A full-day loop from Akureyri through Iceland’s Diamond Circle visits Goðafoss, Mývatn, Hverir, Víti crater and Dettifoss — a compact showcase of volcanic, glacial and coastal landscapes. Expect short walks, dramatic viewpoints and rapidly changing weather.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A low cloud peels back over northern Iceland as the shuttle slips out of Akureyri and the road opens into raw geology — basalt cliffs, steaming solfataras and rivers that have cut canyons with brutal patience. On a full-day Diamond Circle tour you move through a sequence of dramatic scenes: Goðafoss throws sheets of water into a horseshoe gorge, the lunar fields at Hverir fizzle with boiling mud and sulfur, Víti’s crater lake glints an impossible color, and Dettifoss arrives with a roar that betrays its reputation as Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to manage several short to moderate walks (longest ~40 minutes) and board a coach for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
Goðafoss is linked to the year 1000 conversion of Iceland to Christianity; local sagas and fishing traditions dot the coastal settlements.
Conservation
The region’s fragile mosses, geothermal features and nesting bird habitats are sensitive — stick to boardwalks and marked trails and pack out all waste.
Reserve your spot on the Diamond Circle, Waterfalls and Amazing Landscapes from Akureyri today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Bring windproof and waterproof outer layers — conditions shift between coast, crater and waterfall.
Wear sturdy footwear
Trails are often muddy, rocky or uneven; ankle-supporting boots improve comfort and safety.
Protect camera gear
Spray and mist from Dettifoss and Goðafoss can soak equipment — use a rain cover or zip-top bag.
Plan for daylight
In shoulder seasons check daylight hours — shorter winter days reduce time at each stop.
Waterproof jacket with hood
Shields you from wind, spray and sudden rain common across the Diamond Circle.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides traction on muddy paths, rock and uneven ground near waterfalls and craters.
Insulated water bottle and snacks
Keeps you hydrated and energized during a long day with limited food stops.
Camera or binoculars
Useful for photographing waterfalls, birdlife and panoramic views; protect from spray.