📷 Photo by Richard Dorran on UnsplashNorth 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.
More road trips in Iceland
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
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Akureyri → Reykjahlíð · 70 km · 0 h 58 minOn the way: Goðafoss.Overnight nearby, for example: Vogar (2 km); Hlíð (< 1 km).
- Day 2: Reykjahlíð → Dettifoss · 53 km · 0 h 44 minOn the way: Lake Mývatn.
- Day 3: Dettifoss → Húsavík · 63 km · 0 h 52 minOvernight nearby, for example: Tjaldsvæðið á Húsavík (< 1 km); Heiðarbær (17 km).
Best time to go
Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Iceland: No motorway tolls for cars. Many roads are gravel; F-roads need a 4×4. Motorway limit for cars: 90 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is 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.
How many days do you need for North Iceland: the Diamond Circle?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 34 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does North Iceland: the Diamond Circle start and end?
It starts in Akureyri and ends in Húsavík.
Which countries does North Iceland: the Diamond Circle pass through?
Iceland.
Where can you camp along North Iceland: the Diamond Circle?
OpenStreetMap lists 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: CJA Campsite, Laugar Camping and Vogar.
When is the best time for North Iceland: the Diamond Circle?
Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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