What is the Diamond Circle in Iceland?
Iceland, europe
310 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on Iceland's Diamond Circle Road in the northeast! This loop hits five must-see spots: the dreamy Lake Mývatn, the thunderous Dettifoss waterfall, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, the charming town of Húsavík, and the majestic Goðafoss waterfall.
Starting from Húsavík, perched on the edge of Skjálfandi bay, you'll weave past the awe-inspiring Dettifoss and the serene Lake Myvatn before circling back.
Clocking in at 190 miles (310 kilometers), this road trip is now fully paved (as of 2020!), so you don't *technically* need a 4x4. That being said, if you're planning a self-drive adventure, it's highly recommended to book a 4WD vehicle. Plus, if you're eager to explore the east side of Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls, you'll be navigating a rough, gravel road riddled with potholes.
The Diamond Circle is open year-round, but be warned: winter can bring closures to parts of the loop. Always double-check conditions before you set off, and only tackle it if you're a confident driver.
While the drive itself takes around 3-4 hours without stops, you'll want to budget a full 10-12 hours to soak it all in. Trust me, with landscapes this otherworldly, you'll be pulling over constantly for photo ops!
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 310 km
- Difficulty
- easy
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