Iceland is pretty famous for its road trips, and when you think of an Icelandic road trip, you often think of the Golden Circle, or the famous Ring Road, but did you know that there are other awesome road trips in Iceland that are often overlooked, or just not as famous yet!?
One of those is the EPIC Diamond Circle…
When Brad and I road tripped the entirety of Iceland over a 5 week period, we pretty much did all the road trips possible, and one of our favourites was definitely the Diamond circle.
So, if you’ve been thinking about road tripping the Diamond Circle and need more convincing, then look no further ;)
And, I’m also going to take you through our entire diamond circle itinerary to help you plan the ULTIMATE road tip!
Let’s get started.
It’s like the Golden Circle’s cooler, wilder, and less touristy cousin up in North Iceland!
If you love dramatic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and maybe spotting some whales along the way, this road trip is the one for you.
It’s a 260 km loop that covers some of Iceland’s most epic sights in the north, including:
You can certainly do it in one day, you’ll just be busy!
But I recommend you do it over 2 days with an overnight stay.
You could opt for 3 days if time isn’t an issue!
You’ll also need to be mindful of road closures if you’re visiting in the winter season.
Our Diamond Circle itinerary starts and ends in Myvatn and honestly you can do this clockwise or anticlockwise, it’s up to you!
But for the purpose of this itinerary, we’re going clockwise.
A lot of these attractions are free, but you have to pay for parking, so think of the parking fee as your entrance fee…
Myvatn is sort of the most famous spot in the north of Iceland. And, it’s one of my favourite spots.
It’s like stepping into a dreamy, otherworldly landscape that mixes Iceland’s wild beauty with a touch of the surreal.
This volcanic region is known for its stunning lake, bubbling geothermal areas, and quirky lava formations.
Picture shimmering blue waters surrounded by lush greenery in summer, or a mystical frozen wonderland in winter.
You’ll find steaming hot springs, like the Mývatn Nature Baths, craggy lava fields, and pseudocraters that look like something from another planet. Don’t be surprised if you spot a few bubbling mud pots or catch the strong scent of sulfur—this place is alive with geothermal energy!
Mývatn is also a paradise for bird lovers, with an abundance of ducks and other species making their home here.
Whether you’re hiking through Dimmuborgir’s “Dark Fortress” lava fields, soaking in a warm lagoon, or just taking in the view, this place feels like a peaceful escape with a side of adventure.
You can start your Diamond circle road trip here easily, but I’d also end it here too, and my tip would be to wait and do the Myvtan nature baths on your final day here.
Simply because, ending a road trip with hot springs is awesome, and you’ll be visiting another set of hot springs on this road trip itinerary!
Here is a list of the things we did in Myvatn:
If you’re looking for accommodation in the area, we can recommend: Einishús Cottages. Little cabins with cooking facilities, and a hot tub! ;)
For EV charging in Myvtan, there is an ON Power Charging Station at the Foss Hotel Myvatn (worth noting, Foss Hotel is a great chain to stay at- we’ve stayed at them, just not here!)
Address: Fosshótel Mývatn Þingeyjarsveit Mývatni Norðurland eystra 660, Iceland
Without sounding weird, it takes a lot to impress me nowadays when it comes to waterfalls (only because I’ve been privileged to see so many!), but in general, Iceland is home to some truly amazing waterfalls!
And, Goðafoss is no different. It’s a wide, crescent-shaped waterfall that cascades dramatically into a turquoise pool below
It’s actually translated as “Waterfall of the Gods”, and whilst it isn’t the tallest, its sheer beauty and symmetry make it one of the most breathtaking in the country.
You can admire Goðafoss from both sides, feeling the mist on your face as the water crashes down.
In winter, it transforms into a magical frozen wonderland, while summer brings lush green surroundings that make the blue water pop even more.
We visited in winter, and whilst it was cooollddd, it was worth seeing this beautiful waterfall.
Also it’s not difficult to see, it’s pretty much a 5 minute walk from the parking lot.
The 3rd stop on our Diamond Circle Iceland itinerary is Husavik!
Húsavík is the charming little seaside town that’s earned its title as Iceland’s whale-watching capital—and for good reason! Nestled along the north coast, this cozy harbor town is where you can hop on a boat and almost guarantee a sighting of majestic humpback whales, playful dolphins, or even the elusive blue whale.
The town also has a fun and totally random side—especially since the world took notice of it in the movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. (Yes, you can actually visit the Ja Ja Ding Dong bar!)
We went in winter and it was fairly quiet, and I believe there’s more going on in the summer months, but all in all it’s a great little stop.
One of the main reasons we visited was to stop at “GeoSea”, one of our favourite hot springs in all of Iceland.
It’s perched on a cliffside in Húsavík, this geothermal sea bath offers warm, mineral-rich waters with a front-row seat to the Arctic Ocean.
Unlike most hot springs in Iceland, GeoSea uses geothermal seawater, which is naturally heated and packed with skin-loving minerals—so you get to relax while nature does the work.
The infinity pools blend seamlessly into the horizon, making it feel like you're floating at the edge of the world.
On a lucky day, you might even spot whales surfacing in the bay as you soak (talk about next-level relaxation!).
And if you visit in winter, the experience gets even more magical—you could find yourself bathing under the northern lights.
We really adored this spot. And when we visited, it wasn't very busy at all.
Bonus points for the great swim up bar, and the changing rooms were clean, spacious and had private showers (always a plus at hot springs in Iceland!)
As of recent pricing, the entrance fee for GeoSea is approximately:
Remember pricing can change.
On your drive to Absyrgi, you’ll drive past the Tjörnes Peninsula, which is an extremely scenic drive and offers breathtaking views.
Ásbyrgi is like stepping into a hidden oasis—this massive, horseshoe-shaped canyon in northern Iceland is a place of pure tranquility and legend. Surrounded by towering 100-meter-high cliffs, the lush valley floor is filled with birch trees, wildflowers, and a peaceful little pond that reflects the sky like a mirror.
It’s a fantastic spot for easy hikes, picnics, and just soaking in nature’s calm energy. If you walk up to the top of Eyjan (the "island" in the middle of the canyon), you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views.
I do warn you though, that if you visit in the depths of winter, you may be limited on where you can walk to, as certain trails are closed, but we did wander as far as we could, and the views were wonderful!
There’s also a visitor centre here with toilets, and EV charging!
Next up on my Diamond circle itinerary is the EPIC, Dettifoss.
Dettifoss is Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, and trust me—you’ll hear it before you see it. This beast of a waterfall crashes down with unstoppable force, sending up massive clouds of mist that can be seen from far away.
Located in Vatnajökull National Park, it’s often called “Europe’s most powerful waterfall”, and when you stand near it, you’ll understand why.
The waterfall is 100 meters wide and drops 44 meters into a rugged canyon, creating a thunderous roar that echoes through the landscape. The sheer power of the water carving through the volcanic rock makes it feel like you’re on the edge of something truly primal.
The best part? You can view Dettifoss from both the east and west sides, each offering a different perspective of its raw energy.
But be warned, that in winter, typically only the west side is open due to road closures on the east.
But the west view was awesome.
Another random fun fact, this waterfall was featured in the “Promethus” movie, although I haven’t seen that yet!
This particular Diamond Circe attraction is both free to visit and free parking- totally free!
Our last stop on the Diamond Circle road trip itinerary is Myvatn, and this is so you can visit the hot springs!
IF you do the route the other way round, you don’t need to go back to Myvtn, you can just finish at Godafoss and make your way to Auryieki, to either catch a flight, or head onward on your Icelandic adventure (go to the West Fjords next!)
We did it in winter, so it’s only fair we give you some extra tips!
Driving the Diamond Circle in winter (November - March) can be an incredible experience, but it requires extra caution due to icy roads, snowstorms, and limited daylight. Here are some essential tips to keep you safe and make the most of your adventure:
Yes, because we did it in our Tesla.
AND we did it in winter…lol
There are fewer charging stations on the route, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any.
You simply need to be smart with your charging decisions.
We charged before we took off in Myvatn, and there are charging spots in Husavik and Asbyrgi.
It’s important to note that cold weather means fewer miles in an EV, so be aware of that when you’re taking into account distances.
Both the Diamond Circle and the Golden Circle are famous road trip routes in Iceland, and I’ve been fortunate enough to do them both!
The Golden Circle is perfect for first-time visitors because it’s close to Reykjavík, easy to drive, and covers some of Iceland’s most famous sights.
✔ Pros: Short drive, easy access, iconic Iceland sights.
❌ Cons: Can be very crowded, touristy feel, doesn’t take long to explore.
The Diamond Circle is for those who want more adventure, fewer crowds, and wilder landscapes. It’s a bit more remote but way more diverse in landscapes.
✔ Pros: More variety (waterfalls, canyons, geothermal areas, whales), fewer tourists.
❌ Cons: Requires more time (ideally 2-3 days), longer drive from Reykjavík.
I mean, if you’re asking me to choose, it’s a really difficult choice.
BUT, I’ve been to the Golden Circle twice, and yes, it’s the better option if you are visiting south of Iceland, but truly, if youw an undiscovered slice of Iceland, that fewer tourists go, then the Diamond Circle is a real gem, and I might prefer it over the Golden circle….
But if you can, I would say to do both.
So there you have it, my Diamond Circle Road trip itinerary. I REALLY hope that you do this road trip and discover just how awesome it is. You’ll feel like you’ve seen another side to Iceland.
And if you want to do even more underrated road trips in Iceland, then afterwards, take your rental car to the West Fjords for EPIC beauty.
Drop me a comment below if you're thinking of doing the Diamond Circle Road trip, OR if you've already done it, then drop some more tips below for fellow adventurers.
Love,
Cazzy
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