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Iceland’s Golden Circle might be the nation’s most well-known highway journey, however when you’re the sort of traveller who likes taking the scenic route, the Diamond Circle is your dream detour. This lesser-known loop in North Iceland has equally jaw-dropping geology – however chances are high, you’ll share it with far fewer tour buses! Discover volcanic landscapes, epic waterfalls, effervescent geothermal fields, and even an opportunity to identify just a few whales. It’s distant, it’s rugged, and it’s ridiculously stunning — all of the issues Iceland does finest!
To actually get essentially the most out of a Diamond Circle highway journey, you’ll need the liberty to go off the crushed path and linger within the spots that intrigue you essentially the most. One of the simplest ways to try this? Skip the accommodations and as a substitute hire a 4×4 campervan in Iceland, which offers you complete freedom and adaptability to roam at your individual tempo. Plus, you’ll be waking up proper subsequent to these magical landscapes!
What’s the Diamond Circle Route?
The Diamond Circle is a 250km driving route in North Iceland, beginning and ending close to Lake Mývatn. The route connects 5 main pure sights: Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss waterfall, Húsavík, Ásbyrgi canyon, and Dettifoss waterfall. This fairly brief highway journey provides a compact however various snapshot of Iceland’s geological and pure wonders, from volcanic craters and geothermal fields to highly effective waterfalls and coastal cliffs.
Not like the Golden Circle, which is positioned within the southwest and sees heavy vacationer site visitors, the Diamond Circle is quieter and extra distant, excellent for these searching for a extra “off-grid” journey. Many of the route is paved and simply accessible in summer time months, although some sections (particularly these resulting in Dettifoss) might require a 4×4, notably exterior the excessive season.
How a lot time do it’s worthwhile to drive the Diamond Circle?
Technically, you could possibly do the entire loop in a day, however the place’s the enjoyable in dashing by way of these gorgeous landscapes? To soak all of it in — the sights, the recent springs, the otherworldly lava fields — give your self no less than two days for the Diamond Circle highway journey. Three or 4 is even higher if you wish to linger, hike, or detour into the highlands.
Bonus: when you’re travelling in summer time, you’ve obtained the Midnight Solar in your aspect. Which means lengthy, golden hours to discover with out worrying about beating the darkness. On the flip aspect, when you’re travelling throughout winter, you’ll have fewer hours of daylight, so chances are you’ll must unfold this journey over extra days with a view to see every part!
Instructed Itinerary for the Diamond Circle in Iceland
Cease 1: Lake Mývatn
This volcanic lake seems like one thing straight out of a sci-fi movie: a panorama crammed with effervescent mud pots, pseudocraters, and eerie lava formations. Wander by way of Dimmuborgir’s “darkish castles,” soak on the Mývatn Nature Baths (suppose Blue Lagoon with out the crowds), and maintain a watch out for skittering arctic foxes and swooping birds.
Cease 2: Goðafoss Waterfall
A brief drive west brings you to the legendary Goðafoss, or “Waterfall of the Gods.” Legend says the title comes from a Viking chieftain tossing his statues of Norse gods into the falls after changing to Christianity – dramatic a lot?! The legend is more than likely simply that, nevertheless it’s a great story nonetheless! Carry a water-resistant jacket and your finest slow-shutter images sport.
Cease 3: GeoSea Baths & Húsavík
Húsavíkis the whale watching capital of Iceland. This cute and vibrant coastal city pairs charming harbour life with the luxurious GeoSea sea baths. Think about soaking in heat, mineral-rich seawater as you gaze out at snow-dusted peaks and ocean swells. Summer time is one of the best time for whale watching, notably March to November – e book a ship tour for the possibility to identify minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, puffins, and extra! Visiting exterior of the summer time season? Don’t panic – you may nonetheless spot whales in winter, too: excursions run all through October and November.
Cease 4: Ásbyrgi Canyon
This horseshoe-shaped glacial canyon is claimed to be the hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse (Icelandic myths are by no means boring!). Right here, the towering cliffs shelter peaceable forests – excellent for a serene stroll or picnic. It’s a perfect place to press pause and breathe all of it in.
Cease 5: Dettifoss Waterfall
If Goðafoss is the sleek ballerina of waterfalls, Dettifoss is the rock ’n’ roll headliner. It’s Europe’s strongest waterfall, and standing beside it’s like feeling the earth roar. Simply don’t stand too shut – the mist soaks every part!
Cease 6: Again to Mývatn
Lastly, loop again towards Mývatn to relaxation your legs – and possibly squeeze in a single final soak on the Nature Baths earlier than ending your journey. In the event you’ve obtained time, try the Krafla caldera and Víti crater, each remnants of Iceland’s fiery coronary heart.
Map of the Diamond Circle Route in Iceland
Winter Driving Recommendation for the Diamond Circle
Winter transforms the Diamond Circle right into a snow-dusted dreamscape — nevertheless it comes with additional challenges, so make certain to do your analysis and be ready. Listed here are just a few high suggestions earlier than you go:
- At all times verify highway circumstances by way of umferdin.is
- A 4×4 is crucial.
- Drive with studded winter tyres (verify together with your rental company when reserving)
- Pack emergency provides, together with snacks and water.
- Climate and highway circumstances can change quick: flexibility is your finest journey buddy!
- Some roads, like these to Dettifoss by way of Route 864, could also be closed as a result of snow and ice. In these circumstances, guided tremendous jeep excursions could be a secure and epic different.
Are you planning a highway journey round Iceland’s Diamond Circle? Let me know within the feedback beneath!