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    The Diamond Circle Route: North Iceland's Epic Road Trip

    Arctic Coast Way

    Drive the Diamond Circle in North Iceland. Discover the raw power of Dettifoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn, and Húsavík whale watching on this 309 km route.

    North Iceland's answer to the Golden Circle. Experience boiling mud pots, Europe's most powerful waterfall, and the whale-watching capital of Iceland.

    Distance

    309 km

    Driving

    ~5h driving

    Summer Vehicle

    Any car

    Winter Vehicle

    4x4 recommended

    Compare 4x4

    Season

    Summer/Shoulder

    What to Wear

    Extra warm layers. The North is colder than Reykjavík in winter.

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    The Deep Dive

    Húsavík

    The whale watching capital of Iceland. Humpback whales are regularly seen in Skjálfandi Bay.

    Ásbyrgi Canyon

    A massive horseshoe-shaped canyon. Legend says it is the hoofprint of Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.

    Goðafoss

    The 'Waterfall of the Gods'. Historic site where Iceland symbolically converted to Christianity by throwing pagan idols into the falls.

    Worth the detour

    GeoSea Sea Baths

    In Húsavík. Geothermal sea baths perched on a cliff edge overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, not a lagoon set inland. Watch for whales while you soak.

    Visit Website

    Grjótagjá

    The famous 'Love Cave' from Game of Thrones. A lava cave with a natural hot spring inside.

    Húsavík Whale Museum

    Home to a full blue whale skeleton.

    Visit Website

    Hljóðaklettar (Echo Rocks)

    A labyrinth of twisted basalt columns in the Vesturdalur valley, and an easy short hike.

    The Drive

    The North's answer to the Golden Circle, but wilder and less crowded. This route takes you off Route 1 onto Route 85 to Húsavík and Ásbyrgi, then Route 862 to Dettifoss and back down to Route 1 at Mývatn. Crucial tip: use Road 862 (west side), which is paved, but with no winter service from January to early April. Road 864 (east side) is gravel and closed in winter — check road.is.

    Logistics & Timing

    Driving time. ~5 h 10 min of driving (309 km loop).

    Total trip. Plan for a full day, or split it over two.

    Base camp. Húsavík or Lake Mývatn are perfect places to stay overnight.

    Seasons. Road 864 is closed in winter, and Road 862 has no winter service from January to early April — check road.is.

    Frequently asked questions

    How long does the Diamond Circle take?

    The driving route is 309 km and takes ~5 h 10 min of pure driving time. With stops at Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, and Mývatn, plan for a full day, or split it over two.

    Is the Diamond Circle paved?

    The loop itself is paved: Route 1, Route 85 and the Dettifoss road (862) all have a hard surface. Some side roads are gravel, including Road 864 on the east side of Dettifoss.

    What is the difference between the Golden Circle and the Diamond Circle?

    The Golden Circle is in the south, highly commercialized, and easily accessible from Reykjavík. The Diamond Circle is in the remote north, less crowded, and features more raw, volatile geothermal and volcanic landscapes.

    Itinerary

    01

    Akureyri

    Hub

    Capital of the North.

    Your base for the Diamond Circle. Enjoy the vibrant cafe culture and visit the iconic church.

    Start

    Tip: Great whale watching tours depart from here.

    02

    Goðafoss

    Must see

    Waterfall of the Gods.

    Goðafoss: Waterfall of the Gods

    A spectacular, wide waterfall. It played a key role in Iceland's conversion to Christianity.

    Duration: 45 mins

    Tip: Paths run along both banks.

    Read the gem page
    03

    Húsavík

    Must see

    Whale watching capital.

    Húsavík: The Whale Capital of Europe

    A picturesque harbour town and one of the best places in Iceland to see whales.

    Duration: 3 hours (with tour)

    Tip: Don't leave without visiting the GeoSea baths.

    Read the gem page
    04

    Ásbyrgi Canyon

    Must see

    The Horseshoe Canyon.

    Ásbyrgi: The Shelter of the Gods

    A massive, horseshoe-shaped canyon said to be the hoofprint of Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. A forest oasis protected by 100m high cliffs.

    Duration: 1 hour

    Tip: The walk to Botnstjörn pond is easy and beautiful.

    Read the gem page
    05

    Dettifoss

    Must see

    Europe's most powerful waterfall.

    Dettifoss: The Beast of Europe

    An overwhelming display of nature's power. You can feel the spray and vibration from the viewing platforms.

    Duration: 1 hour

    Tip: Stick to the West side (paved road).

    Read the gem page
    06

    Mývatn

    Hub

    Volcanic lake area.

    An area of extreme geological contrasts. Craters, lava pillars, and geothermal pools.

    2 hours

    Tip: Visit Hverir to see boiling mud pots — stay on the marked paths.

    07

    Akureyri

    Hub

    Loop complete.

    Return to Akureyri to relax.

    End

    Tip: Try the 'Akureyri' burger at a local grill.

    Make it yours

    Send these stops into the planner and change what you like — swap a day, drop a stop, add your own.