When travellers think of Icelandic road trips, the Golden Circle usually comes first. Yet in the country’s north lies an equally remarkable – and considerably less crowded – route that many visitors now consider one of Iceland‘s greatest driving experiences: the Diamond Circle. Stretching for around 250 kilometres (155 miles), this scenic loop showcases waterfalls, geothermal landscapes, volcanic formations, dramatic canyons, wildlife and charming coastal towns in a journey that perfectly captures the diversity of North Iceland.
Unlike the Golden Circle, which can often feel busy during peak season, the Diamond Circle offers a more tranquil adventure. The route is typically driven over one to three days, allowing travellers to fully appreciate some of Iceland‘s most extraordinary natural attractions. Since the entire road was fully paved in 2020, it has become far more accessible throughout the year, although winter driving still requires extra caution due to snow and ice.
Five unforgettable highlights
Most visitors begin the Diamond Circle near Akureyri, Iceland‘s largest town outside the capital region, before heading east to Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods”. Besides its impressive horseshoe-shaped cascade, Goðafoss holds an important place in Icelandic history: according to tradition, pagan idols were thrown into the waterfall around the year 1000 when the nation officially embraced Christianity.
The journey continues towards Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s richest geothermal regions. Here visitors encounter steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, lava fields such as Dimmuborgir, volcanic craters and abundant birdlife. The area perfectly illustrates the volcanic forces that continue to shape Iceland today. Further east stands Dettifoss, widely recognised as Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Fed by glacial meltwater from Vatnajökull, the immense cascade offers an unforgettable spectacle of raw natural power, with countless tonnes of water plunging into Jökulsárgljúfur canyon every second. Not far away lies Ásbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped depression surrounded by towering cliffs and lush birch woodland. Icelandic folklore tells that the canyon was created by the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, while geologists explain its formation through catastrophic glacial floods thousands of years ago.
The final major stop is Húsavík, often called Iceland‘s whale-watching capital. From its colourful harbour, visitors can embark on excursions into Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins and occasionally even blue whales are regularly spotted during the summer months.
Beyond the main attractions
The Diamond Circle also includes lesser-known gems such as the Tjörnes Peninsula, renowned for its fossil-rich cliffs, dramatic coastal scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Along the way, travellers can discover lava formations, hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints that rarely appear in standard Iceland itineraries.
A route worth slowing down for
Although it is technically possible to complete the Diamond Circle in a single day, most local tourism experts recommend allowing at least two days. This provides time to enjoy hikes, geothermal areas, whale-watching excursions and the unique atmosphere of North Iceland without rushing from one stop to another. For travellers looking beyond Iceland’s most famous attractions, the Diamond Circle offers a compelling alternative—one where waterfalls thunder, volcanoes steam, whales breach offshore and the crowds thin out, revealing one of the country’s most rewarding road trips.
Suggested Online Sources
Guidetoiceland.is
Visiticeland.com
Rviceland.is
