Explore the dramatic landscapes of Northern Iceland and its Diamond Circle. The Seyðisfjörður Valley Drive, Dettifoss and Goðafoss waterfalls and Lake Mývatn’s geothermal wonders showcase Iceland at its most spectacular.
Our detailed, road trip itinerary ensures you won’t miss anything in Northern Iceland and on the Diamond Circle route.
Table of Contents
North Iceland – 5 Day Itinerary
This active, 5-day road trip visits north Iceland’s spectacular coastal towns, waterfalls, geothermal areas and more.
Day 1: Discover the Egilsstaðir area
- Learn about local culture and history at the Egilsstaðir Heritage Museum.
- Stop at the many waterfalls on the spectacular Seyðisfjörður Valley Drive.
- Explore Seyðisfjörður, the village at the end of the fjord and see its iconic Blue Church.
- Soak in the geothermal floating pools at the Vök Baths spa.
Day 2: Diamond Circle – Part 1
Drive from Dettifoss to the town of Húsavík.
- Feel the ground vibrate beneath your feet at Dettifoss Waterfall.
- Explore the lush woodland within the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon.
- Spot humpback whales and dolphins on a Húsavík Whale Watching tour OR learn about its history, maritime artifacts and whales in the Húsavík Museums.
- Relax in infinity pools overlooking Húsavík’s Skjálfandi Bay at Geosea.
Day 3: Diamond Circle – Part 2
Explore the Mývatn Region and Goðafoss Waterfall.
- Walk through a landscape of bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles at Hverir Geothermal Area.
- Enjoy the naturally silica-rich water at Mývatn Nature Baths lagoon.
- Explore unique pseudocraters and lava formations along Lake Mývatn‘s shoreline.
- See the horseshoe-shaped cascade of Goðafoss Waterfall, the “Waterfall of the Gods”.
Day 4: Discover Akureyri, the cultural capital of North Iceland
- Visit the striking Akureyrarkirkja church and the city’s botanical garden with over 7,000 plant species.
- Explore Akureyri’s many museums.
Day 5: Tröllaskagi
- Explore fishing villages and dramatic fjords driving along the Troll Peninsula‘s stunning coastline.
Northern Iceland Attractions Map
Use this detailed Northern Iceland map to discover all the must-see attractions and hidden gems along this scenic driving route.
Our road trip of Northern Iceland begins in Egilsstaðir (technically a part of East Iceland).
Egilsstaðir
The largest town in East Iceland, Egilsstaðir is a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Eastfjords and North Iceland. It is a transportation hub with essential services such as grocery stores and fuel stations.
At the East Iceland Heritage Museum, discover the culture and way of life of the region’s people before and after Egilsstaðir was founded in 1947. Learn about the reindeer found here and nowhere else in Iceland.
Egilsstaðir sits on the shore of Lagarfljót Lake, a 25-kilometre-long glacial lake with a depth of over 100 metres. Surrounded by mountains and Iceland’s largest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, the area has several hiking trails, including to nearby Hengifoss waterfall. Its distinctive grey waters are due to glacial sediment carried by the glacial river Jökulsá í Fljótsdal, which originates from the Vatnajökull glacier.
Folklore tells of a mysterious serpent-like creature Lagarfljótsormur living in the lake’s depths. Since the 14th century, numerous sightings have been reported, including a 2012 viral video supposedly showing the creature swimming. Boat tours are available to search for the elusive Lagarfljótsormur.
Just 5 kilometres northwest of Egilsstaðir, relax at a geothermal spa located on Lake Urriðavatn.
Vök Baths
At the unique Vök Baths, relax in the floating, infinity pools just offshore or in the on-shore hot pools. Enjoy drinks from the pool bar while soaking in the warm waters. Cool off with a plunge in the cold waters of Lake Urriðavatn between soaks in the warm pools.
The pools are filled with naturally-heated, spring water from beneath the lake. This warm spring water is certified safe for drinking. A continuous supply of fresh, geothermal water into the pools eliminates the need for chemical treatment.
Enjoy tisane teas made from local herbs and the pure spring water at the on-site tea bar. The Vök Bistro serves cuisine made with organic ingredients sourced locally.
The baths were inspired by ice-free patches on the lake, called “vök” in Icelandic, which indicated geothermal activity.
We enjoyed ending our day relaxing in the infinity pools surrounded by beautiful scenery at Lake Urriðavatn.
We booked our spa tickets ahead of time to guarantee our spots – you can do the same here. From June through August, walk-ins are rarely accepted.
If you have time, enjoy the drive through the Seyðisfjörður Valley of East Iceland.
Seyðisfjörður Valley Drive
The winding, 27-kilometre drive starts in Egilsstaðir and runs to the town of Seyðisfjörður at the innermost point of the fjord of the same name. The road travels over the Fjarðarheiði mountain pass, reaching elevations of up to 620 metres.
See waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys along the route. Several waterfalls are close to the road, have parking areas and are worth stopping at.
About 21 kilometres down the valley, park at the parking area on the right. Follow the gravel trail east along the river to the pretty 7-metre-tall Haífoss waterfall. Cross the bridge for excellent views of the waterfall and Seyðisfjörður, both town and fjord.
A monument to Þorbjörn Arnoddsson is beside the waterfall. Arnoddsson began driving a snowmobile over the treacherous Fjarðarheiði mountain pass in the early 1950’s to break Seyðisfjörður’s winter isolation. The tall main column of the monument represents Arnoddsson himself and smaller columns symbolize those who followed his path.
Stop at the next parking area about 3 kilometres further east. A short, gravel path leads back to Gufu waterfall or the “Steam Falls”. The 27-metre waterfall often creates a heavy mist, perfect for rainbows on sunny mornings. This waterfall and the Haifoss (which we visited earlier) are 2 of the 25 on the river Fjarðará. This river is known for its excellent fishing. Gufufoss was featured in a scene from the 2013 film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, an adventure, comedy-drama film directed by and starring Ben Stiller.
Our drive follows the river into the picturesque fishing town, at the head of the fjord, where the river empties into the fjord.
Seyðisfjörður
The town of Seyðisfjörður, surrounded by mountains, was founded in 1848 by Norwegian fishermen who established herring fisheries in the area. Many of the town’s colourful, wooden buildings date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1906, the first telegraph cable connecting Iceland to Europe made landfall here.
The fjord, formed during the Ice Age, is 17 kilometres long with depths ranging from 22 to 45 metres. The wreck of the El Grillo, a British oil tanker sunk during World War II, lies at the bottom of the fjord. Ships of all sizes dock at the town’s natural harbour.
Seyðisfjörður is one of the country’s main cruise ports and the main ferry port connecting Iceland to Europe. The car ferry terminal’s modern facility serves travellers and vehicles arriving by sea from Denmark and the Faroe Islands, a journey of 2 to 3 days.
The powder-blue-painted Seyðisfjarðarkirkja is on the left side of Bjólfsgata, the street leading to the ferry terminal. This pretty Lutheran church, with the rainbow-painted Norðurgata Street leading to it, is one of Iceland’s most recognizable and photographed buildings. It was consecrated in 1922. In addition to religious services, the church hosts a popular summer musical concert series.
The water of Búðareyrarfoss cascades 60 metres down the rugged eastern cliffside on its way to Seyðisfjörður. While visible from most places in town, a scenic, 300-metre walk from the road gets you closer to this impressive waterfall. Photographers capture spectacular views of the waterfall with the town and the surrounding fjord as a backdrop.
Just to the north is the Technical Museum of East Iceland. The museum showcases the technological evolution and industrial heritage of the region from 1880 to the present day, highlighting changes in lifestyle due to innovations in electricity, communications, commerce, and more. The museum explores the impact of natural conditions and landslides on the area’s development, a continuing regional concern.
The museum itself has been severely impacted by the area’s frequent landslides. In late 2020, two of the original 3 museum buildings were destroyed in a large landslide. Efforts are underway to rebuild in a new location. In the meantime, there are displays inside the remaining building and outside in and around the foundations of the other buildings.
After exploring Seyðisfjörður, enjoy the views driving in the opposite direction back to Egilsstaðir.
About 50 kilometres west of Egilsstaðir, Rjúkandi Waterfall is the 12th tallest waterfall in Iceland. The main waterfall plunges 93 metres in two dramatic drops. Including all the smaller cascades, the waterfall’s total height is 139 metres. While visible from the Ring Road, take the short, easy hiking trail from the parking lot for a closer view. The waterfall’s unique structure divides the cascading water into multiple drops before rejoining near the bottom.
Continue driving west on the Ring Road for about an hour to Route 862. This is the beginning of the Diamond Circle, a popular North Iceland tourist route.
The Diamond Circle
The roughly 250-kilometre route, a quasi-diamond shape on the map, showcases some of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders. Its five main attractions are: Dettifoss waterfall, Ásbyrgi canyon, Húsavík town, Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall.
Geothermal activity is prominent, with colourful mud pools and steaming vents at the Hverir geothermal area. The route passes through the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter.
Drive north on Route 862 to the first major Diamond Circle attraction, Dettifoss.
Dettifoss Waterfall
Located in Vatnajökull National Park, Dettifoss is about 100 metres wide and plunges 45 metres into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It’s an impressive site. With an average flow rate close to 200 cubic metres per second, we felt the ground vibrate as we heard the roar of the falling water.
The sediment-rich glacial runoff, from Vatnajökull glacier, gives the water a distinctive greyish-white colour. While the waterfall is accessible from both the east and west sides of the river, paved access and maintained hiking trails are on the west side. Dettifoss can partially freeze during winter for a unique spectacle.
We walked upstream through the rocky landscape along the wide, Jökulsá á Fjöllum river to the horseshoe-shaped Selfoss Waterfall. In many places, the riverbanks are layered sets of basalt columns. The wide, curved cascade has an 10-metre drop.
We hiked from the parking lot to Dettifoss (1.1 km) and then south to Selfoss. The round-trip hike, including returning to the parking lot, was about 3.5 kilometres. The path is very well defined.
With lots of time, hike further downstream from Dettifoss to Hafragilsfoss. The 27-metre cascade is within the deepest section of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. See clear freshwater from springs joining the milky, glacial river near the falls. Hafragilsfoss is the least visited of the three waterfalls.
To reach the next Diamond Circle attraction, continue north on Route 862 to Route 85. Turn east. The entrance to the Ásbyrgi Canyon section of Vatnajökull National Park is less than 2 kilometres away.
Ásbyrgi Canyon
The horseshoe-shaped canyon is known for its towering cliffs and lush vegetation. Ásbyrgi measures 3.5 kilometres long and 1.1 kilometres wide, with cliffs up to 100 metres high.
Folklore suggests that the canyon’s distinctive shape is the hoof print of Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse.
Geologists believe Ásbyrgi was initially formed by catastrophic glacial flooding of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river after the last Ice Age, 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Its shape was further sculpted into what we see today about 3,000 years ago. The canyon features a rock formation called Eyjan (“The Island”), which divides it for almost half its length.
The modern Gljúfrastofa Visitor Centre has information about the national park’s landscapes, geology, and rich cultural heritage. Exhibits explain the formation of both Jökulsárgljúfur and Ásbyrgi canyons. This is the perfect place to start exploring the Ásbyrgi canyon and its many hiking trails.
Enjoy a hike through the canyon floor’s dense woodland of birch, willow, spruce, larch, and pine trees. This sheltered area’s microclimate allows for lush vegetation uncommon in the region. Trails also lead up to viewpoints on the cliffs.
Botnstjörn Pond, a small lake, sits at the toe of the horseshoe tucked against the base of the canyon wall. It is home to a number of waterfowl species. Relax on the lookout platform’s benches in this peaceful place.
Drive west on Route 85 around the Tjörnes peninsula, known for its dramatic cliffs, unique geological features, and abundant birdlife. The 60-metre-tall Hringsbjarg cliff on the east side of the peninsula offers breathtaking views. Rich fossil deposits dating back from 2 million to 5 million years and fossilized marine shells provide evidence of the area’s past climate and sea level changes. Puffin colonies can be seen on the cliffs during nesting season from April through mid-August.
Húsavík, another Diamond Circle highlight, is the perfect place to overnight after driving around the peninsula.
Húsavík
Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of Iceland”, Húsavík offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The town’s history dates back to 870 AD, making it one of Iceland’s oldest settlements.
Traditionally Húsavík relied on the fishing industry, but whale watching has become a major contributor in recent years. There’s a mix of traditional fishing boats, cruise ships and modern Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) in the busy harbour.
In addition to whale watching, Húsavík is also home to a world-class geothermal spa, the interesting Húsavík Church and a number of excellent museums. This town has a lot to offer, whether you arrive by cruise ship or by car.
Húsavík Whale Watching
This is your chance to see whales in their natural habitat in Skjálfandi Bay. The bay’s nutrient-rich waters attract a diverse array of marine life. Local whale watching tours report over 97% success rates for spotting various species including humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, and white-beaked dolphins.
Traditional Icelandic oak ships and modern RIB boats are used for whale watching excursions. Puffins and other seabirds are often spotted during whale watching tours. The nearby Lundey island, also known as “Puffin Island,” is home to large colonies of puffins.
You can reserve your whale watching tickets online to secure your preferred time and date.
Geosea – Geothermal Sea Baths
Geosea, a geothermal spa north of Húsavík harbour, offers panoramic views of Skjálfandi Bay. There are multiple outdoor, infinity-style pools of naturally-heated seawater with a temperature of 38 to 39°C. Whales may be spotted in the bay and Northern Lights may be seen during winter months, both while relaxing in the warm seawater.
While searching for geothermal water for home heating, the town found hot seawater, rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The water was not appropriate for home heating, but was known for skin-soothing properties so a public bathing spot was created instead.
Geosea, which opened in 2018, uses seawater from two drill holes. The water is continuously circulated using gravity which minimizes power use and maintains a fresh, clean water supply. In addition to the outdoor pools, there is a steam room, and a swim-up bar serving refreshments.
Book a relaxing hot spring experience and skip the stress of last-minute planning.
Húsavík Wooden Church
Húsavíkurkirkja is a charming Lutheran church, built in 1907, in the centre of Húsavík. The church’s design resembles a Swiss chalet, with a white exterior, red trim and a 26-metre-high steeple, which can be seen from almost everywhere in town.
The church was designed by Rögnvaldur Ólafsson, considered by many to be Iceland’s first architect. It is constructed entirely of wood imported from Norway. Admire the detail of the hand-carved wood inside the church. The altar features a painting of Lazarus’ resurrection which incorporates elements of Iceland’s landscape.
Húsavík Museums
Húsavík is home to several fascinating museums that offer visitors insights into the region’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders.
| Name | Known for |
| Húsavík Whale Museum | Houses 11 whale skeletons including a 25-metre blue whale skeleton, with interactive exhibits on whale biology and conservation. |
| Safnahúsið, the Húsavík Museum | Two main focuses. “Daily Life and Nature” is local history (1850-1950) through natural objects and man-made artifacts. Maritime Heritage presents fishing and boat building in the area, from the rowboat to the motorboat. A unique exhibit is a preserved polar bear which arrived on an ice floe in 1969. It is the largest to have ever drifted ashore in Iceland. |
| Exploration Museum | Exhibits covering the history of human exploration, from Vikings to the Apollo astronauts. There are photographs from Apollo astronaut training in the 1960s near Húsavík. |
| Eurovision Song Contest Exhibition | Exhibits dedicated to the contest and the 2020 Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, filmed in Húsavík. Learn about Iceland’s Eurovision competition history, see iconic props and costumes from the film. Enter through the Jaja Ding Dong bar at the Cape Hotel. |
Drive south out of Húsavík on Route 85 for about 10 kilometres. Turn left onto Route 87 and continue south for 17.5 kilometres.
One of Iceland’s largest turf houses, Grenjaðarstaður, is about 5 kilometres west of Route 87 via 853 and 854. There are 14 interconnected buildings, covering 775 square metres, parts of which date back to 1865. The house museum displays approximately 2,000 artifacts providing insight into traditional Icelandic rural life and architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was inhabited until 1949. The site includes a church and cemetery nearby, with a rare runestone dating back to the Middle Ages.
Continue south on Route 85 into the Mývatn region, a major stop on the Diamond Circle.
Mývatn Region
This is an area of volcanic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and diverse wildlife around Lake Mývatn.
The Mývatn area is filled with geothermal activity. It’s being used at the Earth Lagoon Mývatn and is on display at the Hverir geothermal area. The pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar and the unique rock formations at Dimmuborgir are evidence of past activity.
The main settlement is the village of Reykjahlíð, on the shores Lake Mývatn. Its history dates back to the Viking Age. Reykjahlíð offers accommodations and serves as a hub for guided tours of the Mývatn area.
The perfect spot to relax after a day of sightseeing is just 4 kilometres east of the village and a bit off the Ring Road. Enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Earth Lagoon Mývatn.
Earth Lagoon Mývatn
This geothermal spa, formerly known as Mývatn Nature Baths, reopens in Spring 2026 as Earth Lagoon after extensive expansion and re-imagining.
The centrepiece is its large, expanded lagoon filled with naturally-heated water ranging from 36 to 40°C. The modern facility includes a rock steam room which you can swim to from the lagoon, two high-temperature hot tubs, and more room everywhere. The 4,000-square-metre main building includes upgraded changing, locker and spa facilities as well as the new Bistro. The cafe seats 150 people with floor-to-ceiling views of the lagoon and an outdoor seating area during the summer months.
The spa’s alkaline water, sourced from up to 2,500 metres below ground, is rich in minerals and contains silica, believed to be beneficial for the skin. Due to its unique chemical composition, the lagoon does not require any chlorine or disinfectants.
Enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the swim-up bar. On clear, dark, winter nights, the Northern Lights may be visible while soaking in the warm waters.
This popular spot can get crowded, so secure your spa admission early.
A landscape of bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and colourful mineral deposits is 4 kilometres east.
Hverir Geothermal Area
This is a barren, Mars-like terrain with steam vents, mud pools, and mineral-streaked ground. Hissing fumaroles, openings in the ground that emit steam and volcanic gases, are throughout the Hverir Geothermal Area. The mud pots can reach temperatures over 100°C. The ground temperature in some places can exceed 200°C due to intense geothermal activity.
It is a very interesting place to wander but stay on the walking paths and remain outside of roped areas to avoid burns and injury. A small, elevated viewing platform is near the entrance for a vantage point of the entire field if you prefer to avoid walking the uneven ground.
The site is known for its strong sulphur smell, often described as similar to rotten eggs, indicates the presence of hydrogen sulphide. The sulphide steam has, over time, chemically weathered the area and killed all plant life. Along with the yellow sulphur visible around the steam vents, there are other colourful mineral deposits which paint the landscape shades of orange, red, and green.
Hverir was used by NASA as a training ground for astronauts due to its similarities to extraterrestrial landscapes. It was also a filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones. Folklore tells stories of trolls and elves inhabiting the strange rock formations found at Hverir.
If you have time and an interest in more geothermal formations, take Route 863 north from the Ring Road into the Leirhnjukur Geothermal Area. The area is part of the Krafla volcanic system and, like Hverir, is famous for its steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and colourful hot springs. This area is within still-warm lava fields from eruptions as recent as the 1980s so remember to stay on the paths.
A well-marked trail begins at the Leirhnjukur Trailhead parking and goes through an area of colourful mineral deposits from steam vents and black lava fields. The main hike is easy and family-friendly, with options for shorter or longer loops, and typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.
Route 863 ends at another parking area northeast of Leirhnjukur. Aquamarine-coloured Viti Lake fills a crater formed during a violent eruption in the 18th century. Viti Crater is approximately 300 metres in diameter within the much larger Krafla caldera. Hike around Viti crater for panoramic views of the area and the water which changes colour depending on light conditions.
The Krafla system is one of Iceland’s most active volcanic systems. There have been 30 eruptions in the past 1000 years with the most recent in the 1980s. Krafla’s caldera is 10 kilometres in diameter and has a fissure zone 90 kilometres long. The system sits directly on the divergent boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The Krafla Landsvirkjun Panoramic Viewpoint is across from the Leirhnjukur Trailhead parking. See the Krafla Power Station’s massive turbines and steam pipes. The station came online in 1978 and generates 60 megawatts of electricity, utilizing seam from 18 boreholes to drive the turbines. This is enough to power 50,000 homes.
The Krafla Visitor Centre, at the power station, is open daily during the summer. Informative displays discuss geothermal energy production and local geology. In 2026, the visitor centre will be closed due to power station construction.
On Route 860, about 2 kilometres south of the Ring Road, is the small Grjótagjá Lava Cave. A stunning, blue-green thermal pool of crystal clear water is within the cave. Its water temperatures can reach up to 50°C. It was a popular bathing spot until local volcanic activity in the 1970s raised temperatures to unsafe levels. Climbing into the cave is allowed but entering the water is not. The cave gained international fame as a filming location for the TV series Game of Thrones.
Continue south and enjoy a drive around Lake Mývatn on Route 848.
Lake Mývatn
The shallow lake covers 37 square kilometres, the fourth-largest lake in Iceland, but has an average depth of only 2.5 metres. There are over 50 small islands and islets. Lake Mývatn was formed approximately 2300 years ago when lava from a massive fissure eruption dammed a local river. The lake does not completely freeze in winter due to geothermal activity which keeps the ground and water relatively warm.
The lake’s name, Mývatn, means “midge lake” which is a nod to the area’s abundance of small flies. The midges are food for the area’s diverse bird population. Over 115 species of birds nest around Lake Mývatn during the summer months. In particular, there are more duck species here than anywhere else in the world.
Less than 3 kilometres south of the intersection of 860 and 848, turn left (east) and drive to the Dimmuborgir Lava Fields. Explore the labyrinth of towering lava pillars, arches and caves on well-marked hiking trails, ranging from 10 minutes to 2 hours in length. The formations were created during the same volcanic eruption which created Mývatn.
Molten lava flowed over a pre-existing lake. Its upper surface cooled but the heat caused the water below to boil and explode upward creating steam vents in the surface. As the steam rose, the lava around the vent cooled creating a pillar. Eventually, the lava drained away and the solidified surface crust collapsed leaving behind the pillars we see today. Some of the pillars are over 20 metres high.
In Icelandic folklore, Dimmuborgir is believed to be the dwelling place of elves and trolls. The area is associated with the legend of the Yule Lads. 13 mischievous brothers who love to sing, play tricks and tell funny stories. They feature highly in Icelandic Christmas traditions.
Three kilometres further south, stop at the Kálfastrond pillars viewpoint, on the southeastern shore of Lake Mývatn. Enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and the bizarre mushroom-shaped lava formations sprouting up through it. A 2.1-kilometre, circular trail (about 35 minutes) explores the area and visits prime spots to see Harlequin ducks and other bird species.
Continue on Route 848 to the Gígur Visitor Centre (formerly and often referred to as the Mývatn Visitor Centre). Learn about the region’s geologic history, including its lava fields, pseudo-craters, and geothermal areas. Discover the unique ecosystem of Lake Mývatn and its surroundings including information on the lake’s rich birdlife, with over 115 species recorded in the area.
After the visitor centre, explore the neighbouring Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters on a short, 1.5-kilometre, loop trail or a longer 3-kilometre trail. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Mývatn, the surrounding wetlands and its birdlife.
These bowl-shaped depressions are scattered across the landscape and range from a few metres to 50 metres in diameter. Some pseudocraters are grassy hills, while others feature distinct bowls. Unlike true volcanic craters, these formations are the result of steam explosions.
Similar to the formation of lava pillars, lava flowed over wetlands during the creation of Lake Mývatn, trapping water underneath. The water boiled and the pressure caused explosions which cleared the lava above the area, leaving behind a crater. Signs on the trail explain these geologic processes in more detail and the ecological significance of the pseudocraters.
If you are interested in birdwatching, don’t miss Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum. Drive west from the visitor centre for 5 kilometres to the Ring Road. Turn right and drive north for about 9.5 kilometres. Turn right and drive to the museum on the shores of Lake Mývatn.
This unique museum displays over 300 stuffed bird specimens, representing almost all of Iceland’s nesting bird species. There are also 100 different types of bird eggs in the museum’s collection. The museum was the dream of Sigurgeir Stefánsson, a local bird enthusiast who tragically drowned in Lake Mývatn. His collection began when he was a young boy, with his first taxidermied bird. The museum has webcams and tripods set up for birdwatching.
The last attraction of the Diamond Circle tour, Goðafoss, is about a half hour west on the Ring Road.
Goðafoss Waterfall
The Waterfall of the Gods is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall over 30 metres wide. The powerful Skjálfandafljót River drops 12 metres into a wide pool below.
According to legend, the local chieftain, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, threw his pagan idols into the falls after he decided that Icelanders should convert to Christianity.
A trail leads from viewpoints on the east bank, over the pedestrian bridge, to the viewpoints on the west bank. The trail offers different perspectives of the waterfall and the river as it flows away from the falls into a series of small chasms.
Enjoy the open countryside along the Ring Road between Goðafoss and Akureyri, our next road trip stop.
This stretch of road also includes the Vadlaheiðar tunnel, Iceland’s only section of toll road. The tunnel is 7.4 kilometres long and replaced a 21 kilometre section of the old Route 1 through the Víkurskarð pass. The tunnel opened at the end of 2018. The tunnel’s website allows users to pay for their passage up to 24 hours before or after driving through the tunnel.
Akureyri
At the base of Iceland’s longest fjord, Akureyri is the capital of North Iceland. It offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and Icelandic heritage without the crowds of Reykjavík. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the waters of Eyjafjörður, Akureyri has both urban amenities and easy access to northern Iceland’s spectacular landscapes.
The twin 40-metre towers of Akureyri Church dominate the city skyline. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, who also created Reykjavík’s famous Hallgrímskirkja, the Art Deco church’s interior showcases a magnificent 3,200-pipe organ and beautiful stained-glass windows.
A short walk from downtown, the Akureyri Botanical Garden is one of the world’s northernmost botanical gardens, featuring over 7,000 plant species. Wander through beautifully landscaped perennial, rock, and herb gardens. Explore the southeastern corner where more than 400 native Icelandic plant species thrive in this carefully cultivated garden.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Akureyri Museums, a collection of cultural institutions documenting the region’s rich heritage. The main Akureyri Museum presents exhibits spanning from the Viking settlement time to the present day. The Industry Museum showcases the city’s development from a small trading post to an industrial centre through fascinating displays of historic machinery, artifacts and photographs.
Explore beyond these highlights with our comprehensive guide to the Capital of North Iceland.
Leaving Akureyri, continue driving west along the Ring Road. The village of Varmahlíð is a little over an hour away. If your time allows, consider exploring the Tröllaskagi Peninsula.
Tröllaskagi (Troll Peninsula)
The peninsula is known for its peaks over 1,000 metres high, small glaciers left from the Ice Age and stunning coastal scenery. Icelandic horses are often seen roaming free in the valleys. Local folklore speaks of trolls inhabiting the rugged mountains.
The drive around the peninsula will take almost 3 hours, without stopping. To see all of the sites and museums, budget a full day for this drive.
This side trip takes you along the winding coastal road, through small fishing villages. It is one of the most scenic coastal routes in Iceland.
Begin about 10 kilometres from Akureyri, turning north on Route 82. Árskógssandur, on the western shore of Eyjafjörður fjord, is about 20 kilometres away. Iceland’s first microbrewery (2006) Bruggsmiðjan Kaldi Brewery produces high-quality, unfiltered beers using pure Icelandic water and Czech brewing techniques. Enjoy their brewery tours and unique beer spa experience. The beer spa is very popular so consider booking in advance of your visit.
Continue north on Route 82 through the 3.5-kilometre, one-lane Múli tunnel under Mount Múlakolla to Ólafsfjörður at the mouth of Eyjafjörður. Turn right onto Route 76 and drive 16 kilometres (including the 11 kilometre Héðinsfjörður Tunnels) to reach Siglufjörður. This is the most picturesque village on the Troll Peninsula and was once the Atlantic’s herring capital.
Siglufjörður’s Herring Era Museum, Iceland’s largest maritime museum, is in a former herring salting station. Displays include boats, barrels, historic fishing equipment, and exhibits about the nation’s herring industry. The museum discusses Iceland’s economic transformation during the herring boom and the herring stock collapse in 1969.
Continue on Route 76. About 5 kilometres beyond the village, stop at the bright orange, 11-metre-tall, Trollaskagi Lighthouse for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Arctic Ocean.
Continue for 55 kilometres to the village of Hofsós, which is among Iceland’s oldest trading posts, dating back to the 16th century. The Emigration Centre exhibits personal stories and artifacts about many Icelanders who emigrated to North America between 1870 and 1914.
Along the shoreline of Hofsós, the Staðarbjörg Basalt Columns are a natural staircase-like cliff of hexagonal columns. They are similar to those found at the famous Reynisfjara Beach (west of Vík) in south Iceland. The cliff is visible via a short walk from the village’s modern infinity pool.
Three kilometres south of Hofsós, just off Route 76, stands Grafarkirkja, Iceland’s oldest turf church, dating back to the 17th century. A circular turf wall surrounds both the church and its graveyard.
Continue south for 18 kilometres. Turn right onto Route 75 and drive to the village of Sauðárkrókur. Virtual reality and engaging traditional displays bring Viking-age events to life at the interactive museum, 1238 The Battle of Iceland. Its focus is the 1238 Battle of Örlygsstaðir, the largest Viking battle in Icelandic history, and Iceland’s turbulent medieval period.
The Glaumbær Farm & Museum is seventeen kilometres south on Route 75. It is a preserved traditional turf farm showcasing rural life in 18th and 19th century Iceland. The site’s interconnected turf buildings are furnished with authentic artifacts and period interiors. The nearby Glaumbær Church was built in 1926.
Seven kilometres south, Route 75 ends at the Ring Road and Varmahlíð. This small community is well-equipped with basic traveller services.
Ring Road – Drive towards West Iceland
Back on the Ring Road, the landscape transforms as we head towards the west. Before we reach West Iceland, there are two stops that shouldn’t be missed.
Almost 70 kilometres west, turn right onto Route 721. Drive north for 6 kilometres to one of Iceland’s few stone churches, Þingeyraklausturskirkja Church. Consecrated in 1877, its walls are a metre thick. During the summer, see its stunning interior which includes a blue ceiling painted with 1,000 golden stars and a number of other artifacts. Þingeyrar was the site of Iceland’s first monastery, established in 1133. The monastery existed until the Reformation in 1550.
Back on the Ring Road, our final stop is about a kilometre west. Þrístapar marks the site of Iceland’s last executions in 1830. Follow the short walking path lined with plaques explaining the events of and surrounding the 1830 execution of Agnes Magnúsdóttir and Friðrik Sigurðsson. They were beheaded for the murder of two men. The story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir gained international attention through Hannah Kent’s novel Burial Rites published in 2013.
Explore All of our Iceland Road Trip Guides
Discover our complete series of detailed Iceland Guides to help you plan your perfect 7 to14 day adventure.
Main Article: 7 to 14 Day Iceland Road Trip
Part 1: Reykjavík – Explore the Capital City
Part 2: Golden Circle – Geysers, Waterfalls, and Ancient History
Part 3: Westman Islands – Puffins and Volcanic Wonders
Part 4: South Coast Iceland – Black Beaches, Glaciers and Waterfalls
Part 5: Northern Iceland and the Diamond Circle – Geothermal Wonders and Mighty Waterfalls (You’re reading this guide now!)
Part 6: Akureyri – Capital of the North
Part 7: West Iceland – Mystical Landscapes and Hidden Gems
