Category: Diamond Circle

Have you been on the wonderful Golden Circle? Seen all the epic sites on the South Coast of Iceland? You want to impress your friends with pictures and stories from some of the lesser known but perhaps the most stunning places in Iceland? Well, then the Diamond Circle route in the north east of Iceland might just be for you.

Rent a car or join a tour

You can, of course, enjoy the route by joining a tour but I would recommend renting a car and take plenty of time. There is just so much to see and explore.

I have created a full Diamond Circle road trip plan for you, complete with booking widgets for affordable accommodation along the way. The attractions along the way include the following:

Goðafoss waterfall in Iceland in winter.

Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods

Did a Viking Chieftain throw his pagan gods in the waterfall? We will never know but that legend gives the waterfall it name.

Lake Mývatn – The Beauty of the Diamond Circle

A huge bird sanctuary and the site of immense natural beauty. You should also soak the the local nature baths.

Hail to the King! Dettifoss Waterfall in north eastern Iceland.

Dettifoss – The Beast of the Diamond Circle

The most powerful waterfall in Europe thunders away. Don´t miss it!

Echo Rocks

No this is not a defunct eighties band but an area with incredible rock formations.

Ásbyrgi canyon lies in the north of Iceland, about two hours' drive to the east from Akureyri. The horseshoe-shaped depression is part of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and measures approximately 3.5 km in length and 1.1 km across. For more than half of its length, the canyon is divided through the middle by a distinctive rock formation 25 meters high called Eyjan ( — Ásbyrgi canyon lies in the north of Iceland, about two hours’ drive to the east from Akureyri. The horseshoe-shaped depression is part of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and measures approximately 3.5 km in length and 1.1 km across. For more than half of its length, the canyon is divided through the middle by a distinctive rock formation 25 meters high called Eyjan (“the Island”), from which hikers may enjoy spectacular views.

Ásbyrgi – the shelter of the gods

This is the place where Sleipnir, the horse of the Norse god Óðinn stepped down and left a huge hoofmark. True story.

Tjörnes – puffins and fossils bonanza

On this peninsula there are nesting grounds for puffins and layers of ancient fossils.

Húsavík town

The wonderful town of Húsavík has some of the best whale watching in Iceland and the newly opened GeoSea baths.

When you go whale watching in Iceland you have to be quick to catch when the whales appear.

Diamond Circle, Tour Deals in Iceland, Whale and Puffin Watching in Iceland

Save on whale watching in Húsavík with North Sailing

North Sailing in Húsavík is one of the leading Icelandic tour companies. Since 1995, they have offered whale-watching tours to travelers and received many awards for their focus on environmental issues. Adding this venerable tour company to the long and growing list of my top-rated...

Diamond Circle, North of Iceland

Dimmuborgir lava field – experience nature’s outdoor sculpture park

Iceland is full of iconic places. One of them is Dimmuborgir lava field in the northeast of Iceland on the renowned Diamond Circle. If you are traveling in the area, it is a place you must visit. And what a region. In the neighbourhood, you...

Aldeyjarfoss waterfall in north east Iceland.

Diamond Circle, Icelandic Waterfalls, North of Iceland

Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is only found on planet Iceland

Many people I talk to say they come to Iceland to see the northern lights. This is kind of risky. Please don’t get me wrong; the aurora borealis is terrific. However, they are elusive. Perhaps it is smarter to come to Iceland for its waterfalls....

Diamond Circle, North of Iceland

Ásbyrgi is the oasis of the north – Odin’s steed created a natural wonder

Imagine a place which is so strange the only explanation people had for its creation is to attribute it to the steed of Odin himself. The legend is that the chief of the gods was racing across the sky his horse, Sleipnir, stepped down with...

When hiking Hljóðaklettar you will see the Troll Church.

Diamond Circle, Hiking in Iceland

Hiking Hljóðaklettar – see this Icelandic wonder of nature

The second day of my hike in the Jökulsárgljúfur national park got an early start (read about the first day here). Although the night had been cold I have had a great night’s sleep in my tent. I was a bit surprised how rested I...

Hafragilsfoss waterfall is one of the beautiful sights when you are hiking the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon

Diamond Circle, Hiking in Iceland, North of Iceland

Hiking Jökulsárgljúfur National Park – Icelandic feast for the senses

Jökulsárgljúfur is one of the most impressive areas in Iceland. It is in the northeastern part of the country. Its name means ‘glacial river canyon’ and is derived from the impressive canyon created by the mighty Jökulsá river (or glacial river). It is a part...

Diamond Circle, North of Iceland, Spas and baths

GeoSea baths in Húsavík – best chill on the Diamond Circle

As said here before it could be argued that geothermally heated water is the best thing about Iceland. It gives us all of those wonderful spas, hot tubs, swimming pools and even highly effective supplements from all natural silica. The latest baths to open in...

Diamond Circle, Extreme Sports in Iceland, Iceland focused interviews, Icelandic Waterfalls

Slacklining Above Dettifoss waterfall is Just Insane!

Would you ever dream of going slacklining above Dettifoss waterfall? Most people are quite happy experiencing the beautiful waterfalls of Iceland on the ground. If you have the means you can go on a helicopter tours to experience Iceland’s natural wonders and see the country...