Diamond Circle Tour with Wild North Iceland and Hidden Gems

One of the most iconic waterfalls in North Iceland, Goðafoss impresses with its powerful horseshoe shape and turquoise glacial waters flowing from the mighty Vatnajökull - the largest glacier in Europe.

This place is not only breathtaking, but also deeply rooted in Icelandic history. According to legend, in the year 1000, when Iceland decided to adopt Christianity, the lawspeaker Þorgeir threw the old Norse gods into this waterfall - giving Goðafoss its name, meaning “Waterfall of the Gods”.

Standing here, you can feel both the raw power of nature and the spiritual energy of the past. It’s also one of the best photography spots in the region - especially when sunlight creates rainbows in the mist rising from the falls.

Húsavík is a charming coastal town, widely known as the best place for whale watching in Europe. Located on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, it has become a top destination for wildlife and nature lovers.

This is home to the famous Whale Watching Center and the Whale Museum, offering insight into the fascinating world of these incredible animals. One of the town’s landmarks is the wooden Húsavíkurkirkja church, one of the most iconic churches in Iceland.

Húsavík also gained international attention from the movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, which was partly filmed here.

A short walk around the harbor lets you experience authentic Icelandic coastal life and - with a bit of luck, you might even spot whales from the shore.

This is a lesser-known stop along the route, located near the Tjörnes Peninsula, where you can experience the raw nature of North Iceland.

With a bit of luck, you may spot puffins nesting on the nearby cliffs from late May until mid-August. Watching them in their natural habitat, right above the ocean, is a truly special experience.

The area offers peaceful surroundings, open space, and dramatic coastal views - a perfect place to pause and enjoy Iceland’s wild nature.

Ásbyrgi is one of the most unique places in North Iceland - a massive canyon shaped like a horseshoe, best appreciated from above.

According to Icelandic legend, the canyon was formed when Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, touched the ground with one of its hooves. Whether you believe the story or not, the place carries a truly special and almost magical atmosphere.

It is also one of the few places in North Iceland where you can find a natural forest of Icelandic birch trees. In contrast to the island’s often raw and open landscapes, Ásbyrgi offers a sense of calm, shelter, and quiet.

Walking through the trees and beneath the towering canyon walls, you experience a softer, greener, and surprisingly peaceful side of Iceland.

Dettifoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, where you can truly feel the force of nature. You can hear it from a distance, and as you get closer, the energy becomes overwhelming - the mist often leaves you slightly wet.

On sunny days, a rainbow appears above the falls, sometimes even two, creating a stunning contrast with the dark canyon. This is also one of the filming locations for Prometheus.

Just a few minutes away lies Selfoss - a calmer, wider waterfall on the same river, offering a completely different perspective of the landscape.

This place makes you feel as if you’ve stepped onto another planet - a landscape unlike anything you see in everyday life.

The ground is filled with intense colors: yellows, oranges, reds, and greys, created by sulfur and mineral deposits. Around you, hot mud bubbles, steam rises from the ground, and natural geothermal vents are constantly active, creating a dynamic and living landscape.

It is one of the most active natural geothermal areas in North Iceland, where you can see up close how energy emerges from beneath the earth. In some places, temperatures just below the surface exceed 100°C.

You may notice natural geothermal gases in the air - a clear sign of the ongoing activity beneath your feet.

This is a place that engages all your senses and stays with you long after the visit.

On the way back to Akureyri, you will have the opportunity to admire the unique landscape of Lake Mývatn and the surrounding raw nature of North Iceland. It is a calm moment to enjoy the views and end the day surrounded by beautiful scenery.