Diamond Circle Day Trip: Best of North Iceland Landscapes

Adventure! Diamond Circle Tour!

Overview

Discover North Iceland in one epic day on the Diamond Circle Tour, a 10 hour adventure packed with waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and dramatic canyon views. This Diamond Circle Tour follows Eyjafjörður fjord to iconic stops like Goðafoss, Dettifoss, and the geothermal wonders near Lake Mývatn.

🗺️ What to Expect

This full day experience is designed for travelers who want to see the very best of the north with a lively, adventurous pace. You will travel from Akureyri through fjords and coastal scenery, then spend the day moving between powerful waterfalls, a charming film-famous town, bird cliffs (seasonal), and otherworldly volcanic terrain.

Expect a mix of comfortable driving time and short stops for viewpoints, photos, and a moderate walk at Dettifoss. Your guide will share local context and practical tips for capturing your best shots, especially at places like Goðafoss and Víti crater. If time allows, the day may finish with a memorable visit to Grjótagjá cave and a scenic return past Lake Mývatn.

✨ Highlights

• 💦 Goðafoss Waterfall, a historic icon with great chances for stunning photos
• 🎬 Húsavík town, known from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, with its charming church and port
• 🐧 Tjörnes Peninsula, a secret viewpoint area where puffins can be seen from June to the end of August
• 🏞️ Ásbyrgi canyon, a massive horseshoe shaped canyon framed by steep cliffs
• 🌊 Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls, featuring Europe’s most powerful waterfall and a second waterfall on the return path
• 🪨 Hljóðaklettar, the echo rocks with striking basalt column formations
• 🌋 Hverir and Víti crater, bubbling mud pits, mineral colors, and an aqua crater lake near Krafla

📍 Itinerary

Free pick-up at a designated location.

• Goðafoss Waterfall, about 35 minutes drive. Spend about 40 minutes. Small food and souvenir shop nearby, toilets inside the shop.
• Húsavík, about 40 minutes drive. Spend about 20 to 30 minutes exploring the town, church, and port.
• Tjörnes Peninsula, about 15 minutes drive. Seasonal puffin spotting from mid June to early September.
• Ásbyrgi canyon, about 35 minutes drive. Spend about 40 minutes. Optional walk to Botnstjörn lake. Refreshments and toilets available at a small petrol station.
• Hljóðaklettar, about 20 minutes drive. Explore the echo rocks and basalt formations.
• Dettifoss Waterfall, about 20 minutes drive. Moderate hike of about 10 minutes each way, not wheelchair accessible. Toilets available. See Selfoss Waterfall on the way back.
• Víti crater near Krafla Volcano, about 40 minutes drive. Spend about 30 minutes. See the geothermal power plant and craters from the eruption activity that started in 1975.
• Hverir geothermal area, about 15 minutes drive. Spend about 30 minutes. Bubbling mud pots, steam fumaroles, and vivid mineral colors. Strong smell of rotten eggs.
• Lake Mývatn area, about 10 minutes drive. Enjoy lake views and the best attractions in the area as time allows.
• Return to Akureyri port, around 1 hour 30 minutes drive.

✅ What’s Included

• Free pick-up at a designated location
• Guided tour with the Fox Adventure team
• Transportation for the full day itinerary

❌ Exclusions

• Food and drinks
• Personal expenses

ℹ️ Important Information

• Duration: 10 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Walking and accessibility: Dettifoss requires a moderate hike of about 10 minutes each way and is not wheelchair accessible.
• Seasonal wildlife: Puffins may be seen at Tjörnes Peninsula from mid June to early September, and the supplier notes June to the end of August for the secret puffin location.
• Facilities: Toilets are available at Goðafoss via the nearby shop, at Ásbyrgi via the petrol station, and on site at Dettifoss.
• Conditions: Hverir has a strong sulfur smell. Stops may be adjusted based on timing, including a possible visit to Grjótagjá cave if time permits.
• Private option: This tour is also available as a private tour.

🚀 Ready to Explore North Iceland in a Day?

If you want a single day that feels like a greatest hits journey through North Iceland, this Diamond Circle Tour delivers. From Dettifoss Waterfall to the bubbling earth at Hverir and the serene views around Lake Mývatn, every stop is built for memorable moments and standout photos. Reserve your seat now and experience the north with an adventure focused team.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ

Q1: How long is the Adventure! Diamond Circle Tour!?
A: The tour lasts about 10 hours. It is a full day itinerary with multiple scenic stops across North Iceland.

Q2: What is the difficulty level, and is there any hiking?
A: The difficulty is moderate. Dettifoss includes a moderate hike of about 10 minutes each way, and the area is not wheelchair accessible.

Q3: What are the main stops on the Diamond Circle Tour?
A: Key stops include Goðafoss, Húsavík, Ásbyrgi canyon, Hljóðaklettar, Dettifoss and Selfoss, Víti crater near Krafla, Hverir, and the Lake Mývatn area. The route is designed to showcase waterfalls, canyons, and geothermal landscapes.

Q4: Can I see puffins on this Diamond Circle Tour?
A: Puffins can be seen near Tjörnes Peninsula during the season, typically from mid June to early September. The supplier also notes a secret location where puffins can be observed from June to the end of August.

Q5: Is there a pick-up service included?
A: Yes, free pick-up is available at a designated location. The tour ends with a return drive to Akureyri port.