Diamond Circle Drive: North Iceland's Great Loop

The Diamond Circle represents North Iceland's answer to the famous Ring Road's southern attractions, weaving together some of the country's most dramatic natural phenomena into a spectacular 260-kilometre loop. From thundering waterfalls and otherworldly geothermal areas to vast glacial lakes and Europe's most powerful waterfall, this route showcases the raw geological forces that continue to shape Iceland.

Unlike the heavily trafficked Golden Circle, the Diamond Circle offers a more authentic Icelandic experience, with fewer crowds and landscapes that feel genuinely untouched. The route connects Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital, with four of the country's most significant natural attractions: Goðafoss waterfall, Mývatn's geothermal wonderland, Dettifoss waterfall, and the horseshoe canyon of Ásbyrgi.

The Complete Route

Starting from Akureyri, the Diamond Circle follows Route 1 east to Goðafoss (45km), continues on Route 1 to the Mývatn junction at Reykjahlíð (103km from Akureyri), diverts north on Route 862 through Námaskarð Pass to Route 864 and Dettifoss (33km from Reykjahlíð), proceeds north on Route 862 to Ásbyrgi (65km from Dettifoss), then returns west via Route 85 back to Akureyri (66km from Ásbyrgi).

The entire loop can be completed in a long day, but the Diamond Circle deserves at least two days to fully appreciate its geological wonders. Many travellers spend three to four days exploring the region thoroughly, particularly around Lake Mývatn where the concentration of volcanic features warrants extended exploration.

Goðafoss: Waterfall of the Gods

The first major stop, Goðafoss plunges 12 metres across a 30-metre-wide curtain of basalt, earning its dramatic name from medieval history. In 1000 AD, when Iceland officially converted to Christianity, the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði supposedly threw his pagan god statues into these falls, hence "Goðafoss" – the waterfall of the gods.

The falls divide into two main cascades around a central rocky outcrop, creating Iceland's most symmetrical major waterfall. The viewing area on the western bank provides the classic perspective, while a short walk to the eastern bank offers different angles and often better lighting conditions. Winter visits reveal the falls partially frozen, with dramatic ice formations, though access paths can be treacherous.

Mývatn: Iceland's Volcanic Laboratory

Lake Mývatn and its surroundings represent one of Earth's most active volcanic regions, where ongoing geothermal activity creates an ever-changing landscape. The shallow lake, formed by lava damming 2,300 years ago, spans 37 square kilometres but averages only 2.5 metres deep.

Námaskarð Geothermal Area

The approach to Mývatn via Route 1 crosses the Námaskarð Pass, where a major geothermal field displays Iceland's underground furnace at its most dramatic. Boiling mud pots, steam vents, and sulphur deposits create an alien landscape that requires careful navigation – wooden walkways protect both visitors and the fragile formations.

The area operates continuously, with ground temperatures reaching 200°C just below the surface. The distinctive rotten-egg smell of hydrogen sulphide pervades the area, but the visual spectacle compensates for any olfactory discomfort.

Dimmuborgir Lava Formations

East of the lake, Dimmuborgir ("dark castles") presents a labyrinth of lava pillars and arches formed when a lava lake drained 2,000 years ago, leaving behind these dramatic formations. The main walking trail takes 45 minutes and leads to Kirkjan ("the church"), a natural lava arch that perfectly frames the surrounding landscape.

Skutustadagigar Pseudo Craters

On the lake's southern shore, these distinctive cone-shaped formations aren't true volcanic craters but pseudo craters formed when lava flowed over wetlands, creating steam explosions that blasted out these perfectly circular depressions. A 2.5-kilometre walking trail loops through the crater field, offering excellent lake views.

Dettifoss: Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall

The Diamond Circle's most spectacular single attraction lies 33 kilometres northeast of Mývatn, where the glacial river Jökulsa á Fjöllum plunges 45 metres over a 100-metre-wide precipice. Dettifoss generates an estimated 193 cubic metres of water per second on average, though spring meltwater can increase this to over 1,500 cubic metres per second.

The waterfall's raw power becomes immediately apparent from the western viewing platform, accessed via Route 862. The thunderous roar can be heard from over a kilometre away, while the mist creates constant rainbows on sunny days. The eastern approach (Route 864) provides closer views but requires a more challenging drive on an unsealed road.

Downstream, Selfoss waterfall adds a gentler complement to Dettifoss's power, dropping 11 metres in a series of curtain falls. The 1.5-kilometre walk between the two falls follows the canyon rim and reveals the incredible erosive power that has carved this dramatic gorge.

Ásbyrgi: The Horseshoe Canyon

The Diamond Circle's northern terminus presents one of Iceland's most unusual geological formations – a horseshoe-shaped canyon 3.5 kilometres long and up to 1.1 kilometres wide, enclosed by vertical cliffs reaching 100 metres high. According to Norse mythology, Ásbyrgi was created by the hoofprint of Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir, though geologists attribute it to catastrophic glacial flooding.

The canyon floor supports unusual vegetation for this latitude, including birch woodland and rare wildflowers protected from Arctic winds by the surrounding cliffs. Several hiking trails explore the canyon, from the easy 3-kilometre walk to Eyjan ("the island") – a prominent rock formation in the canyon's centre – to more challenging routes to the rim viewpoints.

Practical Considerations

**Best Time to Visit:** June through September offers the most reliable weather and full road access. May and October provide fewer crowds but variable conditions. Winter driving requires experience with Arctic conditions and may necessitate guided tours.

**Accommodation:** Akureyri provides the widest range of options, from budget hostels (4,500 ISK/€30 per night) to luxury hotels. The Mývatn area offers several guesthouses and the upscale Hotel Reynihlid, while camping is popular at designated sites around the lake (1,500 ISK/€10 per night).

**Fuel and Supplies:** Petrol stations operate in Akureyri, Reykjahlíð, and smaller settlements, though prices increase with remoteness. Carry emergency supplies, as weather can change rapidly.

**Road Conditions:** The main route follows sealed roads, though Route 864 to Dettifoss's eastern side remains unsealed. Standard vehicles handle the route comfortably in summer, but 4WD becomes essential for winter travel or eastern Dettifoss access.

The Diamond Circle rewards patient exploration, revealing how geological forces continue shaping Iceland's extraordinary landscape. Unlike many tourist routes, this northern loop maintains an authentic wilderness character while remaining accessible to independent travellers seeking Iceland's most dramatic natural phenomena.

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