The Diamond Circle is a popular route in Iceland that contains some of the country’s best sights. This loop is a popular tourist destination for a good reason. And anyone who wants to experience the best of Iceland should take the time to do this drive.
This guide will discuss everything you need to know about Diamond Circle Iceland. It will tell you what attractions are on the route and what detours you can take. This guide will also include other attractions you can visit along the way.
Read on to learn more.
How long does it take to drive the Diamond Circle route?
The entire Diamond Circle route is roughly around 310 kilometers or 190 miles long. Completing this northeast Iceland course takes more than four hours.
Yet the actual trip might take approximately 10 to 12 hours. But that’s if you want to get out of the car and experience Diamond Circle’s most stunning sights.
The Diamond Circle loop includes one-lane bridges and beautiful guest homes. You will also see Iceland’s wandering sheep. So a road trip to explore this magnificent circuit will help you enjoy your Diamond Circle tour.
But, if embarking on a self-drive journey isn’t your thing, you can go around Iceland’s Diamond Circle on a guided tour. This way, you can discover its surrounding landscapes along with other tourists.
The entire Diamond Circle route has plenty of natural attractions to offer. So give this gem one to three days to enjoy everything it has.
Where is the Diamond Circle in Iceland?
The Diamond Circle is in North Iceland, around 30 miles (18 kilometers) from Akureyri, the local hub. You can find it in East Iceland’s village of Egilsstair. But, if you drive counterclockwise, it’s 140 kilometers (87 miles) from the Ring Road.
The Diamond Circle lies in the Northern Volcanic Rift Zone. The place where the North American and Eurasian plates separate.
Because of its celestial beauty, this place can awe any science or nature enthusiast. Here, you will get the extraordinary chance to see exquisite attractions.
But this area is on Iceland’s north coast. So there is little public transportation available. They refuse to stop at tourist attractions. Nor do they cater to visitors who’d like to explore the Diamond Circle.
Hence, you can only reach this region of Iceland by car. You can rent a car at Reyjkavik airport to maximize your vacation in Iceland. Or, you can rent a camper van to live and sleep in for more convenience.
How far is the Diamond Circle from Reykjavik?
If you’re driving counterclockwise from the capital city, the trip will take about 10.5 hours. But if you want to go clockwise, the driving time from Reykjavik would only be about 6.5 hours.
If you’re planning to go on a full-circle Iceland tour, we recommend you take the route from the capital city. But if you want to skip the south coast, you can only head out from Reykjavik and explore the West and North Iceland.
Diamond Circle vs. Golden Circle In Iceland
The Golden Circle and Diamond Circle are two different routes in Iceland. But while the Diamond Circle is in the north, you can find the Golden Circle in the south.
Despite having various wonders to show, these routes are both great for sightseeing. And for experiencing Iceland’s celebrated geothermal areas.
Highlights
The Golden Circle is a popular route in South Iceland. It connects three of the region’s most prominent tourist spots. The Thingvellir National Park, Geyster Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
This list may appear short, but there are plenty of extra attractions to visit in the vicinity of these tourist spots. You can check out geothermal sea baths, hiking trails, and bubbling mud pools.
This 300-kilometer zone is at the forefront of every tourist’s must-visit as it is a sight to behold with its gushing geysers, thunderous waterfalls, cliff lines, and enchanting rural roads. You will fall in love with the place.
A trip to this area begins in Reykjavik. Then it passes through some of the area’s most popular parks and other natural wonders.
Similarities
Both rings are approximately 250 kilometers in length (155 miles). These loops also use a section in Route 1, Iceland’s ring road.
You can also take note of its other similarities while traveling:
- You can explore both places on your own. Or you can go in groups and add more places to visit, like artificial ice caves.
- The weather might affect your travel. In the winter, there is a lot of snow and rain. So the roadways may get quite slick. Visibility reduces when there are windy gusts and deep snow. It is advisable to use these roads only during precise weather forecasts.
- It would help if you also double-check your itinerary. Some routes may close due to poor weather.
Even with these safety measures, you should always be ready for the worst. The weather in this country is unpredictable. So, always pack warm, waterproof gear for Iceland regardless of the season.
Differences
There are two main differences between Iceland’s most iconic destinations. Road accessibility and recommended paths.
You can only access some roads on the Diamond Circle during the summer. One example would be Road 864, which leads to the east side of the Dettifoss waterfall. At other times of the year, you may visit the waterfall from the west side. So double-check your route before traveling.
Also, while the Golden Circle begins in Reykjavik, you can end your Diamond Circle trip at Húsavík.
So, if you’re traveling from the capital, you should split the journey over two days. Drive to Húsavík first and go on whale watching tours. Then spend the next day seeing other attractions.
How to drive the Diamond Circle in Iceland?
You can explore this breathtaking region of Iceland by car. To ensure a safe and continuous trip, you need to:
- Rent a car
- Secure auto insurance
- Plan your itinerary
- Organize your lodging
If you don’t want to bother with the preparations, you can hire a local professional to prepare everything for you.
A self-drive adventure in Diamond Circle means controlling the trip. You can decide how much you’d like to see in a day. You can travel at your own pace and time. So you can enjoy different sites.
But note that it’s best to explore Iceland in the summer months. That way, you can enjoy the midnight sun and the warmer temperature.
Also, remember that hiking trails are open in July and August.
In winter, if you want to see the northern lights, you can go in February, March, September, and October.
Diamond Circle Map
Above is a map that shows the five prime destinations you can visit during your Diamond Circle tour. You can get this map free at local hotels and areas of interest.
From Ring Road’s Route 1, you can drive counterclockwise. Then, you can turn right into Route 862 to start your Diamond Circle journey. In the end, you’ll get into Route 85 until you get in touch with Ring Road again.
If you’re traveling from the opposite direction, you can take Route 85 up through Husavik. Then you can go around the coast before taking Routes 862 or 864 south.
The disadvantage is that you’ll be driving on the opposite side of the shoreline. With opposing traffic, your opportunities to take photos might be limited.
Top destinations on the Diamond Circle
The Diamond Circle comes with five significant destinations. These spots include
- Iceland’s whale-watching capital, Húsavík
- The breathtaking Godafoss
- The ethereal Lake Myvatn
- Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Detifoss, and
- The birch-grown crescent-shaped Asbyrgi canyon
Read on to learn more.
Godafoss (Goðafoss)
The Goðafoss waterfall has an intriguing name fitting for a magnificent cascade. It flows over two horseshoe-shaped drops along with a semicircular structure.
The Godafoss waterfall is on Iceland’s fourth-largest river. And that is the glacial river Skjálfandafljót.
Recognized as the Waterfall of the Gods, the Goðafoss is 12 meters tall and 30 meters wide.
It’s a cultural and religious site. Iceland converted from paganism to Christianity in 1000. Legend says the leader of the Icelandic parliament tossed the final statues and totems of Norse mythology down the waterfall.
This waterfall has parking spots and trails that can take you closer for good photos. You can also view both sides of the waterfall if you like.
Godafoss is the nearest site to Akureyri. So you can visit it at either the beginning or the end of your Diamond Circle journey. Plus, you can also see it from the road. Hence, you can park next to it and gaze at its beauty.
Húsavík whale watching
Húsavík is a lovely town with a village of about 2,000 people. As Europe’s hub for whale-watching expeditions, this fishing town is a part of Skjálfandi bay. Hence, it brings several of Iceland’s cetaceans near the mainland.
- This town is the whale-watching capital of Iceland.
- Hsavkurkirkja, a wooden church erected in 1907, is Húsavík’s most distinctive feature.
- Some claimed that this town is Iceland’s first settlement, founded by Garar Svavarsson. And he was a Norwegian Viking who remained for one winter in 870 AD.
- Húsavík has a museum for historical men with famous crusades. They also have a monument for Apollo astronauts. These trained near the town’s fields before their lunar mission.
- If you’re visiting this town for wildlife, you can visit their Whale Museum. Here, you can explore the biodiversity and genealogy of these creatures. Plus, you can also learn more about their complex relationship with humans.
Húsavík also has research programs for these topics. So you can take part in them if you want. You can also visit the Hringsbjarg Cliffs scenic view on your way to Husavik on Route 85. Their observation deck provides information about the surroundings. For instance, the panoramic views of North Iceland.
Ásbyrgi Canyon
The Ásbyrgi Canyon is a massive, horseshoe-shaped glacier with spectacular rock formations. This area is an excellent region for hiking. So please take a pair of comfortable sneakers with you.
A severe glacial inundation of the river Jokulsa a Fjollum formed the canyon during the last Ice Age. About 8-10,000 years ago. Now, the river’s channel has shifted.
Icelandic folklore says Ásbyrgi’s shape came from Odin’s eight-legged Sleipnir horse. This legend cited Sleipnir touching one of its hoofs to the soil as the reason its unusual form took place.
Ásbyrgi stands in Vatnajökull National Park, particularly as a section of the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon.
A popular 33-kilometer walking trail runs along the canyon’s western side. To maximize this walking experience, you can visit the Hljóaklettar rock formations. A gem that you can find in the Vesturdalur valley.
It’s best to visit the Ásbyrgi canyon in the summer. Then, you can see the interior becoming green from the trees, making up the central forests in the area.
Lake Mývatn Nature Baths
The sparkling Lake Mývatn is one of the Diamond Circle’s most appreciated attractions. It has luscious marshes, many birds, and black lava pillars.
Lake Mývatn developed 2300 years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. The lake Mývatn area spans a total of 37 km2 (14 sq mi), making it the fourth largest lake in the country.
Its nature baths, called the Mývatn Nature Baths, opened in 2004. People also refer to it as the Blue Lagoon of the North. It’s a place that provides a stunning natural hot spring experience. In just a few months after its inauguration, it became one of the most significant places in the northeast to unwind.
When translated, the lake’s name means “Lake of Midges.” A name derived from the flock of small insects falling on the region during the summer months.
Mývatn is an excellent location for viewing the Northern Lights. But it would help if you arrived in the winter season to see it happen. That’s because in winter the sky is darkest, and the pollution is the lightest.
Dettifoss Waterfall
You will find Europe’s most powerful waterfalls in Detifoss. Its water flows at a fantastic rate of 193 cubic meters per second. In total, the cascade gives off 5,790,000 gallons of water for every minute passing by.
- The waterfall is 100 meters wide. It drops at 45 meters or 150 feet into the magnificent Jokulsargljufur canyon.
- This robust water flow generates a cloud of mist visible from many kilometers away on clear days.
- Detifoss produces a frothy white mist along with its black commanding canyon walls. This beauty made Dettifoss an excellent background for a science fiction epic. In its opening scene, ‘Prometheus’ by Ridley Scott featured the waterfall as a backdrop.
- The current of the Dettifoss is strong. You will feel the boom of the water crashing into the canyon as nearby rocks vibrate.
- This waterfall inspired Jón Leifs’s orchestral symphony (Op. 57).
Watch the mist rise from this massive waterfall. And witness a cascade that spans 328 feet. To make this experience even more engaging, watch the Dettifoss from the east bank.
To reach this eye-catching location, follow the main trail.
Top Detours on the Diamond Circle
You can visit two detours when touring the Diamond Circle. The Hljóaklettar columns and the Aedafossar.
The thrilling sights mentioned above will make your Iceland trip unforgettable. But a few more locations near these destinations may pique your interest. After all, Iceland is a big country with breathtaking scenery at every turn.
So if you have time to spare, stop by any of the following attractions to make your vacation worthwhile.
Hljóaklettar columns
Hljodaklettar is a unique set of columnar rocks called echo rocks. You can find these rock formations at the Jökulsárgljfur canyon. A steep, narrow valley located at the entrance of the Vesturdalur valley.
This exciting feature comes unusually and perpendicularly. But as intriguing as it is, this place is inaccessible during the colder months.
The Hljóaklettar has basalt columns standing in every direction. These pillars form via lava cooling and contraction. And when created, these pillars break the earth open into towering, geometric sections.
These rocks are the remnants of an old row of craters. Hollows that the river’s strong flood and current destroyed after decades.
A tour across the area’s circuit will show you some of the most notable formations.
The first rock you’ll come across is Kastili, or “the Castle.” It rests on the other bank of a river, with two significant pillars giving it a bunker look.
The second rock is Trölli, or ‘the Troll.’ A name that people gave with the thought of them turning into stone when exposed to sunlight.
The third structure is Kirkjan or the Church. It is an almost perfect arch that serves as the entrance to a cave.
Aedafossar
The Aedafossar falls on the Laxá River, about 6 miles southwest of Húsavík. It’s also one of the country’s most renowned rivers for Brown Trout fishing.
Known as the Eider Falls, this waterfall comes in two sections.
Aedafossar overlooks Skjálfandi Bay’s beautiful black sand beach.
This remote area is small, picturesque, and beautiful. For this reason, the waterfall is a dream location for photographers.
Other attractions on the Diamond Circle
When exploring the Diamond Circle, you can also visit the locations listed below:
Namaskard Pass
Námaskard is a narrow geothermal route in North East Iceland. This pass connects the mountains Dalfjall and Námafjall.
- Namafjall derives its name from sulfur extraction in Namaskard’s geothermal region.
- You might get a whiff of rotten eggs when visiting the area. This stench results from the sulfur compounds generated by the active solfatara. These fumaroles are from the Krafla crater that forms magma at a temperature over 200°C.
- Hverarönd, known as “The Geyser Strip,” is east of Námaskard. It’s where fumaroles and mud springs spread the landscape in a rainbow of hues. This array of colors includes green, pink, grey, yellow, and blue.
It will help if you use extreme caution when exploring this acidic area. Follow the directions and the signboard, and only walk on the designated route.
Dimmuborgir lava formations
Dimmuborgir is a massive lava field located in the northeast of Iceland.
This spectacular lava sculpture area will take your breath away. Different sizzling geothermal landscapes surround the vicinity.
The area comes with sizzling geothermal landscapes and fascinating history. A volcano explosion created this stunning scene 2300 years ago. Today, this destination exists for moss and other long-lasting flora to thrive.
The Dimmuborgir has enormous, hollow lava caverns. These chambers form around vapor clouds and tall granite columns. The combination of these rock formations creates the most stunning sight. Some lava pillars are a foot tall, while others reach many meters into the sky.
Driving from Reykjavik to Dimmuborgir takes around 6 hours. But there are plenty of tourist attractions to see. So you can visit Dimmuborgir after the five prime destinations listed above.
In the meantime, you can drive through Akureyri first. And then on to Mývatn. Soon, you’ll notice the moon-like terrain and know you’ve arrived!
Hverfjall crater
Hverfjall is a pyroclastic cone in northern Iceland. It’s on the east of Mvatn volcanic lake.
It has a kilometer-wide volcanic explosion crater that is roughly 140 meters deep.
The Hverfjall crater is black, spherical, almost symmetrical, and enthralling.
The walls and deep center of Hverfjall create a stunning form. A shape like a stadium or an arena.
Hverfjall is a popular hiking site. There are pathways available for visitors. But still, certain areas aren’t accessible to the public. So for your safety, remember to follow the rules consistently.
Hverir geothermal area
Hverir is on the east shore of Lake Mývatn in northeast Iceland. It contains several burning fumaroles. Plus, it has bubbling mud pits encircled by sulfur crystals of various colors.
The geothermal processes in this area induce acidity. As a result, the soil in the region only contains minimal flora.
The Game of Thrones featured Hverir as a meeting place for Ygrit and Jon Snow.
In the late medieval period, Europeans used to mine the sulfur they needed for their guns here.
Hverir is only one of Iceland’s many geothermal areas. But it is most likely the largest and most accessible of them all. It’s almost close to the ring road. And you can see billowing clouds of hot water vapor rising from kilometers away.
Krafla volcano
The crater of the Krafla volcano is about seven miles wide. It is one of North Iceland’s most powerful volcanoes. And according to records, it has erupted 29 times since the country’s establishment.
Krafla’s summit is 2684 feet tall.
Despite its 29 eruptions, nobody got harmed or killed, but these eruptions were able to destroy at least three farms.
A power station has operated in Krafla since 1977. This post helped the north with its green energy demands. Since then, there have been more attempts to exploit its enormous energy potential.
Krafla is in the northwestern of Lake Mývatn. So you can visit this area with a variety of other attractions.
Viti crater
There are two Viti craters in Iceland. This Viti occurred in 1724 due to a massive eruption in the Krafla volcanic zone. This incident is famous as the Mvatn Fires. A five-year event where lava jets flew into the sky as seen from the South Coast.
The crater’s diameter is approximately 300 meters. There is vivid, aqua-blue water in the Viti Crater. And this liquid comes from the elements that come from geothermal activities.
The Viti in Krafla resulted from a significant magma expulsion from under the surface.
You can visit the Viti crater if you’re touring Akureyri and Mývatn.
Sktustaaggar pseudocraters
Skútustaðagígar refers to a group of pseudocraters found in North Iceland.
Its crater-like form took place when lava ran across swampy wetlands. They don’t give off lava as volcanoes do. Hence, they aren’t actual craters.
You can find different types of ducks in its waters. For this reason, tourists consider the Sktustaaggar pseudocraters as a place for birdwatching.
Vatnajökull National Park
The Vatnajökull National Park is in the north of Iceland. It has one of the country’s deepest canyons. Plus, it’s only a few hours away from Akureyri.
The park runs 15 miles, with a width of 1,640 feet. And a depth of up to 328 feet.
The canyon came to a place through glacial floods that occurred thousands of years ago. Iceland established this park in 1973.
In the past, people knew this park as the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. But since June 7, 2008, this area has become a part of the Vatnajökull National Park.
Takeaway
The Diamond Circle is a route that takes you to some of Iceland’s most unique and beautiful places.
Other regions of the country may continue to receive more attention. But the Diamond Circle is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.
So what are you waiting for? Get on a rental vehicle. Secure your auto insurance, arrange a lodging place, and map out your diamond circle itinerary now!Explore more travel tips from Roadtripbuzz today.
