Many of Iceland´s most popular attractions are in the Northeast. We are proud of having countless beautiful gems in the region which includes the Diamond Circle area (Lake Mývatn - Dettifoss waterfall- Ásbyrgi canyon-  Húsavík - Godafoss). Diversity is characteristic of the region, where you can see all kinds of scenery with the exception of glaciers. For a closer look, you can view www.northiceland.is or browse the web. Scroll down to see a selection of our favorite attractions.

The Lake Mývatn area appeals to both nature and bird lovers with its distinctive and colourful landscape that boasts many attractions. It is the fourth largest lake in the country, dotted with islands that provide ideal nesting grounds for a rich bird life, including duck species such as Barrow’s Golden Eye and the Harlequin duck. Bizarre lava formations, bubbling hot springs, pseudo craters, tephra craters, table mountains, wetlands and birch forests together form a unique landscape of incredible beauty and variety. The Mývatn Nature Baths are a recognized health spa and an experience no one should miss.  Relax in the lagoon, surrounded by the wonderous nature of Mývatn and enjoy a sauna or hot tub.

Dettifoss is Iceland's largest and most powerful waterfall. Up to 212 tons of icy water pour thunderously every second over a rocky edge so that visitors feel the quiver and shake of the very earth underfoot. Dettifoss is located in the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum which flows forth northwards from the icecap of Vatnajökull and finally ends its course in the vast canyon of Jökulsárgljúfur before emptying into Öxarfjörður Bay.
The whole area is a part of Vatnajökull National Park.

Askja is one of the large, highly active Icelandic volcanoes, a caldera, situated in the remote part of the highlands. In the caldera is a lake named Öskjuvatn, the second deepest lake in Iceland, which radiates a sense of mystique. In close proximity lies Lake Viti, a small, turquoise coloured crater lake with warm, opaque waters. Brave visitors can take a dip there. A ride to Askja through the vast lava fields of Ódáðahraun is always a unique adventure. 

In 1965 and 1967 two groups of Apollo astronauts travelled to Iceland to study geology and train for the first moon landing. Highlight of the journey was a trip to Askja.

A national park was established in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and the surrounding area in 1973. When Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008, Jökulsárgljúfur became a part of it. For thousands of years, Jökulsá á Fjöllum, one of Iceland's largest glacial rivers, has been flowing from under the glacier Vatnajökull, winding its way through a diverse landscape until it merges with the sea in Öxarfjörður Bay. On its long journey the river has carved numerous chasms into the highland bedrock. This magnificent landscape was mainly formed by volcanic activity with help from gigantic glacial floods. The park offers scenic attractions including Ásbyrgi gorge, the Hljóðaklettar basalt rock formation, a lush green area at Hólmatungur and – last but not least – the great waterfalls Dettifoss, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss.

Another one of Iceland’s legendary, fascinating wonders is Ásbyrgi, a lovely horseshoe-shaped enclosure surrounded by towering cliff walls. It is situated at the north end of Jökulsá á Fjöllum canyon and serves as a gateway to the national park. There are good hiking opportunities in the area, a fascinating pond and lush forests.

Húsavík, the oldest settlement in Iceland, used to be a quiet fishing and farming community. However, in the last few decades it has turned into a bustling, ever-expanding modern town, mainly thanks to innovative entrepreneurs who set up whale watching tours in 1995 which have helped make Húsavík the “Whale Watching Capital of Iceland”. The Whale Museum, the colourful harbour, GeoSea baths, the timber church and the botanical gardens are Húsavík´s other main attractions. Whale watching in Húsavík has become an increasingly popular activity for visitors to Iceland. Humpback and minke whales are the most commonly sighted whales in Skjálfandi Bay, but from time to time other species, even the majestic blue whale, make an appearance. These tours also offer an opportunity to observe birdlife and natural scenery. GeoSea is a marvellous spa in Húsavík, located in a stunning setting close to the lighthouse on a cliff´s edge, where one can enjoy a vista of Skjálfandi Bay and the mountain range. Spouting up from two drill holes, the spa´s mineral-rich hot sea water  has a temperature of 38°-39°C (100° to 102° F). 

Goðafoss is one of the larger and more popular waterfalls in Northern Iceland, especially renowned for its unique shape, its surrounding basalt rocks, and its remarkable history, which is intertwined with the Christianization of Iceland. Goðafoss is situated in the river Skjálfandafljót, a glacial stream which has its origin in Vatnajökull, one of the largest glaciers in Europe. Its water color changes, depending on the season and weather conditions. Ranging from a bright turquoise or light green to an opaque greyish-brown, the river´s everchanging hues lend its appearance a majestic air.

Akureyri, often called “The Capital of the North”, is the second largest town in Iceland and scenically situated at the fjord Eyjafjörður. Historically, Akureyri has been an important industrial town, as well as a port and fishing center. Nowadays, Akureyri is a lively community with a population of around 18,000, boasting a number of schools, a university, a large hospital, and cultural institutions of all kinds. Interesting places to visit include the decoratively laid out Botanical Gardens, various museums, and the church of Akureyri. 

Þeistareykir is a dormant central volcano situated between Húsavík and Krafla. To its south lies Gjástykki, a fissure zone of Krafla volcano. The high-temperature geothermal field at Þeistareykir offers a variety of colourful mud pots and fumaroles nested in the lush green landscape as well as a geothermal power plant.

Set in Raufarhöfn, one of the most remote and northernmost villages in Iceland, where the Arctic Circle lies just off the coast, the Arctic Henge is in the process of being built up and currently under construction. Similar to its ancient predecessor, Stonehenge, the Arctic Henge functions as a huge sundial, aiming to capture the sunrays and cast shadows at precise locations and capture the light between aligned gateways both at daytime and night. The opening between the pillars points towards the main compass directions, allowing, for example, the midnight sun to be seen from the south gate through the middle column and the north gate. From the Arctic Henge’s location, the view spans 360° with nary a mountain, wall or other man-made object to disrupt the profound sense of infinity to be found there.

Grenjaðarstaður turf house is one of many treasures in the National Museum´s building collection. The huge turf building is over 700 square meters large, more than 150 years old, and was inhabited until 1949. It functioned as a parsonage and thus provides an insight into the living conditions of people who were better off as well as a glimpse of the daily lives of Icelanders for decades: their work, their diet, and their community. As you enter the turf house, you get a perfect chance to study the building methods and materials, being mostly turf and lava stones. 

The Diamond Circle can be described as a magnificent circuit of 250km in the Northeast of Iceland, which includes some of the most stunning sights and spots for unearthly landscapes.

The Diamond Circle has 5 key destinations which include the historical and picturesque Goðafoss, the unearthly blue and green landscapes of Lake Mývatn nature paradise, the uncontrollable white energy of Dettifoss the most powerful waterfall of Europe, the crescent-shaped wonder of Ásbyrgi canyon and Húsavík the buzzing whale capital of Iceland with the deep blue seas ahead.

This service can be booked by contacting our office at + 354 464 3940 or sending an email to info@fjallasyn.is or fjallasyn@fjallasyn.is

Diamond Circle

Many of Iceland´s most popular attractions are in the Northeast. We are proud of having countless beautiful gems in the region which includes the Diamond Circle area (Lake Mývatn - Dettifoss waterfall- Ásbyrgi canyon-  Húsavík - Godafoss) www.diamondcircle.is. Diversity is characteristic of the region, where you can see all kinds of scenery with the exception of glaciers. For a closer look, you can view www.northiceland.is or browse the web. Scroll down to see a selection of our favorite attractions.

Attractions in Northeast Iceland | Fjallasýn

See what Northeast Iceland has to offer

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Diamond Circle