Description
Summary
Description
Explore the best of North Iceland on this Diamond Circle tour with a transfer from Akureyri. Travelers who want to visit top North Iceland attractions in less than a day should take advantage of this small-group sightseeing tour.
Your Diamond Circle exploration begins in Akureyri, also known as the capital of the north. Here, you'll meet your expert guide, who'll ensure you have the best experience traveling around the region.
Your tour departs from the Hof Culture Center, but you can also opt for pickup from your Akureyri hotel or the harbor.
Make sure you get the most from your tour by bringing a camera to capture Iceland's scenic landscapes. Wear warm, weather-appropriate clothes and comfortable walking shoes or boots. You can also bring snacks and beverages to keep you energized throughout the day.
Once everything's ready, you'll depart Akureyri and pass through Husavik, a charming fishing town known as one of Iceland's best whale-watching destinations. If you're lucky, you might even spot whales offshore as you travel along the coast.
Your first main stop is Asbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped gorge surrounded by cliffs and leafy woodland. Icelandic folklore says the canyon formed when Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, left its footprint on the earth. You can enjoy views of the dramatic rock formations and peaceful greenery before continuing your journey.
Next, you'll visit Dettifoss Waterfall, one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls. Fed by the Jokulsa a Fjollum glacial river, Dettifoss is about 330 feet (100 meters) wide and drops around 144 feet (44 meters) into a rugged canyon. The enormous volume of water creates a thunderous roar, making Dettifoss an impressive sight to experience up close.
Afterward, you'll head to Hverir, a geothermal area near Lake Myvatn. The landscape here looks almost otherworldly, with steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and mineral-stained ground in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Stay on marked paths, as the ground can be extremely hot.
A short drive away, you'll reach Lake Myvatn, one of Iceland's most distinctive natural areas. The lake is known for its rich birdlife, unusual pseudocraters, and volcanic formations shaped by past eruptions. Its varied landscapes offer a different perspective on the volcanic forces that have shaped North Iceland.
Your final sightseeing stop is Godafoss Waterfall, also known as the Waterfall of the Gods. The water curves across a wide, horseshoe-shaped cascade, dropping about 39 feet (12 meters) into the river below. Its shape and surrounding scenery make it one of the region's most recognizable waterfalls.
If you'd like to relax after a day of sightseeing, you can also consider a visit to the Forest Lagoon near Akureyri, an optional geothermal bathing experience surrounded by woodland.
Your North Iceland tour ends when you return to Akureyri, completing a day of waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and scenic coastal views.
Embark on a memorable trip around the Diamond Circle with a transfer from Akureyri and experience the different sides of North Iceland. Check availability by choosing a date.
