Explore North Iceland’s Diamond Circle: geothermal wonders, powerful waterfalls, and charming coastal towns. Discover nature’s marvels on this unforgettable tour.
Explore North Iceland’s Diamond Circle: geothermal wonders, powerful waterfalls, and charming coastal towns. Discover nature’s marvels on this unforgettable tour.
- Lake Myvatn - Mývatn is a shallow, nutrient-rich lake situated in a region of active volcanism in northern Iceland, close to the Krafla volcano. The lake and its surrounding wetlands are home to a diverse array of waterbirds, particularly ducks. Formed by a significant basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, the landscape is characterized by…
- Lake Myvatn - Mývatn is a shallow, nutrient-rich lake situated in a region of active volcanism in northern Iceland, close to the Krafla volcano. The lake and its surrounding wetlands are home to a diverse array of waterbirds, particularly ducks. Formed by a significant basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, the landscape is characterized by volcanic features such as lava pillars and pseudocraters. The Laxá River, which flows from the lake, is renowned for its abundant Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon fishing.
The lake’s name (Icelandic mý meaning “midge” and vatn meaning “lake”; the lake of midges) is derived from the vast swarms of midges present during the summer months.
The term Mývatn is often used to refer not only to the lake but also to the entire surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn, and the adjacent wetlands are protected as a nature reserve, known as the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area.
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Dimmuborgir Lava Formations - The Dimmuborgir Lava Field, meaning dark cities, forts, or castles, is located in the heart of the Mývatn Geothermal Area, approximately 100 kilometers east of Akureyri.
The Dimmuborgir area, as its name implies, is an unusually shaped lava field featuring unique volcanic caves and rock formations. These striking structures are a popular attraction for tourists.
This natural wonder dates back around 2300 years to a massive eruption in a nearby crater. The lava flowed over a small lake that once existed; water beneath the lava was trapped and boiled, causing steam to rise and form lava pillars from drainpipes several meters in diameter. As the lava continued to flow toward the lower ground in the Mývatn Lake area, the top crust collapsed, leaving behind hollow pillars of solidified lava. The lake is estimated to have been at least 10 meters deep, as indicated by the tallest structures still standing. -
Hverir - Hverir, also known as Hverarond or Namafjall, is a geothermal area in northeastern Iceland near Lake Myvatn. This extraordinary landscape is marked by bubbling mud pits, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant yellow sulfur deposits.
The otherworldly nature of the landscape immediately captivates visitors to Hverir. The ground is cracked and barren, emitting a strong sulfuric odor that permeates the air. The bubbling mud pits and hissing fumaroles create a surreal atmosphere, as if stepping onto another planet.
One of the most remarkable features of Hverir is the bright yellow sulfur deposits that cling to the rocky ground. These colorful formations add a splash of color to the otherwise desolate landscape and provide a stark contrast to the surrounding black volcanic rocks.
Hverir is also home to several hot springs heated by the geothermal activity beneath the surface. Visitors can observe steam rising from these pools of water, creating a mesmerizing and almost mystical effect. -
Dettifoss Waterfall - Dettifoss Waterfall, located in Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, is situated south of Ásbyrgi Canyon in Northeast Iceland.
Experiencing Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, is truly awe-inspiring. From the car park, there is an 800-meter path to the falls, which is an easy hike for most visitors.
Dettifoss Waterfall is part of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, which originates in the Vatnajökull Glacier, the world’s largest glacier outside the Arctic. It flows through the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, believed to have been carved by several megafloods, each lasting only a few days and separated by thousands of years. In 1973, the entire canyon was declared a national park, from its source to its estuary. In 2008, it became part of the newly established Vatnajökull National Park.
Dettifoss is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Iceland, offering a unique and unforgettable natural experience that showcases the raw power and beauty of the Icelandic landscape. -
Asbyrgi (Shelter of the Gods) - Ásbyrgi Canyon is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Iceland.
This horseshoe-shaped canyon, approximately 3.5 kilometers long and up to 1 kilometer wide, is believed to have been formed by a catastrophic glacial flood triggered by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
According to folklore, Ásbyrgi was created when Sleipnir, the eight-footed horse of the Norse God Óðinn, placed his hoof on the ground. Ásbyrgi, meaning the Shelter of Gods, is almost perfectly hoof-shaped.
The canyon is surrounded by cliffs up to 100 meters high, creating a unique and captivating landscape. In the center of the canyon lies a lush green oasis, providing a stark contrast to the rugged and rocky terrain surrounding it.
One of the most impressive features of Asbyrgi Canyon is the towering rock formations known as the “Church Floor” and the “Pillars of the Gods.” These natural formations are the result of volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years, creating a dramatic and otherworldly atmosphere.
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Husavik - Húsavík is a town in the Norðurþing municipality on the north coast of Iceland, situated on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay. It has a population of 2,237. The town’s most notable landmark is the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, constructed in 1907.
The town’s economy is supported by tourism, fishing, retail, and small industry. Until recently, Húsavík served as the export harbor for silica extracted from nearby Lake Mývatn.
According to the Landnámabók (“Book of Settlement”), Húsavík was the first place in Iceland to be settled by a Norse man. The Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson stayed there for one winter around 870 A.D. When he departed the island in the spring of 870, after a winter’s stay, he left behind a man named Nattfari and two slaves, a man and a woman, who established a farm here. The town’s name means “bay of houses,” likely referring to Garðar’s homestead, which may have been the only house in Iceland at the time.
Húsavík is renowned as Iceland’s capital of whale watching, with sightings on over 95% of trips during the summer. -
Godafoss - The stunning Goðafoss is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide. The waterfall is located in the powerful Skjálfandafljót River, which originates in the Vatnajökull Glacier.
Goðafoss, meaning “Waterfall of the Gods,” derives its name from The Book of Icelanders, a story in one of the old Icelandic manuscripts about Þorgeir, the law speaker, who declared Christianity the official religion in Iceland in 1000 AD. After converting to the new faith and upon returning home, he threw his old statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall, hence the name Goðafoss. -
Akureyri - Akureyri is located at the base 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 situated by the so-called “Pond,” as the innermost part of Eyjafjörður Fjord is called, many Icelanders consider Akureyri the most beautiful town in Iceland.
Due to its typically pleasant summer temperatures, Akureyri is a popular tourist destination among Icelanders. However, it often receives significant snowfall during the winter, but as Akureyri is the center for winter sports in Iceland, this is welcomed. Just 5 km from the town center is Hlíðarfjall Mountain, a prime skiing area with excellent facilities.
Akureyri serves as the center of commerce and services in the region, with numerous attractions in the surrounding area, including historical sites, museums, a botanical garden, and natural wonders.

- Expert and fun-loving Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Expert and fun-loving Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tips or gratuity
- Tips or gratuity
Set off on an unforgettable adventure through North Iceland’s stunning Diamond Circle starting from Akureyri. Explore the geothermal marvels of Lake Mývatn, featuring bubbling mud pools, unique lava formations, and abundant birdlife. Experience the immense power of Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Ásbyrgi…
Set off on an unforgettable adventure through North Iceland’s stunning Diamond Circle starting from Akureyri. Explore the geothermal marvels of Lake Mývatn, featuring bubbling mud pools, unique lava formations, and abundant birdlife. Experience the immense power of Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Ásbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped glacial valley rich in legend. Visit Húsavík, known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital, where charming coastal views await. Conclude this journey at Goðafoss, the magnificent “Waterfall of the Gods,” before heading back to Akureyri.
Please note: Additional fees may apply for activities not mentioned in this description.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.