# Minibreak: Akureyri, Húsavík, and the Diamond Circle in 3 days

- URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/minibreak-akureyri-northeast/
- Published: 2025-01-08
- Last updated: 2026-08-19

> Plan a three-day getaway to North Iceland! Explore Akureyri’s charming streets, discover whale watching in Húsavík, and journey further on the breathtaking Diamond Circle, including Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss. Your perfect off-the-beaten-track Icelandic adventure awaits.

With the expansion of Akureyri Airport, it has never been easier to take a short vacation in northeast Iceland.

*Image: Bird's eye view of Akureyri's city center*

Akureyri city center, the northern hub, is a destination for all seasons

### **Day 1: Explore Akureyri** 

Begin your journey in Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Stroll along Hafnarstræti, the city's charming pedestrian street, and grab a coffee from [**Kaffipressan**](https://kaffipressan.is/) and a pastry a [**Kristjánsbakarí**](https://www.braudgerd.is/). Climb the 112 steps to the iconic [**Church of Akureyri**](https://www.visitakureyri.is/en/see-and-do/attractions/akureyri-church), home to a stunning 3,200-pipe organ.

Art enthusiasts will love the [**Akureyri Art Museum**](https://www.listak.is/en), showcasing classic and contemporary works across four floors. For history buffs, the [**Akureyri Museum**](https://www.visitakureyri.is/en/see-and-do/museums/akureyri-museum) offers insights into the city's cultural heritage.

End the day with relaxation. Choose between the family-friendly [**Sundlaug Akureyrar**](https://www.visitakureyri.is/en/see-and-do/you-can-do-anything/swimming-in-thermal-pools) swimming pool or the serene [**Forest Lagoon**](https://www.forestlagoon.is/), a thermal spa nestled in the woods across the fjord from town.

_Good to know tip:_ Tourist information is inside the **[Hof Cultural House](https://www.mak.is/en/hof-cultural-center/about-hof)** beside the harbor.

*Image: Wooden ships and old vessels from Iceland's whaling era sail out to Skjálfandi Bay for whale-watching tours.*

Schooners and old vessels from Iceland's whaling era sail out from Húsavík to Skjálfandi Bay for whale-watching tours   

### Day 2: Húsavík 

Drive an hour (or take [**Bus 79**](https://www.straeto.is/en/route-planner/timetables/north-and-northeast-iceland/route-79)) north to **Húsavík**, the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Board a wooden ship for a chance to see humpback and blue whales in their natural habitat. Visit the [**Whale Museum**](https://www.hvalasafn.is/en/), home to a rare blue whale skeleton, or explore quirky local attractions like the [**Eurovision Exhibition**](https://eurovisionhusavik.com/) (inspired by the Netflix comedy **Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga)** and [**GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths**](https://www.geosea.is/en), where cliff-edge infinity pools offer stunning ocean views.

_Good to know tip:_ Tjörnes Peninsula, east of Húsavík, is a good place to look for puffins during the nesting season.

*Image: Bird's eye view of the Hverir hot springs along the Diamond Circle.*

The hot springs at Hverir are along the Diamond Circle, five minutes east of Lake Mývatn by car  

### Day 3: Lake Mývatn and the Diamond Circle 

Head to [**Lake Mývatn**](https://www.visitmyvatn.is/en), famous for its volcanic landscapes and vibrant birdlife. Walk through the [**Dimmuborgir lava field**](https://www.visitmyvatn.is/en/news/blog/the-amazing-myvatn-in-north-iceland-part-ii-dimmuborgir-and-grjotagja), admire the views from [**Hverfell**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hverfjall), and visit the steaming [**Grjótagjá Cave**](https://www.visitmyvatn.is/en/news/blog/the-amazing-myvatn-in-north-iceland-part-ii-dimmuborgir-and-grjotagja), a filming location for _Game of Thrones_. End your adventure with a soak at the [**Mývatn Nature Baths**](https://myvatnnaturebaths.is/).

For an extended adventure, explore the [**Diamond Circle**,](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/diamond-circle/) a 250-kilometer (155-mile) loop featuring must-see spots like **Dettifoss**, **Ásbyrgi Canyon**, and **Hljóðaklettar**.

_Good to know: Dettifoss is at the top of the canyon Jökulsárgljúfur and the spectacular Canyon Trail._