Private 4-Day North Iceland Tour of Akureyri, Myvatn, and the Diamond Circle from Reykjavik

Day 2 of your guided excursion in North Iceland begins with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a pick-up to continue your exploration of the region. Today, you travel the Diamond Circle, a scenic route packed with waterfalls, lava fields, and geothermal wonders in North Iceland.

Your first stop is Godafoss, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” According to Icelandic legend, the waterfall got its name when Viking leader Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into it after converting to Christianity.

Today, the waterfall dazzles with its 98-foot (30-meter) wide horseshoe-shaped cliff, where icy waters plunge into a turquoise pool. Godafoss is a breathtaking sight that’s a must-see on any North Iceland tour.

Lake Myvatn follows, its volcanic landscape brimming with its otherworldly geothermal landscapes. Explore dramatic volcanic craters, steaming geothermal vents, and flocks of birdlife during summer, shaping Iceland’s unique scenery.

Then, wander through the twisted rock formations of Dimmuborgir Lava Fields. Legend says that this expansive formation is the home of the Yule Lads, playful trolls central to Iceland’s holiday traditions.

At Namafjall Geothermal Area, you’ll feel like you are walking on Mars. Boardwalks guide you past bubbling mud pots and mineral-streaked earth in shades of yellow, white, and grey. The colors and hissing steam make it one of the most active geothermal spots in Iceland.

Your guide will take you next to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Place your hand on the cliffs and feel the tremor of millions of gallons of water crashing below. The sheer volume and force of the waterfall and the surrounding Jokulsargljufur Canyon make this unforgettable.

A short drive brings you to Asbyrgi, a massive horseshoe-shaped canyon believed in folklore to be formed by a Norse god Odin’s horse, Sleipnir. Surrounded by cliffs and filled with birch trees, it offers a peaceful contrast to the raw power of Dettifoss. A small lake called Botnstjorn sits at the base, where ducks and seabirds nest during summer.

After your North Iceland tour, you have the option to add a relaxing soak at Earth Lagoon Myvatn. Here, milky blue geothermal waters soothe tired muscles while surrounding mountains complete the view.

By evening, relax at your accommodation in the region after a day exploring North Iceland’s stunning landscapes. In winter, cap the night with a magical northern lights hunt right from the hotel.

Begin your morning surrounded by the towering cliffs of Asbyrgi Canyon, where nature and legend meet. After yesterday’s first glimpse, you’ll have time to explore its trails and learn how volcanic eruptions shaped nearby Skjalftavatn Lake.

From Asbyrgi, head west toward Husavik through mossy lava fields, windswept plains, and distant valleys framed by towering peaks. From the road on clear days, you’ll see Skjalfandi Bay in the distance, a deep blue fjord that borders this remote part of North Iceland.

Arrive in the coastal town of Husavik, often called the whale watching capital of Iceland. But there’s more to this charming town than its harbor. Husavik charms immediately with its colorful timber houses and welcoming atmosphere.

You can see the striking Husavikurkirkja, a wooden church that has become one of the town’s most photographed landmarks. You’ll have time to stroll the Viking-style harbor, explore small museums or artisan shops, or simply take in the view over a hot drink at a cozy cafe.

For those seeking adventure, you can join a whale watching tour from the harbor. Husavik is known for regular sightings of humpback, minke, and blue whales during summer, making this a great destination in Iceland for whale watching.

After your visit, the journey to Akureyri brings more scenic views along the Eyjafjordur Fjord. Rolling farmland, quiet fishing villages, Icelandic horses grazing near the roadside, and seabirds tracing the coastline make the drive memorable.

Throughout your exploration, your guide will share exciting stories and trivia about Iceland and the attractions you visit. Feel free to ask them questions to enrich your trip.

Arriving in the evening, take time to relax or enjoy local dining in Akureyri. In winter, continue your North Iceland tour with a northern lights chase from Akureyri. If visiting in summer, you can enjoy the longer daylight hours.

Before heading back to Reykjavík, enjoy a relaxed morning in Akureyri. This lively town offers more than just great coffee and views. It’s a fitting farewell to Iceland’s northern capital before the scenic drive back south.

You can start the day with a stroll through Akureyri Botanical Garden, one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. Despite its Arctic location, the garden is impressively lush, featuring native Icelandic plants alongside species from around the globe.

A short walk uphill leads to Akureyrarkirkja, the town’s iconic church designed by Guðjón Samúelsson. From its steps, you’ll get panoramic views of Eyjafjordur Fjord and the colorful rooftops below.

If you missed the whale-watching tour yesterday in Husavik, this morning is a great chance to join one of Akureyri’s whale-watching trips.

You will leave Akureyri around 10:00 AM and begin the scenic drive back south. Cross the highland plateaus and take in rugged lava fields, snow-capped peaks, and sweeping plains. As you descend into Borgarfjordur, the scenery shifts from wild wilderness to peaceful farmland.

One of the highlights along the drive is Hraunfossar, a series of delicate waterfalls streaming through black lava fields. The water flows into the Hvita River, which can appear turquoise or milky white depending on the light.

Just above it lies Barnafoss, a dramatic waterfall rushing through a narrow, rocky gorge. Its name means “Children’s Falls,” tied to a legend about two children who drowned while crossing a natural stone bridge. The waterfall’s force and the story give this stop an eerie but fascinating feel.

A short drive from there brings you to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. A viewing platform lets you safely experience the rising steam and intense heat as boiling water shoots from the ground. It's a striking reminder of Iceland’s geothermal energy at work, and nearby greenhouses use this water to grow vegetables all year round.

You will arrive in Reykjavik between 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or your preferred location in the capital, wrapping up your North Iceland adventure full of memories and a few hundred photos.