# North Iceland: the Diamond Circle

> 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.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/iceland-north/

**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. 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 |
| Route | Akureyri → Húsavík |
| Countries | Iceland |
| Updated | April 29, 2026 |

## 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

1. **Akureyri** (Iceland)
2. **Goðafoss** (Fosshóll, Iceland): The waterfall of the gods, a wide horseshoe on the Ring Road between Akureyri and Mývatn.
3. **Reykjahlíð** (Iceland)
4. **Lake Mývatn** (Reykjahlíð, Iceland): A volcanic lake with lava pillars, steaming vents and pseudo-craters. The nature baths are on the east shore.
5. **Dettifoss** (Ásbyrgi, Iceland): Europe’s most powerful waterfall, grey with glacial silt, thundering into a canyon.
6. **Húsavík** (Iceland)