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Diamond Circle
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Self Drive Route

Diamond Circle

North Iceland's hidden gem circuit

250 km
1–2 days
Easy
May–September
4.8 rating

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.

Along the Route

Stops & Highlights

5 must-see locations

Goðafoss
1

Goðafoss

Witness Iceland's 'Waterfall of the Gods' in all its glory.

Dettifoss
3

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
4

Asbyrgi

Horseshoe-shaped canyon with lush birch forest

Húsavík
5

Húsavík

Húsavík, Iceland's charming whale-watching capital, boasts a vibrant harbor and a distinctive church against verdant hills.

Day Plan

Suggested Itinerary

Viator Tours

Diamond Circle Tours

Guided experiences — small group, luxury and day tours

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Accommodation

Hotels Along the Route

Accommodation

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Insider Knowledge

Travel Tips

1

Dettifoss: the north bank (Road 862) gives the best views — paved all the way

2

Mývatn Nature Baths: book online, closes 22:00 in summer

3

Húsavík whale watching: book at least a day in advance in July–August

Common Questions

FAQ

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.

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