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The Diamond Circle: Crown Jewel of North Iceland

What Makes the Diamond Circle So Special?

The name refers not to luxury, but to its diamond-shaped loop in North Iceland, one of the country’s most scenic and varied environments. You’ll experience:

Glacial waterfalls
Bubbling geothermal pools around Lake Mývatn
Whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay
Fossil finding on the Tjörnes Peninsula

Distance: ≈250 km

Suggested trip length: 1–3 days

Perfect combinations: Pair with the Arctic Coast Way or a full Ring Road tour

Best time to visit:

Summer – Ideal for hiking and whale watching

Autumn – Vibrant colors in Ásbyrgi

Winter – Spectacular ice formations on Lake Mývatn

Spring – Enjoy solitude and renewal

4×4 recommended: October–April, when snow and ice are common

Glacial waterfalls, humpback whales, and fossils

The Diamond Circle route connects some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders—including Europe’s most powerful waterfall, the muddy hot springs of Lake Mývatn, the whale-rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay, and the dramatic hiking paths of Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon.

This scenic loop is a detour from the Ring Road, stretching from Lake Mývatn to the Tjörnes Peninsula. While it’s possible to drive the 250 km route in a single day, we recommend spending at least two days to fully experience everything the region has to offer.

In 2020, the Diamond Circle was fully paved after years of road improvements, making it accessible throughout the year. However, from fall to spring, road conditions can change quickly due to snow and ice. Be sure to check real-time updates on the Safe Travel website, which provides a helpful color-coded map.

Visitors walking along a trail toward Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, in North Iceland’s Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon.

Goðafoss Waterfall

One of Europe’s most dramatic waterfalls and steeped in history, this is where Iceland’s 10th-century conversion to Christianity took place, symbolized by the throwing of Norse idols.

Lake Mývatn

A close-knit community of about 500 residents surrounded by stunning geothermal landscapes. Winters can be harsh, with cold, wind, and snow; summers are tranquil and full of birdlife.

Sunset view over Ásbyrgi Canyon in North Iceland, showing steep cliffs, lush green forest, and the horseshoe-shaped glacial valley within Vatnajökull National Park. — The birch-grown Ásbyrgi canyon during summer.

Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon

Spend a full day here: from the thundering Dettifoss to the serene, tree-shaded Ásbyrgi. Don’t miss the scenic 33 km trail and the dramatic Hljóðaklettar rock formations in Vesturdalur Valley.

Húsavík

Known as Europe’s whale-watching capital, this charming harbor hosts numerous tour boats chasing humpback whales, dolphins, and even blue whales across Skjálfandi Bay.

Tjörnes Peninsula

A quieter and less traveled stop with soaring ocean views, rich birdlife, and fascinating fossils formed at the meeting point of tectonic plate boundaries.

For more, check out Visit North Iceland, the official travel guide to North Iceland, and the Vatnajökull National Park covering the Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss region.

The Diamond Circle

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