Drive a full day around North Iceland’s Diamond Circle from Akureyri: Mývatn’s geothermal fields, the lava sculptures of Dimmuborgir, the raw power of Dettifoss, and coastal Húsavík. This private tour packages geology, wildlife, and Norse history into one long, photogenic loop.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step into a raw northern day as the van eases out of Akureyri: mountains press a cold horizon, tundra opens, and steam rises from distant geothermal vents like signals from the interior of the earth. The Diamond Circle unfolds as a sequence of dramatic chapters—lunar mud pots at Hverir, sculpted lava columns at Dimmuborgir, the green oasis in Ásbyrgi, and the thunder of Dettifoss.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks (up to ~1 km) on uneven terrain and stairs.
Wildlife
History
The Diamond Circle region preserves layers of volcanic and glacial history: Mývatn’s basalts and pseudocraters formed about 2,300 years ago, while Dettifoss sits in a canyon carved by ancient megafloods.
Conservation
The Mývatn-Laxá area is protected as a nature reserve; visitors should stay on trails and avoid disturbing nesting birds and fragile geothermal features.
Reserve your spot on the Private Diamond Circle Tour from Akureyri today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Northern Iceland’s weather changes hourly—bring a windproof, waterproof outer layer plus insulating mid-layers.
Protect your camera
Cold wind and spray at Dettifoss can damage gear—use a rain cover and quick-dry cloths.
Watch the boardwalks
Stay on marked paths in geothermal zones—ground can be unstable and dangerously hot off-trail.
Carry snacks and cash
Dining options are limited between stops; small shops may not accept cards in remote areas.
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against wind-driven rain and geothermal spray.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and grip on uneven lava fields, wet boardwalks, and river-view paths.
Binoculars
Useful for birdwatching at Mývatn and whale spotting from Húsavík.
summer
Insulated travel mug & snacks
Keeps warm drinks on a long day and bridges gaps between meal stops.