The Diamond Circle is an area in Northern Iceland that is popular with tourists. The route connects Mývatn and Húsavík and forms a kind of diamond shape, thus the name.
Imagine yourself driving through a snowy wonderland, then suddenly you see what looks like smoke rising through the air. As you get closer, you realize that the smoke is actually steam coming from the ground. How amazing is it that hot smoke can be coming from the ground when it is so cold and snowy?
Then you are driving and the snow meets black sand, and the ocean seems to go on for miles and miles. A small town greets you and you see a red and green trimmed church, a harbor with some boats that seem ready to go out at any moment, and a yellow lighthouse to greet you.
Northern Iceland is a dream for a quiet girl like myself. I relish the miles of mountains and valleys that end in small towns or beautiful lakes. If you enjoy the outdoors, peaceful places, and a little adventure, take the time to explore the Diamond Circle in Northern Iceland.
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Explore Mývatn
I have written a full guide for the area around Mývatn. There is so much to see and do. Make sure that you take the time to really fall in love with this place.
Around the lake itself, you will find paths around pseudo-craters, a museum about birds, and a few good places to eat. If you venture out from the lake you will find the steam rising from the ground at Hverir geothermal fields.
Go inside Grjótagjá cave and wonder how they made it look so big in Game of Thrones. Then hike up to the top of the rim of Hverfjall, one of the largest tephra craters on this planet.
Make sure that you take an afternoon to relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths. The steamy blue water is super inviting after a long day of exploring.
We based ourselves at Mývatn and explored the rest of the Diamond Circle from there.
Goðafoss: The Waterfall of the Gods
You can never see too many waterfalls in Iceland. Goðafoss is one that you definitely do not want to miss!
The water from the Skjálfandafljót River falls from Goðafoss for about 40 feet. What is even more impressive, in my opinion, is the width of the falls at more than 98 feet!
Be sure to dress accordingly in the winter. Goðafoss may have been one of the coldest places that we went, and we went on an ice cave tour! The land is less mountainous right around the falls, so the wind really whips through!
Goðafoss is especially interesting because of the history that led to the name, “The Waterfall of the Gods”. The waterfall was named in the year 1000 when Christianity was declared the official religion of Iceland. The decision was made by Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, a chieftain in Northeastern Iceland. After the previously “heathen” priest made this declaration, he threw his statues of the Norse Gods over the waterfall. Iconic.
Húsavík: The Whale Watching Capital
The whale watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík is a charming town on the Northern coast. From Húsavík you can depart on any number of whale watching tours. You can see Grimsey Island in the distance, which crosses into the Arctic Circle. You are definitely in the North!
While many places were closed for the winter or had odd hours, we still enjoyed wandering around Húsavík. If you have time, and they are open, visit the Exploration Museum, or the Húsavík Whale Museum.
If you are looking to relax, you can visit the Geosea sea baths. We forgot our bathing suits but went inside to take a look. The baths look out over Shaky Bay and the receptionist told us that in the right season, you can sometimes spot whales from the pools. How amazing would that be?
In the center of town, Húsavík Church adds to the town’s quaint vibe. It is an excellent guiding point to help you navigate. We stopped for a snack break looking out over the harbor before we headed back towards Mývatn.
Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi
I am so sad that we did not get to explore this amazing part of Iceland. In the winter, the roads are typically closed due to snowy and wet conditions. Even though I didn’t make it, I can let you know what I do know about this area.
Ásbyrgi Canyon is a horseshoe-shaped canyon, thought to have been a hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged flying horse. The name means, “Shelter of the Gods”, and the canyon is believed to be the capital of the Hidden Folk. See why I am sad I couldn’t go?
Also, in this area is Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. I have heard that Goðafoss is referred to as “the beauty”, while Dettifoss is “the beast”. This waterfall was featured in the movie “Prometheus”, so perhaps it would look familiar to some.
Nearby, you can find a smaller waterfall, Selfoss, which also looks beautiful. There are even more waterfalls and canyon rock formations in this area. It is said to be one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Iceland. If you have been, let me know in the comments. I would love to hear more so that I can start planning my next Iceland trip!
Explore The Diamond Circle
As with any road trip in Iceland, expect to see farms, Icelandic horses, and majestic views along the way. We happened to pass by what we believed to be greenhouses. In Iceland, they actually produce the majority of their tomatoes and cucumbers in geothermally heated greenhouses! What a great use of natural resources!
Don’t let the cold winter weather deter you from this gem in Iceland. The route is stunning even in the snow!
Have you visited the Diamond Circle in Northern Iceland? If so, I would love to hear more about your trip. I know that I missed a lot because of the snow, so I need to know what to see when I return!
Are you planning a trip to Iceland and looking for more information? Check out these other posts to learn more!
A 10-Day Driving Route for the Ring Road in Iceland
Explore Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula
Southern Iceland: What to See and Do
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