North Iceland: the Diamond Circle
Goðafoss, the volcanic lake of Mývatn, Dettifoss and whale watching from Húsavík.
- Distance
- 186 km (115 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 34 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- Iceland
- Updated
- April 29, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 186 km (115 mi) with 6 stops, from Akureyri to Húsavík. About 2 h 34 min of driving in total.
Route description
From Akureyri take Route 1 east; the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel is tolled and must be paid online. Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods, forms a wide horseshoe right beside the Ring Road.
Continue to Reykjahlíð on Lake Mývatn, a volcanic lake with pseudo-craters at Skútustaðir, the lava pillars of Dimmuborgir and the steaming vents at Námaskarð. The nature baths on the east side are a good end to the day.
Dettifoss, grey with glacial silt, thunders into a canyon; the paved road on the west side leads to the car park and the viewpoints. The route continues north towards Ásbyrgi and the coast.
Finish in Húsavík, a harbour town known for whale-watching trips into Skjálfandi Bay. June to September is the main season; the weather changes fast, some side roads are gravel, and F-roads are closed to normal cars.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Akureyri
Iceland - 233 km
Goðafoss
NatureFosshóll, IcelandThe waterfall of the gods, a wide horseshoe on the Ring Road between Akureyri and Mývatn.
- 337 km
Reykjahlíð
Iceland - 47 km
Lake Mývatn
NatureReykjahlíð, IcelandA volcanic lake with lava pillars, steaming vents and pseudo-craters. The nature baths are on the east shore.
- 546 km
Dettifoss
NatureÁsbyrgi, IcelandEurope’s most powerful waterfall, grey with glacial silt, thundering into a canyon.
- 663 km
Húsavík
Iceland
