Journey through North Iceland’s stunning Diamond Circle from Akureyri!
Eexplore geothermal marvels, waterfalls, and legendary landscapes. Discover Lake Mývatn’s bubbling mud pools, lava fields, and diverse birdlife. Stand in awe at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and admire the tranquil beauty of Ásbyrgi Canyon. Visit Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, before ending your adventure at the majestic Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.”
The ultimate North Iceland extravaganza, book today!
We start the day’s adventure by picking you up in one of our luxurious vehicles from your hotel/cruise port/airport in Akureyri at 8am
Lake Mývatn, formed by a basaltic lava eruption 2,300 years ago, is a shallow volcanic lake in North Iceland. Known for its diverse birdlife, especially ducks, it sits near the active Krafla volcano. The area features striking lava formations, pseudocraters, and the rich fishing waters of the Laxá River. The lake’s name, meaning “Midge Lake,” reflects the swarms of midges in summer.
Dimmuborgir, meaning “Dark Castles,” is a striking lava field in North Iceland’s Mývatn Geothermal Area. Formed 2,300 years ago by a massive eruption, it features dramatic lava caves and towering rock formations. The unique pillars resulted from steam rising through lava as it flowed over a lake, creating hollow structures that remain today.
Hverir, near Lake Mývatn, is a striking geothermal area filled with bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and vivid sulfur deposits. The cracked, barren ground releases a strong sulfuric scent, enhancing its otherworldly feel. Bright yellow mineral formations contrast with the dark volcanic terrain, while rising steam from hot springs adds a mystical touch.
Europe’s most powerful cascade, is a breathtaking sight in Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, Northeast Iceland. Fed by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, which originates in Vatnajökull Glacier, its thundering waters have carved the dramatic canyon through millennia of megafloods. An 800-meter trail from the car park offers easy access to this natural wonder. Now part of Vatnajökull National Park, Dettifoss is an unmissable stop for anyone seeking Iceland’s raw, untamed beauty.
Ásbyrgi Canyon, often called Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonder, is a striking horseshoe-shaped formation in North Iceland. Spanning 3.5 kilometers in length and up to 1 kilometer in width, it was likely shaped by a catastrophic glacial flood thousands of years ago.
According to legend, its near-perfect hoof shape was left by Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of Óðinn. Towering cliffs, lush greenery, and unique rock formations like the “Church Floor” and “Pillars of the Gods” create a breathtaking landscape. With scenic hiking trails and diverse wildlife, Ásbyrgi offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Húsavík, a charming town on Iceland’s north coast, sits on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay and is home to 2,237 residents. Famous for its picturesque wooden church, Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907, the town thrives on tourism, fishing, and small industries.
According to the Landnámabók, it was the first Norse settlement in Iceland, founded around 870 A.D. by Viking Garðar Svavarsson. Today, Húsavík is renowned as Iceland’s whale-watching capital, with a 95% sighting rate in summer, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
The picturesque Goðafoss is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide. The waterfall is located in the mighty Skjálfandafljót River, which originates in the Vatnajökull Glacier.
Goðafoss means “Waterfall of the Gods,” getting its name from The Book of Icelanders, a tale in one of the old Icelandic manuscripts about Þorgeir, the law speaker, who made Christianity the official religion in Iceland in 1000 AD. After he had converted to the new religion and upon his arrival home, he threw his old statues of the Norse gods of his former religion into the waterfall, hence the name Goðafoss.
Akureyri is located at the bottom of Eyjafjörður Fjord in the heart of North Iceland. Known as the “Capital of the North,” it is the largest town outside the Capital Area. Sheltered by prominent mountains and located by the so-called “Pond,” as the innermost part of Eyjafjörður Fjord is called, many Icelanders regard Akureyri as the most beautiful town in Iceland.
Because the summer temperature in Akureyri is usually favorable, it is a trendy tourist destination among Icelanders. However, it often gets a lot of snow during the winter, but since Akureyri is the center for winter sports in Iceland, it’s welcomed. Only 5 km from the town center is Hlíðarfjall Mountain, a prime skiing area with excellent facilities.
Akureyri is the center of commerce and services in the region, and there are many attractions in the surrounding area, including historical sites, museums, a botanical garden, and natural wonders.
We will drop you off in Akureyri at 6:30 PM
Contact us for special requests or larger group inquiries: [email protected].
Embark on a remarkable Private Diamond Circle tour from Akureyri. Explore all the main attractions of North Iceland on this luxurious tour, with flexible pickup and dropoff provided by Your Friend in Reykjavik
Get in touch with Your Friend in Reykjavik for all your Iceland travel planning needs. We love to help you plan the perfect trip, making personal recommendations for tours and activities you should check out during your visit. Craft your custom Iceland itinerary with our expert guidance!