The Diamond Circle is one of Iceland’s most breathtaking sightseeing routes, located in the country’s remote and wildly beautiful North. While the Golden Circle showcases Iceland’s classic attractions, the Diamond Circle takes travelers deeper into volcanic landscapes, glacial river canyons, geothermal fields, thundering waterfalls, and peaceful Arctic coastal villages. Our Diamond Circle Iceland Tours Packages offer a well-balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and nature exploration. This page serves as a complete guide to help you choose the best Diamond Circle tour for your Iceland holiday.
The route covers approximately 250 km and includes four world-famous attractions: Dettifoss Waterfall , Ásbyrgi Canyon, Húsavík (the whale-watching capital of Iceland), and the Lake Mývatn geothermal region. Many tours begin from Akureyri , Myvatn , or Reykjavík (with domestic flights to the North included). Whether you're interested in a guided day tour, a multi-day package, or a private adventure, Diamond Circle itineraries are designed for all kinds of travelers—families, couples, solo explorers, photographers, and nature lovers ..
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The Diamond Circle is a scenic sightseeing circuit considered the northern counterpart of the famous Golden Circle. However, unlike the Golden Circle’s easily accessible attractions, the Diamond Circle features more dramatic natural wonders shaped by both ancient volcanic forces and modern geological activity. The region feels raw, untouched, and deeply peaceful—making it ideal for travelers seeking something beyond the usual tourist routes.
The four main stops include:
Optional additions include Goðafoss Waterfall, Krafla Volcano, Viti Explosion Crater, and Hverir geothermal field. Our packages ensure each traveler gets the perfect blend of must-see icons and lesser-known gems.
Dettifoss is the crown jewel of the Diamond Circle. Fed by the massive Vatnajökull glacier, it is known for its dramatic height, thunderous energy, and mist creating multiple rainbows on sunny days. Tours often explore both sides of the waterfall—the east offers raw power, while the west side shows a panoramic view of the entire canyon.
Travelers can walk to Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss, other waterfalls nearby that create a beautiful trio of natural attractions within a small area. During winter, Dettifoss becomes a frozen wonderland, adding another dimension of beauty to this epic site.
Ásbyrgi is a massive horseshoe-shaped canyon said to be formed by Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of Odin in Norse mythology. The canyon is filled with lush vegetation, birch forests, still ponds, and walking paths. A highlight is the towering cliff walls wrapping around the canyon, creating an atmosphere of serenity. Guides often share legends surrounding the canyon, which adds cultural depth to your Diamond Circle experience.
Húsavík has gained international recognition as the best place in Europe for whale watching. The fjord’s nutrient-rich waters attract humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, and dolphins throughout the summer. Many Diamond Circle packages include a whale watching boat tour from Húsavík, giving guests a chance to experience marine wildlife up close.
Húsavík is also known for its colorful houses, charming harbor, museums, geothermal baths, and peaceful coastal walks. Travelers often extend their stay here to enjoy slow-paced, scenic evenings after a day of adventure.
The Mývatn area is one of Iceland’s largest volcanic and geothermal hotspots. It offers an incredible mix of steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, moss-covered lava fields, and crater formations. A key attraction is the Hverir geothermal field, where sulfuric steam rises from vibrant orange and yellow earth. The Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters, Krafla volcano, and Viti crater allow travelers to explore landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world.
Many tours end with a relaxing dip in the Mývatn Nature Baths, known as the Blue Lagoon of the North. The warm mineral waters offer a calming experience surrounded by mountains and geothermal scenery.
We offer a variety of Diamond Circle travel packages suitable for different travel styles, durations, and budgets. Below are the most popular options:
Summer (May–September) offers lush greenery, long daylight hours, whale watching tours, and easy access to all sites. Winter (October–April) brings snowy landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and opportunities to combine the Diamond Circle experience with Northern Lights tours.
Both seasons offer unique beauty, and our packages are tailored to ensure safe travel conditions with experienced guides and equipped vehicles.
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Most tours include Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Húsavík, and Lake Mývatn with transport, guide, and optional geothermal bath or whale watching add-ons.
Common starting points are Akureyri, Mývatn, and Húsavík. Some packages begin from Reykjavík with domestic flights to North Iceland.
Day tours last 8–10 hours, while multi-day packages stretch from 2 to 4 days depending on added activities.
Yes. With expert guides and 4x4 vehicles, the route remains open, offering snowy landscapes and Northern Lights opportunities.
Summer offers full accessibility and whale watching, while winter brings frozen landscapes and aurora viewing. Both seasons are recommended.
We prioritize customer satisfaction, comfort, and safety. Each package includes professional local guides, clean transportation, flexible itineraries, and additional options such as whale watching or geothermal spa visits. Our long-standing partnerships with North Iceland operators allow us to offer exclusive deals, seasonal discounts, and customizable upgrades.
If you're planning an Iceland holiday focused on natural wonders, the Diamond Circle is an unforgettable experience. From roaring waterfalls to volcanic landscapes and Arctic wildlife, this route offers a rare blend of geology, mythology, and scenic beauty.
Whether you're a nature photographer, an adventure seeker, or a romantic traveler searching for peaceful moments in untouched landscapes, Diamond Circle Iceland tours create memories that last a lifetime.
See what makes our Iceland trips special with testimonies from our lovely customers.
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