Iceland is an adventurous country to visit as it is endowed with some of the world’s most impressive natural attractions which encompasses waterfalls, geothermal pools, active volcanoes, and lots of mountains. While different parts of the country offer different attractions to explore, the Diamond circle located in the northern parts of the country offers some of the most interesting ones that can be easily seen. This 155 miles-long road trip comprises some of Iceland’s most stunning attractions ranging from scenic waterfalls to unique volcanic craters and these are some of the most unique ones to explore.
9 Godafoss
There are so many impressive waterfalls in Iceland and Godafoss is one of the most spectacular. The horseshoe-shaped waterfall stands at a height of 12 meters and is 30 meters wide. The waterfall is particularly popular because of the story attached to it which even led to its current name translating to - Waterfall of the gods. According to the story, this was the waterfall where a pagan priest tossed his Norse god's statues after deciding to become a Christian.
8 Lake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn is a beautiful geothermal lake formed as a result of volcanic activity in the area thousands of years ago. One thing to notice about the lake is its beautiful blue color but besides that, the area is also a great spot for birdwatching. Lake Myvatn got its name from the abundance of insects it attracts so visitors should be sure to come prepared with some insecticide to stay safe from the insects which also include mosquitoes.
7 Dettifoss
The powerful flow at Dettifoss has made it the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. The colossal waterfall rises to a height of 44 m and is 100 meters wide. The waterfall is a spectacular sight to behold as it presents thunderous views and sounds of rushing water as well as flashes of beautiful rainbows. The waterfall can be viewed from the east as well as the west side and visitors should maintain a reasonable distance so they don’t get wet by the spray.
6 Selfoss
Selfoss is a smaller waterfall close to Detiffoss. While the larger waterfall often overshadows this smaller waterfall, it is still a spectacular sight visitors need to check out as it is wider than the mighty Dettifoss even though it is just 10 km high. Selfoss is located just 1 kilometer south of the larger waterfall making it very easy to see at the same time and the best views can be seen from the east side.
5 Asbyrgi Canyon
Asbyrgi Canyon is an impressive horseshoe-shaped canyon located in Vatnajokull National Park. The unique natural formation is approximately 3.5 km long and 1 km wide and is made up of lots of trees which add to its scenery making it a must-see on a Diamond circle road trip.
4 Grjotagja Cave
Grjotagja cave is a place to experience a scenic thermal spring experience. The cave is located close to Myvatn Lake and the difficulty in reaching it is nothing compared to the beautiful sights one will be presented with once in the cave. This scenery is what made it the filming location for a scene in the Game of Thrones series. While bathing seems like a nice thing to do in this cave, the water temperature gets excessively hot thereby causing authorities to place a ban on bathing here to keep visitors safe.
3 Hverir Geothermal Area
Located at the base of Namafjall volcanic mountain, Hverir geothermal area is the right place to witness one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders. The geothermal is located close to Lake Myvatn and is characterized by the smell of hydrogen sulfur, fumaroles, and mud pools. The emptiness of the area and the colors one will be graced with makes it feel like a location on a strange planet. One of the most fascinating things to watch here is the constant shooting of steam into the air from these mud pools.
2 Hverfjall
Hverfjall is a crater located in Northern Iceland. This natural formation is the product of a volcanic eruption that occurred approximately 2500 years ago. The crater is characterized by a diameter of approximately 1 km and walls that rise to a height of more than 200 meters. Travelers feeling adventurous can climb to the top of the crater to see the center of this unique natural creation.
1 Husavik
Husavik is a small fishing village of fewer than 3,000 people located in northern Iceland. It is the oldest settlement in Iceland as it was the first place where a Norseman first settled. The town is a bustling tourist spot and visitors come to eat the delicious food, explore the stunning mountains and landscape, enjoy the exciting music, and also engage in amazing whale watching experiences.