Diamond Circle Tour with Wild North Iceland and Hidden Gems

11 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This is not a standard Diamond Circle tour. It is a full-day journey through one of the most powerful and remote regions of North Iceland, designed for those who want to experience something real - not just see the highlights.
You will travel in a small, comfortable group, which allows for a more personal atmosphere, better timing and space to truly take in each place.
From the raw force of Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, to the quiet, almost mythical atmosphere of Ásbyrgi canyon, this route reveals the wild contrasts of Iceland’s north.
There is no rushing and no rigid schedule. The day flows naturally, shaped by the weather, light and conditions, so you can experience each location at its very best.
Beyond the well-known stops, I focus on timing, atmosphere and hidden details - the kind of moments most tours simply miss.
This is a long and immersive day, but one that stays with you long after it ends.

What's Included

WiFi available on board
Meals

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pickup is available from hotels, port, airport and other locations in Akureyri area.
If you have a specific pickup request, please contact me after booking - I will do my best to accommodate and pick you up from your preferred location.
Exact pickup time will be confirmed after booking.
Please be ready at your selected pickup location at the scheduled time.

OR
Meeting point
Hof Cultural and Conference Centre

Meeting point: Hof Cultural Center, Akureyri. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before departure time. Your guide will be waiting at the entrance on the street side , not by the waterfront side.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 11 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Godafoss

    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.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Husavik

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Tjornes Peninsula

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Asbyrgi

    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.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Hljooaklettar

    Hljóðaklettar is one of the most unique places in North Iceland - a landscape where nature has truly played with form. What you see today are the remains of ancient volcanic craters and vents, later exposed by powerful glacial floods and the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. Over thousands of years, water sculpted the cooled lava into incredible basalt formations - spirals, columns, arches, and patterns that often look more like art than geology. As you walk through the area, you can get very close to these formations and see how lava and water worked together to shape this landscape. The name “Echo Rocks” comes from the unique acoustics of the area, where sound reflects in unexpected ways. It’s a place that sparks imagination - everyone sees something different.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Dettifoss Waterfall

    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.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Viti Crater

    The Víti crater lake is located within the still-active Krafla volcanic area. On the way, you can already notice signs of geothermal activity - we pass the Krafla power plant, and the surrounding landscape features yellow-brown hills and lava fields. Subtle, but clear indicators that volcanic processes are still present beneath the surface. At the site, you stand on the edge of a crater formed during an eruption in 1724, now filled with a lake that changes color depending on the light - from deep blue to turquoise, sometimes even milky. It’s a simple yet very distinctive place - raw, calm, and different from other stops along the route.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Namafjall Hverir

    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.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Akureyri

    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.

    2 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time. This helps us start smoothly and often allows us to reach the first locations before larger crowds.
  • The tour does not require a high level of physical fitness, and participation in each stop is optional. If at any point you feel that you need a break, you can stay in the vehicle and adjust the pace of the tour to your comfort.
Supplied by Viltour Iceland - Private Tours

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
4WD Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Outback Tours
Shore Excursions
Port Pickup

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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