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.
The Diamond Circle offers even more. Discover the astonishing valley of Vesturdalur with the bizarre rock formations of Hljóðaklettar; the otherworldly volcanic fields of Krafla, the geothermal area of Hverir and the black lava formation at Dimmuborgir.
On the Diamond Circle, you could even find some of the hidden corners and forgotten spaces which are just as surprising as the most famous ones: The beautiful Tjörnes peninsula which hides fossils and bird nests, the lush valley of Hólmatungur and the lesser-known locations around Mývatn such as the circular explosion crater Hverfjall and the turquoise warm pool in Grjótagjá.
The Diamond Circle truly is not only a circuit of 250km. It is the chance for an epic and unforgettable adventure that is waiting for you.
Hringsbjarg Cliff
From Hringsbjarg cliff you have a breath-taking view over the mountain range in Öxarfjörður fjord and the black sand beach close by.
This place is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs, breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy the view and tranquillity.
At Hringsbjarg cliff is an observation deck as well as tables and information signs.
Great birdlife.
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Hljóðaklettar
Hljóðaklettar in the canyon Jökulsárgljúfur is a distinctive cluster of columnar rock formations standing at the entrance to Vesturdalur, down by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River. The columns lie at all angles and it’s an entertaining exercise for one's imagination to interpret their patterns.
The road to Hljóðaklettar (862) is closed over the winter months.
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Hólmatungur
Hólmatungur is an expanse of rich vegetation in the Jökulsárgljúfur area, and there are many beautiful columnar rock formations to be found there.
The footpath between Hljóðaklettar and Hólmatungur, alongside Jökulsá á Fjöllum, is among the most beautiful in Iceland. The waters of countless streams bubble up in Hólmatungur, which then tumble over ledges into Jökla. Here you will also find Gloppuhellir cave in Gloppa, which is a very special natural creation.
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Námafjall
At the foothills of this spectacular volcanic mountain is an expanse of hot springs called Hverir that are known for their variety. You will also discover fumaroles, mud pools and mud pots that all seem to be boil with relentless energy. The pass Námaskarð is strategically located at a short distance from the Krafla volcano system as well as other interesting geological spots like Búrfellshraun lava field and the desert Mývatnsöræfi.
Námaskarð earns its notoriety chiefly because of its sulphurous mud springs called solfataras and steam springs called fumaroles. Though you will scarcely find any pure water spring in this wonderful geothermal site of Iceland, the beauty of the colourful minerals defies all comparison. The gigantic size of the mud craters is what makes you go 'wow' at the sight of them.
The other thing that is sure to strike you about Námaskarð is the sheer lack of vegetation. The constant emission of the fumes has made the ground utterly sterile and acidic, unfit to sustain any floras and faunas. You must bear in mind that the fumes can be harmful for humans as well.
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Grjótagjá
Grjótagjá is a small cave in the Lake Mývatn area, and was a popular bathing place at one time. However, geological activity in the period 1975-1984, caused the temperature of the water to rise to such a degree that it has not been possible to bathe there since. But one can always dream ... a peep into the waters and a fertile imagination can conjure up visions of taking a dip in this cosy little cave, as was the custom in the past.
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Hverfjall
Hverfjall has a large, circular explosion crater, about 140 metres deep and with a diameter of 1,000 metres. Hverfjall is one of Iceland's most beautiful and symmetrical explosion craters, besides being one of the largest of its kind in the world. It is estimated that the crater was created during a volcanic explosion and its likely around 2800 - 2900 years old.
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Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir or Dark Cities is an area of randomly strewn lava rocks and cliffs, surrounded by vegetation such as low bushes and plants. Dimmuborgir is a place of surprises with its myriad forms and images, small caves and towering volcanic rock, pierced by natural apertures.
The most famous of these formations is the cave "The Church", aptly named for its dome-like ceiling.
It is not only in summer that Dimmuborgir exerts its charm; a winter visit is also an invigorating experience which must include popping in to see the Yule Lads (Santas) who have settled there and made it their home.
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Höfði
Höfði is a rocky promontory which reaches into the waters of Lake Mývatn. The view from here is good, giving a vista of the lake's coves and inlets, besides being an excellent site for bird watching. Kálfastrandarvogur bay laps the shores of Höfði and is famous for its unusual lava formations both off and onshore and these rocky outcrops, named Klasar and Kálfastrandarstrípar, have done much to earn Kálfastrandarvogur and Höfði their reputation for being among the most beautiful areas around Mývatn.
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Skútustaðagígar
Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters were formed by gas explosions, when boiling lava flowed over the wetlands. The craters are a popular site for birdwatchers and are protected as a natural wetland conservation area.
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Víti
Víti is a huge explosion crater, about 300 metres in diameter. The crater was formed during a massive volcanic eruption at the start of the famous Mývatn Fires in 1724. The eruption continued more or less non-stop for 5 years and Víti's bubbling cauldron of mud boiled for more than a century after that. Víti is situated near Krafla and there is a tarmacked road leading up to it from highway 1.
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Selfoss waterfall
The waterfall Selfoss is in the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum and is only a few hundred meters south of Dettifoss waterfall. It is 10 meters high but very wide.
It is ideal to park in the car park by Dettifoss and take an easy walk to the two waterfalls. There are more beautiful natural phenomena in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon such as Hljóðaklettar and Hólmatungur.
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