THE DIAMOND CIRCLE

from Akureyri & the North Guide 2023-2024

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Northern Iceland’s answer to the popular Golden Circle of the south is a route that takes you to stunning examples of mother nature’s power. A circuit covering 250km, The Diamond Circle connects the most spectacular sights in North Iceland: Goðafoss waterfall, Húsavík, Ásbyrgi canyon, Dettifoss waterfall, and Lake Mývatn.

Goðafoss, a beautiful 30m wide waterfall, is named after a turning point in Iceland’s history. In 1000 AD, Lawspeaker and Chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði Þorkelsson threw all his idols of the Norse gods into the waterfall after he decided that Icelanders should convert from the old Norse gods to Christianity.

Lake Mývatn is a unique marvel of Iceland’s nature. It offers a great variety of landscapes, ranging from peacefully verdant to volcanic and sublime, and it is a paradise for birds. Read more about Lake Mývatn on page 73.

Dettifoss is the second most powerful waterfall in Europe and one of the largest in Iceland. Its thundering force is one of Iceland’s most powerful sights to witness. As the legend goes, Ásbyrgi canyon was carved into the landscape by one of the eight hoofs of Sleipnir, Óðinn’s eight-legged horse. The canyon’s cliffs are 100m tall, and within, the area is covered with lush birch trees. There are several hiking options in the area, and more information is available at the Ásbyrgi Visitor Centre.

Húsavík is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland. You might see rare species next to humpback whales and minke whales, and after the cruise, stop by one of the town’s many restaurants or exciting museums. Read more on Húsavík on page 79.

Other stops include Vesturdalur Valley, Krafla volcanic field, Hverir geothermal area, Dimmuborgir rock formations, Hljóðaklettar rocks, and Æðarfossar waterfall.