Diamond Circle Map

The north's answer to the Golden Circle: a loop linking Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi canyon and the whale-watching town of Húsavík.

Diamond Circle day tours run from Akureyri and from cruise ships in the summer.

Diamond Circle tours ↗
  • Towns
  • Waterfalls
  • Volcanoes & lava
  • Hikes & canyons
  • Whales & wildlife
  • Diamond Circle loop

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

Loop length
~250 km
Driving time
4 h
With stops
1–2 days
Whole loop (via 862)
Paved

The route

The Diamond Circle (Demantshringurinn) is a loop of about 250 km. From Akureyri, drive east on Route 1 to Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn, continue past Hverir and turn north on Route 862 to Dettifoss. Follow 862 through the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon past Hljóðaklettar to Ásbyrgi, then west along the coast on Route 85 to Húsavík, and back to Akureyri. Route 862 is now paved, so the whole loop is fine for a normal car in summer.

One day or two? It is possible in one long day, but staying a night at Mývatn or Húsavík lets you add whale watching and a lagoon.

Stops on the Diamond Circle

  1. Goðafoss: walk both sides of the river for different views.
  2. Mývatn: Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall and Grjótagjá, with a soak in the Nature Baths.
  3. Hverir and Krafla: geothermal field and the Víti crater.
  4. Dettifoss and Selfoss: a short walk from the car park.
  5. Hljóðaklettar and Ásbyrgi: easy trails in Vatnajökull National Park.
  6. Húsavík: whale-watching capital of Iceland.

Plan your Húsavík stop around a whale-watching departure: tours take about 3 hours.

Book Húsavík whale watching ↗

Overnight in Húsavík or Mývatn to split the loop over two days.

Hotels on the Diamond Circle ↗

Plan your trip to the Diamond Circle

Where to stay

Compare hotels, guesthouses and cabins in Mývatn.

Find places to stay ↗

Tours & tickets

Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.

See tours ↗

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Diamond Circle?

About 250 km, or roughly 4 hours of driving. With stops, plan a full day or split it over two days.

Is the Diamond Circle open in winter?

Most of it is. Route 862 to the west side of Dettifoss is paved and usually cleared, but can close in storms. The east-side Route 864 is summer only.

Is the Diamond Circle better than the Golden Circle?

It is quieter, longer and more varied, with whale watching and Europe's most powerful waterfall. The Golden Circle is more convenient from Reykjavík.

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.