
Our trip confirmed our suspicion that this part of Iceland is still often overlooked by international travelers, especially the north part of the loop.
We believe that circuit as a whole deserves more attention, not just the top attractions on Ring Road such as Godafoss or Myvatn.
Simply put, Diamond Circle is a worthwhile detour off the Ring Road, and we cannot wait to show you around.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
We traveled the Ring Road counterclockwise, so we arrived there from East Fjords.
To be precise, from Borgarfjordur Eystri, one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland, via Egilsstadir.
Therefore the first stop on our itinerary was Dettifoss.
If you're arriving from the east part of Iceland, it makes sense to travel Diamond Circle counterclockwise and vice versa if you start in Akureyri.
How to Get Around Diamond Circle
Diamond Circle is not a single destination. It is a scenic road in a fairly remote part of Iceland with plentiful attractions along the way.
There is no way around it.
The best way to get around Diamond Circle is by car.
Car
That's why we cannot stress enough how important it is to have a car to explore all the top attractions on Diamond Circle.
Only this way, you'll be able to travel at your own pace and visit all the essential stops along the way.
We believe that most of you plan on renting a car or a campervan for your Iceland vacation.
It's the best way to get around Iceland in general, and we were really glad we opted for this option.
Public Transport
First of all, public transport in the area is not frequent, plus it connects only bigger towns and settlements.
Some of the top places on Diamon Circle are really off the beaten path when it comes to public transport.
These places are just tourist attractions, and public transport simply does not go there.
Therefore it is not possible to get around this area only by bus, and you would need to combine it with hitchhiking.
For example, you can get by bus from Reykjavik to Akureyri, Akureyri to Husavik, or Egilsstadir to Myvatn.
But then you need to figure out how you get from these places to Dettifoss, Asbyrgi, or Namafjell.
Hitchhiking, tours? It's not impossible. It's just not very convenient.
Tours
Even though having a car is better as you can stop wherever you want (not only at places mentioned on this itinerary), you can always join a guided tour.
In our opinion, taking a tour might be a great alternative for some of you who don't want to drive in a foreign country.
Plus, it might be an interesting idea to consider when traveling in Iceland in winter.
Most of the Diamond Circle Tours start in Akureyri, the second-largest city in the country.
Directions
When you look on the map of North Iceland, you will quickly realize that some of the top attractions on Diamond Circle are located directly on Road 1, also known as the Ring Road.
When arriving from Egilsstadir, we believe it's better to take Road 862 to Asbyrgi first, then follow Road 85 to Husavik.
From here, take Road 87 to Myvatn, and then continue to Godafoss and finally Akureyri.
If you're traveling around the Ring Road clockwise and starting in Akureyri, your first stop will be Godafoss.
Then continue to Myvatn, from here turn left onto Road 87 to Husavik.
From Husavik, follow Road 85 and once you reach Asbyrgi, turn right onto Road 862, which will take you to Dettifoss and eventually back to Ring Road.
Obviously, you can adjust this suggested itinerary according to your own travel plans.
For example, you can visit Godafoss separately if it makes more sense to you.
Do I Need a 4WD Car?
No, you don't need a 4WD car for Diamond Circle, at least not in summer. In winter, it's a different story, and you should rent a 4WD car either way.
Nowadays, the entire Diamond Circle is fully paved, so that's one less thing to worry about.
Things have changed since we visited Diamond Circle, and the construction of Road 862 is finished.
Therefore, you can get from Ring Road to Asbyrgi via Dettifoss even with a regular compact car.
In the past years, it was safer to drive first to Dettifoss via Road 862, then return to Ring Road and travel to Asbyrgi via Myvatn and Husavik.
Today, this approach is unnecessary, at least during the summer months.
The only tricky part of Diamond Circle is Road 862 in winter, as it might be impassable during this period, and Road 864, which is still unpaved.
Moreover, we believe that you should avoid Road 864 either way.
As the situation and road conditions in Iceland are constantly changing, we recommend you check the official Icelandic road website that has up-to-date information on road conditions.
When is the Best Time to Visit Diamond Circle
Hands down, the best time to drive to Diamond Circle is in summer, early autumn, or late spring.
Summer is a peak season in Iceland, so be prepared that the top attractions such as Dettifoss or Myvatn Baths can be busy.
As some places on Diamond Circle are still not that popular, you will have plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds.
Diamond Circle is beautiful even in spring and autumn, but keep in mind that the days will grow shorter during these periods.
Keep in mind that Roads 862 and 864 connecting Asbyrgi with the Ring Road are often closed between December and April due to snow, poor weather, and unsafe road conditions.
However, it does not mean you cannot see the must-visit places on the circle.
You can always reach Asbyrgi via Road 75 if Roads 862 and 864 are impassable.
The only disadvantage is that you will need to retrace your steps from Asbyrgi back to Ring Road. The journey will be longer but safer.
We traveled to Diamond Circle in the summer and didn't encounter any problems along the way. In general, we would say that the best time to drive the loop is between May and October.
For obvious reasons, some areas on Diamond Circle might be harder to reach in winter due to challenging weather conditions.
In case you are not sure about your driving skills or prefer traveling with a local guide, it is much better to take a tour during the winter here.
Also, make sure to read our blog post on the best time to visit Iceland.
What to Pack
Never underestimate the harsh nature of Icelandic weather. Always wear proper clothing when exploring the outdoors, regardless of the season.
To enjoy your trip to Dettifoss and Godafoss, bring a rain jacket and rain pants or at least a rain poncho.
A waterproof dry bag or a dry sack for your valuables also comes in handy because the spray coming from the waterfalls goes everywhere.
If you're an enthusiast photographer, bring a camera with good autofocus and a proper telephoto lens for a whale watching tour.
For more information on this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Best Things to See and Do on Diamond Circle
The whole 240-kilometer Diamond Circle features many exciting stops and natural attractions.
In general, there are five key destinations you should not miss.
It is Dettifoss Waterfall, Myvatn, Husavik, Asbyrgi Canyon, and Godafoss Waterfall.
While it might seem as not that much, remember that, for example, you can easily spend two full days in the Myvatn area itself.
Asbyrgi is known for many hiking opportunities, and you can choose trails ranging from a short 1-hour walk to a proper 8-hour hike.
Also, don't forget that there is plenty of less-traveled or even unmarked stops along this scenic road, so you won't for sure get bored.
Here's the list of places we visited along Diamond Circle.
Dettifoss
Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, is a natural attraction you simply cannot miss.
It is conveniently located less than thirty minutes off Ring Road, and it is an essential stop even for travelers who do not plan on completing the Diamond Circle.
The official route of the Diamond Circle to Dettifoss is Road 862, which will take you to the west side of the canyon.
Road 862 is fully paved, and a regular 2WD car or campervan is more than enough for this route, at least during the summer.
Alternatively, it is possible to take Road 864 and enjoy the views from the east side of the waterfall. However, be prepared that this road is unpaved and full of potholes, and you should have a proper 4WD car.
We visited Dettifoss Waterfall from the west side and were absolutely blown away by its raw power and mesmerizing beauty.
From the parking lot, it is an approximately 1-kilometer easy hike to the waterfall.
Once you reach the main viewpoint from where you can see Dettifoss for the first time, the hike is far from over.
The best part is yet to come. If you've brought a rain poncho or don't mind getting soaked to the bone, make sure to follow the trail down to the waterfall.
You can almost touch the waterfall from the lower trail, and being so close to such a much power is an incredible experience.
Always remember that you should stay on the designated trail for your safety.
You can return to the car via the same trail, but we recommend you extend the hike a bit and also visit nearby Selfoss.
While Selfoss might not be as impressive at first sight as Dettifoss, it's still an incredible waterfall worth visiting.
Moreover, visiting Selffoss will allow you to hike a nice little loop, so you don't need to retrace your steps.
Asbyrgi Canyon
Nowadays, Road 862 is fully paved, so you can drive directly from Dettifoss to Asbyrgi Canyon without any issues.
The 35-kilometer drive from Dettifoss to Asbyrgi shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes.
The next stop on your itinerary is Asbyrgi Canyon, which is, like many places in Iceland, shrouded in myth.
Even if you are not into the local folklore, we believe you are going to love it here.
The lush green scenery was once again so different from the monochromatic barren landscape surrounding the waterfall.
The area is popular among both campers and hikers and an excellent place to stay overnight if necessary.
Before you reach Asbyrgi, there are a few more on Road 862, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.
In case you are like us who arrived in the region without a specific plan, head to the Visitors Center first.
The staff in the center was very helpful, and the ranger working there helped us choose a short and easy trail that was great despite the rainy weather.
The path led us along the canyon's rim, from where we had wonderful views of the entire canyon area.
Even though it was raining, we still spent approximately two hours exploring Asbyrgi Canyon.
If the weather cooperates or you have more time than we did, Asbyrgi offers some great longer hikes that might allow you to enjoy Iceland without crowds.
Unless you just want to have a quick look, make sure you have enough time for Asbyrgi Canyon.
Hiking in Asbyrgi is also a great alternative for those who travel around Iceland on a budget, and a whale watching tour is out of their price range.
Asbyrgi lies on a crossroad of Road 862 and Road 85 near the sea, so be prepared that from now on, the views will get only better.
Husavik
Even though there is not much to see and do in Husavik, this lovely small town with a charming harbor is one of the best stops on Diamond Circle.
How is that possible?
It somehow happened that Husavik is the whale watching capital of Iceland and one of the top places for whale watching in the world.
As we've never done a whale watching tour before, visiting Husavik was high on our bucket list.
If you are looking for information on what to expect, you can read more about our experience of whale watching in Husavik here.
There are a few companies that run boat trips several times a day during the peak season, and their success rate is quite impressive.
Even if you do not plan on taking the whale watching tour, it is good to know that the setting of Husavik is very picturesque. The combination of the deep blue sea and snow-capped mountains is unforgettable.
Moreover, Husavik has some nice accommodations, a campground, a grocery store, a gas station, and a few restaurants.
And did we mention that Husavik is also home to GeoSea, lovely geothermal sea baths?
As you can clearly see, Husavik offers more than meets the eye.
Therefore, we believe it has a firm spot on every Diamond Circle itinerary.
Husavik Whale Watching Tour
As this activity is super-popular, it is highly recommended to reserve a Husavik Whale Watching Tour in advance to secure your selected date and time slot.
Lake Myvatn
From Husavik, stay for 60 kilometers on Road 87 until you reach Lake Myvatn.
Lake Myvatn is such a dramatic area that offers so many things to see and do that it has become one of the top places on every Ring Road itinerary.
Coincidentally, it's also one of the best stops on Diamond Circle.
Lake Myvatn is the fourth-largest lake in Iceland, and its volcanic origin tells the same story you've already seen in many other natural attractions in the country.
Moreover, the surroundings of Lake Myvatn are really unusual.
You can see here lush green vegetation, colored hills, dark-black plains with volcanic rocks, geothermal areas, or the lake itself.
Myvatn is also home to many birds and native wildlife.
For many, the lake is just a short photo stop on the Diamond Circle itinerary. But don't be surprised if you spend an entire day in the greater Lake Myvatn area.
For starters, there are many trails around the lake you can explore.
Most importantly, the whole area is geologically and geothermally interesting and features some most fascinating places in Iceland.
Therefore, we believe it deserves more attention than it sometimes gets.
Here's the list of the best places we visited in the Lake Myvatn area.
Hverir Geothermal Area
The unpleasant smell of rotten eggs, bubbling mud pools, hot pools, and crazily colorful ground make from Hverir Geothermal Area an essential stop while in this area.
If you've enjoyed Geysir Geothermal Area near Reykjavik, then you will love this place as well.
Don't forget to extend your trip and make an hour-long hike to Namafjell.
Thanks to this trail, this geothermal area quickly became one of our favorite stops on Diamond Circle.
Viti Crater
Krafla is a volcanic area that features another fine example of Iceland's diversity, the Viti Crater. In Icelandic, Viti means hell.
The crater is filled with a turquoise lake and creates a beautiful postcard scenery full of colors, at least on a sunny summer day.
Admittedly, we were even more fascinated by the incredible combination of breathtaking scenery with a geothermal power plant, massive tubes, and other industrial structures.
Myvatn Nature Baths
Same as Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjavik has the famous Blue Lagoon, one of the best-known spas in the world, Myvatn area has Myvatn Nature Baths.
If you want to relax in the water-rich of minerals, surrounded by volcanic landscapes, this is the place to go.
As we mentioned above, it's really hard to predict how much time you need for Diamond Circle as you can stay here an hour, two, or an entire day.
Don't forget to buy your Myvatn Baths Ticket in advance to secure your selected date and time.
Grjotagja Cave
This small cave is famous for several things. First of all, inside the cave is a hot pool, which is not something you find that often in similar spaces.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to take a dip in Grjotagja Cave anymore.
Still, it is a very unusual place to see even though it's fairly small.
Another reason for stopping by is Game of Thrones because one of the favorite scenes was shot here.
Even if you don't have a poster of Jon Snow above your bed, we beleive Grjotagja Cave is worth visiting.
Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir is another fascinating location in the Lake Myvatn area that offers several hiking trails through lava fields.
These dramatic geological formations and rocks of unusual shapes are best explored on foot, so make sure you have enough time for this area.
Hverfjall
Hverfjall, an unusual black volcano with a super-large crater, is a great place to stretch your legs and get spectacular views of the otherwordly landscape from above.
It was raining when we arrived here, and the clouds were rolling over the entire area.
Still, it was a fascinating experience and just another example of how incredibly diverse Iceland is.
The trail leads straight to the rim of the volcano but should take you fifteen minutes maximum.
Godafoss
Godafoss was the last stop on our Diamond Circle road trip. It made perfect sense because then we continued to Akureyri and Trollaskagi Peninsula.
If you travel Rig Road clockwise, then obviously Godafoss will be the first place that you will visit.
So, how many waterfalls did we see in Iceland until now?
We have no idea, and we will probably never be able to count them all.
Nevertheless, we put together the list of the best waterfalls in Iceland once we returned home, and Godafoss is not missing.
Godafoss was yet another waterfall in North Iceland that was insanely beautiful.
It is probably not a surprising statement, as the name in translation means Waterfall of Gods.
This waterfall is right off the Ring Road, roughly halfway between Akureyri and Myvatn.
It is yet another natural attraction in this country where you do not need to make almost any effort to see it.
Godafoss is wider than higher, but the sheer amount of water flowing down is very impressive.
It is possible to see this waterfall from two sides. Unlike Dettifoss, you can simply cross a bridge to get to the other side of the river.
Godafoss is usually the first or the last stop on Diamond Circle, so this natural attraction is either a pleasant welcome or a proper goodbye to this mesmerizing area.
Where to Stay on Diamond Circle
What is one of the best things about this scenic road? There is not only one place where you have to stay overnight.
Therefore, it is only up to you where you decide to call it a day.
Without any doubt, the most popular place to stay is Myvatn. On the other hand, there are barely any accommodations near Dettifoss.
We've handpicked the best hotels on the Diamond Circle for every type of traveler in each location you might be considering for your stay.
Myvatn | Sel - Hotel Myvatn - Situated on the shore of Lake Myvatn, this modernly decorated hotel features nice rooms with stunning views and provides guests with a free entrance to the sauna and hot tubs.
Husavik | Fosshotel Husavik - You can basically travel all around Iceland and stay only in the Fosshotel chain as they offer accommodation in every major tourist destination. Modern design, excellent services, and a reasonable price-quality ratio is the reason why this hotel is popular both among local and foreign travelers.
Asbyrgi | Dettifoss Guesthouse - Located 40 kilometers north of Dettifoss and a short drive from Asbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss Guesthouse is a great pick due to its modernly renovated rooms and stunning location.
Godafoss | Guesthouse Storu-Laugar - Laugar is a small village only ten kilometers east of Godafoss. It is a perfect alternative to Akureyri, especially if you prefer quiet locations.
Dettifoss | Grimstunga Guesthouse - This lovely guesthouse is only a short drive from the Dettifoss Waterfall, and due to its location, it might be the right place for you. This facility offers free private parking and a shared kitchen.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
