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

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

Bird's eye view of the geological wonder of Ásbyrgi Canyon in North Iceland. — Drive the Diamond Circle, a loop connecting some of North Iceland's best-known attractions, with plenty of detours like the amazing Ásbyrgi Canyon (pictured).

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 and a pastry a Kristjánsbakarí. Climb the 112 steps to the iconic Church of Akureyri, home to a stunning 3,200-pipe organ.

Art enthusiasts will love the Akureyri Art Museum, showcasing classic and contemporary works across four floors. For history buffs, the Akureyri Museum offers insights into the city's cultural heritage.

End the day with relaxation. Choose between the family-friendly Sundlaug Akureyrar swimming pool or the serene Forest Lagoon, a thermal spa nestled in the woods across the fjord from town.

Good to know tip: Tourist information is inside the Hof Cultural House beside the harbor.

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) 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, home to a rare blue whale skeleton, or explore quirky local attractions like the Eurovision Exhibition (inspired by the Netflix comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga) and GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths, 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.

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, famous for its volcanic landscapes and vibrant birdlife. Walk through the Dimmuborgir lava field, admire the views from Hverfell, and visit the steaming Grjótagjá Cave, a filming location for Game of Thrones. End your adventure with a soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths.

For an extended adventure, explore the 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.

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