How long does the Diamond Circle take?

The Diamond Circle can be driven in one long day (about 260 km, 4–5 hours of driving), but two days allows proper time at each stop. Base yourself in Húsavík or at Lake Mývatn. With two days, you can add whale watching in Húsavík, hiking in Ásbyrgi, and soaking in the Mývatn Nature Baths.

How do I get to Dettifoss?

Dettifoss can be approached from two sides. The east side (Route 864, paved) offers the most popular viewpoint with easy parking and a short walk. The west side (Route 862, partially gravel) provides a different angle and is often less crowded. Both sides are accessible in summer; in winter, Route 862 may be closed. The east side road was fully paved in recent years.

When is the best time for whale watching in Húsavík?

The whale watching season runs from April to November, with peak season in June–August when humpback whales are most active in Skjálfandi bay. Húsavík has a 97–99% sighting rate in summer. Blue whales are occasionally spotted in June–July. Traditional oak boats and larger vessels both operate from the harbor.

What makes the Mývatn area special?

Lake Mývatn sits in one of Iceland's most volcanically active zones. The area includes pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, the Dimmuborgir lava formations, the Krafla volcanic system with its caldera and Víti explosion crater, the Grjótagjá hot spring cave, and the Námaskarð geothermal pass with boiling mud pots and fumaroles. The Mývatn Nature Baths offer a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

Diamond Circle: North Iceland's Premier Driving Route

North Iceland's answer to the Golden Circle, connecting four world-class attractions: Húsavík's whales, Ásbyrgi's canyon, Dettifoss waterfall, and Mývatn's volcanic wonderland.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Distance

~260 km

North Iceland • Routes 85, 864, 862, 1

The Diamond Circle is a roughly 260 km driving route in northeast Iceland. Starting from Húsavík (92 km northeast of Akureyri on Route 85), the route heads east to Ásbyrgi canyon, south along Route 864 to Dettifoss — Europe's most powerful waterfall at 193 m3/s average flow — then west to Lake Mývatn. Route 85 from Húsavík to Ásbyrgi is paved. Route 864 (east side of Dettifoss) was fully paved in 2023 and is the easier access. Route 862 (west side) has sections of gravel — no 4WD strictly required in summer but recommended. Total driving time is 4–5 hours without stops; plan 1–2 full days. Fuel stations are in Húsavík, Kópasker, Reykjahlíð (Mývatn), and Akureyri. The longest stretch without fuel is the 130 km between Húsavík and Reykjahlíð via the Dettifoss detour — fill up in Húsavík before heading east.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.

Sources to check

Route Length

~260 km

Full loop connecting Húsavík, Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss, and Mývatn

Dettifoss Power

500 m³/sec

Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume, dropping 45 meters

From Akureyri

~1 hour

Húsavík is about 90 km northeast of Akureyri via Route 85

What to Expect

Húsavík (start, fuel stop)

Iceland's whale-watching capital on Skjálfandi Bay. 97–99% summer sighting rate for humpbacks; blue whales occasionally in June–July. Tours ~11,000 ISK, 3 hours. Whale Museum in town. Fuel and restaurants available.

Húsavík to Ásbyrgi (65 km, ~50 min)

Route 85 east along the coast. Paved. Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon 3.5 km long, 1 km wide, and 100 m deep. According to legend, formed by Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir. Free parking. Allow 1–2 hours for the canyon floor walk to Botnstjörn pond.

Ásbyrgi to Dettifoss (33 km, ~35 min)

Route 864 south (paved since 2023). Europe's most powerful waterfall drops 45 meters with 193 m3/s average flow (500+ m3/s in summer floods). Selfoss waterfall is 1.5 km upstream. No facilities or fuel. Allow 1 hour for both viewpoints.

Dettifoss to Mývatn (67 km, ~1 hr)

Route 862 west (partially gravel) to Route 1 south. Lake Mývatn (37 km2) is surrounded by Dimmuborgir lava pillars, Skútustaðir pseudo-craters, and Grjótagjá cave. Fuel at Reykjahlíð village on the east shore.

Krafla & Námaskarð (7 km from Mývatn)

Route 863 north to Krafla caldera and Víti explosion crater (formed 1724). Námaskarð geothermal pass on Route 1 has boiling mud pots and fumaroles — Mars-like landscape, free to visit. Stay on marked paths; ground is dangerously thin in places.

Mývatn Nature Baths (3 km from Reykjahlíð)

Geothermal lagoon with silica-rich alkaline water at 36–40°C, overlooking the lake. Entry ~5,500 ISK. Much quieter than the Blue Lagoon. Open year-round. Northern lights soak possible in winter.

Getting There

The Diamond Circle is based in North Iceland. From Akureyri (Iceland's second city, accessible by domestic flights or the Ring Road), drive northeast on Route 85 to Húsavík (about 90 km, 1 hour). Continue east on Route 85 to Ásbyrgi, then south on Route 864 to Dettifoss. From Dettifoss, head west to Lake Mývatn via Route 862 and Route 1. Close the loop by returning to Akureyri via Route 1 west (about 100 km). The entire loop is about 260 km.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August) is ideal, with all roads open, whale watching at its peak, and 24-hour daylight for extended exploring. The Dettifoss east road (Route 864) is typically open from late May to October. In winter, Route 862 (west side of Dettifoss) and Route 864 may be closed, and Ásbyrgi access can be limited. Lake Mývatn and Húsavík are accessible year-round via Route 1 and Route 87. The Mývatn Nature Baths are open year-round and are particularly atmospheric in winter with Northern Lights overhead.

Planning help

Diamond Circle FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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