Diamond Circle

The Diamond Circle is an approximately 250-km circuit in North Iceland. It is perhaps the country's second-most well-known itinerary after the Golden Circle, but passes through more secluded serene points of interests.

Understand
Tours exploring the Diamond Circle gained popularity around 1990 and have since been embraced by both domestic and international travel agencies. In 2004, a photo book titled Húsavík and the Diamond Circle was published, showcasing the route's remarkable attractions. Another book dedicated to the Diamond Circle was released by Hugarflugi Book Publishing in 2007. Recognising the growing popularity, an association named Demantshringsfélagið was established in 2012, dedicated to promoting and preserving this scenic route.

The Diamond Circle encompasses several of Iceland's prominent natural wonders. Notably, it traverses the awe-inspiring Dettifoss, which stands as Europe's second most powerful waterfall, surpassed only by Rínarfossur. Another noteworthy gem along the route is Ásbyrgi, a longstanding popular tourist destination. The road also passes by Mývatn, surrounded by a collection of natural marvels such as Dimmuborg and Hverfjall. A short detour from the ring road takes visitors to Godafoss, renowned for its significance in Iceland's religious history. Reykjadal and Aðaldal are also along the route – in Aðaldal, expansive lava fields, formed during a volcanic eruption in Mývatnsveit, which has a striking presence.

Get in
See Akureyri – to start the circle, you will need to somehow enter this town (the largest in the area) and have a car with you.

Drive
This article covers the route starting at in a clockwise direction.

Starting out of Akureyri, head east on Route 1 for approximately until the T-intersection with Route 85. This will typically take about 25–30 minutes, depending on road conditions. On your way, you will be passing, a 7.4-km tolled tunnel. As of 2 January 2023, the toll for a car under 3.5 tonnes using the tunnel is 1,650 kr (which can be paid on veggjald.is). Just before the turnoff is towards the south – worth stopping in winter if you're up for taking lake photos.

After about 9 km from the turnoff, you will come across (open daily June 29, 2024), which is home to one of the country's largest car collections. It's not uniquely Icelandic, though, so if you're short on time, then giving this museum a miss won't mean much. From there, it's another to the next point of interest along the route,. There isn't much along the road from here, so just enjoy the scenery ahead.