The Diamond Circle is one of Iceland’s most underrated road trip routes — a loop through the wild and dramatic north that’s packed with waterfalls, lava fields, craters, and geothermal wonders.

It’s often compared to the Golden Circle, but trust me, this one’s got fewer crowds and way more variety. If you’re already driving the Ring Road, this detour is a no-brainer.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Diamond Circle — and everywhere we stopped along the way.

What Is the Diamond Circle?

The Diamond Circle is a scenic driving route in North Iceland that connects some of the region’s most dramatic natural wonders — think waterfalls, craters, lava fields, hot springs, and sleepy coastal towns.

The full loop is about 250 kilometers (155 miles) and can be done in a long day, but we spread it out to really enjoy each stop.

So, how long does it take to drive the diamond circle? We took two days, but you can do it boldly in one if you don’t do all of the hikes. I think 2-3 days is the perfect amount of time.

If you’re already driving the Ring Road, it’s an easy and worthwhile detour that gives you a deeper look at Iceland’s wild and rugged north.

For my Ring Road stops, read Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 41 Stops, Optional Add-Ons + Map

Our Diamond Circle Iceland Itinerary

Here is a look at every stop we made along the iconic Diamond Circle in Iceland!

Looking for something specific? Use the drop down!

Stop 1: Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods

We kicked off our diamond circle itinerary with one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Goðafoss.

Just a short drive from Akueryi, this massive, horseshoe-shaped waterfall is an easy and unforgettable stop.

If you are visiting Akueryi, read my picks for Top Things to Do in Akureyri: Hot Springs, Hot Dogs & More

The name means “Waterfall of the Gods,” and the legend behind it is just as dramatic as the view.

In the year 1000, Iceland’s law speaker supposedly threw his pagan statues into the falls after deciding the country would convert to Christianity.

We parked right by the west side of the falls and walked along the viewpoint path, where you can get up close to the roaring water.

There’s also a footbridge that takes you across the river for a different view from the east side, which we definitely recommend if you have the time — both sides give you a totally different perspective.

It’s an easy walk and a great place to stretch your legs before heading deeper into the northeast.

And trust me, Goðafoss is one of those waterfalls that looks impressive in photos but absolutely stuns in person.

Stop 2: Mývatn Nature Baths

After our first big waterfall stop, it was time to unwind, and Mývatn Nature Baths was the perfect place to do just that.

Often called the “Blue Lagoon of the North,” this geothermal spa sits high on a hillside overlooking Lake Mývatn, with milky blue water, volcanic steam rising all around.

I was lucky enough to stay overnight at Blue Lagoon! Read my Silica Hotel Iceland Review: My Stay Near the Blue Lagoon

There are fewer crowds than at the Blue Lagoon here, too.

We soaked for about an hour, enjoying the warm mineral-rich water and taking in the views over the lake and lava fields.

There’s a swim-up bar, changing facilities, and a small café inside.

Everything you need for a relaxing break in the middle of a busy road trip around Ring Road.

The water here is a bit hotter than most hot springs we visited, and the vibe is definitely more laid-back than party-like.

It felt like the perfect reset before hiking and sightseeing through the rest of the Diamond Circle.

If you’re planning your route, I recommend booking a time slot ahead of time, especially in summer, since this place is no longer a secret.

Stop 3: Hverfjall Crater

After our relaxing soak, we laced up our boots and headed for something a bit more explosive — Hverfjall Crater.

This was one of the best stops on the Diamond Circle!

This massive tephra cone was formed by a volcanic eruption over 2,500 years ago, and today, you can hike right up to the rim for some seriously out-of-this-world views.

The trail starts from a small parking lot and takes about 15–20 minutes to reach the top.

It’s a bit steep but short, and once you’re up there, you can walk the entire 1 km rim of the crater.

From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the Mývatn region — lava fields, steaming vents, and distant mountains in every direction.

Stop 4: Dimmuborgir Lava Fields

Next, we visited the wild, weird, and totally unforgettable Dimmuborgir Lava Fields.

The name means “Dark Castles,” and as soon as we arrived, we saw why.

These towering lava formations rise out of the earth like ancient ruins, with arches, caves, and rocky spires that look like something out of a fantasy movie (and yep, this is one of the filming locations used in Game of Thrones).

There’s a well-marked trail system with paths for every energy level.

We did one of the shorter loops, which was flat and easy but still full of dramatic views.

It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and wander — and if you’re into folklore, you’ll love that this is supposedly home to Iceland’s mischievous Yule Lads.

Stop 5: Vogafjós Farm Resort Cowshed Cafe

For lunch, we pulled into Cowshed Café at Vogafjós Farm Resort, one of my favorite hidden gems on the Diamond Circle in Iceland!

This is a farm-to-table restaurant that’s exactly what it sounds like.

You eat right next to a barn full of cows, separated by a big glass wall so you can literally watch them while you eat.

We ordered the Icelandic meat soup and a burger, paired with two local beers on tap.

But the real star of the meal? The rye bread ice cream for dessert. It was creamy, a little earthy, and unique — easily the highlight of the meal.

Want to see more pictures of our meal? Read Vogafjós Farm Resort in Iceland: Eat Next to Cows at Lake Myvatn

Stop 6: Husavik (Overnight)

We spent the night in Húsavík, and it ended up being one of the most unforgettable parts of our entire Iceland trip.

This small coastal town is known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, and Whale whale-watching tour here was hands down the highlight of our time in the country.

We saw multiple humpbacks and got to experience the fjord in the calm glow of the Arctic evening.

👉 Read the full guide to our Húsavík whale watching experience here.

Ja Ja Ding Dong

After the tour, we headed to Ja Ja Ding Dong, a hilarious Eurovision-themed bar that embraces the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga movie.

We went full Icelandic and tried the fermented shark, washed down with a shot of Brennivín. It was… an experience.

GeoSea

To end the night, we soaked in the hot infinity pools at GeoSea, perched on a cliff overlooking the Arctic Ocean.

If you’re wondering where to stay on the Diamond Circle, Húsavík is the spot.

Stop 7: Öxarfjörður Bird Cliffs

The next morning, we hit the road early and made our first stop of the day at the Öxarfjörður Bird Cliffs.

It’s about a 45-minute drive from Húsavík, and while this spot isn’t on everyone’s Diamond Circle list, we’re so glad we included it.

The cliffs here are quiet and peaceful, with views of the Arctic coastline and a good chance of spotting seabirds nesting in the rock.

It’s not a big hike or major landmark — more of a scenic pause.

We walked along the cliff’s edge, listened to the birds, and enjoyed the stillness before heading to the more dramatic stops ahead.

If you’re looking for something off the radar, this is a great stop to add between Húsavík and Dettifoss.

If you are looking for puffins, read Borgarfjörður Eystri: The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland!

Stop 8: Dettifoss

Next up was the one and only Dettifoss, known as the most powerful waterfall in Europe — and honestly, it felt like it.

You can hear it roaring before you even see it, and once you’re standing at the edge, the mist and vibration in the air give it this intense.

We visited from the west side, which has a rough gravel road leading in but offers the best up-close view. F

From the parking lot, it’s a short walk to the falls, and once you get there, you can walk right up to the rocks and feel the spray on your face.

If you only have time for one waterfall on the Diamond Circle (aside from Goðafoss), make it this one.

Stop 9: Krafla Crater

Our next stop on the Diamond Circle was Krafla Crater, one of the most otherworldly places we saw in Iceland, and that’s saying something.

The crater is part of the Krafla volcanic system, and as soon as we arrived, we felt like we’d landed on another planet.

We parked near the rim and set off on the trail that loops around the top of the crater.

It’s an easy hike with a high incline, maybe 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how often you stop to take photos.

The bright blue water inside the crater is unreal, especially with the deep red and black volcanic soil surrounding it. Steam rises in the distance, and the views go on forever.

Stop 10: Hverir

We wrapped up our Diamond Circle adventure with one last jaw-dropping stop: Hverir.

Located just off the Ring Road near Lake Mývatn, this geothermal area looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

The moment we stepped out of the car, we were hit with the strong smell of sulfur, and the sight of steam rising from the earth in every direction.

The ground here bubbles, hisses, and smokes with wild energy. Bright orange soil, cracked earth, boiling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles create a surreal landscape that feels alive.

It reminded me of a mini version of Yellowstone National Park!

We followed the short walking paths around the site, weaving between vents and puddles of thick, gurgling mud. It was both eerie and mesmerizing.

This was the most dramatic geothermal spot we’d seen in Iceland, and the perfect place to reflect on just how wild and diverse the north really is.

Diamond Circle Map

Here’s a map of all our Diamond Circle stops — perfect for planning your own northern Iceland road trip.

Diamond Circle Itinerary Video

Here is a look at everything we did, with some videos of the places!

https://youtube.com/shorts/QfAQxJ1rjJU?si=8Z3Uml77eBdOu2PI

Optional Stops For Diamond Circle

We couldn’t fit any more stops into our route, but if you’ve got extra time (or just want to customize your own version of the Diamond Circle), here are a few other spots worth checking out:

Litli-Hrútur & Námafjall Hike – Near Hverir, this hike takes you through bubbling geothermal hills, colorful earth, and some of the weirdest landscapes you’ll ever see. It’s like walking on another planet.

Ásbyrgi Canyon – A massive horseshoe-shaped canyon that looks like a giant took a bite out of the Earth. It’s part of Vatnajökull National Park and has hiking trails, lush greenery, and quiet vibes. Great if you want to stretch your legs somewhere peaceful.

Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon – This dramatic river canyon runs between Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi, with some rugged trails and epic views. It’s wild and raw — exactly what you expect from North Iceland.

Hljóðaklettar (Echo Rocks) – Known for its strange basalt rock formations and eerie echoes, this area is tucked within Jökulsárgljúfur and makes a cool side hike if you’re heading toward Ásbyrgi.

Explore More of Iceland

So, is the diamond circle worth it? Yes, it was one of my favorite parts of our entire trip.

We did this Diamond Circle as an add-on to our 7-day trip around the Ring Road!

We started at Blue Lagoon, where we stayed at the Silica Hotel Iceland Review: My Stay Near the Blue Lagoon.

From there, we hiked the amazing Stóra-Grábrók Crater Hike: A Must-See Stop on Ring Road

Then we headed to Akueryi! Here are the Top Things to Do in Akureyri: Hot Springs, Hot Dogs & More.

Don’t forget to sign up for your Husavik Whale Watching: Iceland’s Best Tour with North Sailing.

Want to find Puffins? Check out Borgarfjörður Eystri: The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland

Read all of my Iceland Travel Guides!

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