Diamond Circle Myvatn Waterfalls, and Husavik from Akureyri Tour

Northern Iceland packs a remarkable amount into one day. This tour takes you from Godafoss waterfall to sulfur vents, volcanic craters, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, a huge horseshoe canyon, and the fishing town of Húsavík. It is a big route, but it gives you a strong taste of the region without renting a car.

I especially like the range of scenery and the fact that transport, a guide, Wi-Fi, and a basic lunch are included. Guides such as Ivy, Harold, Una, Ritchie, and Unnur have added local stories, music, humor, and practical timing advice. The main drawback is the amount of time spent on the bus, along with an itinerary that can change because of weather, crowds, opening hours, or cruise-ship schedules.

Key points to know before booking

• Godafoss gets a proper visit: You have time to walk between viewpoints and frame the falls from different angles.
• Dettifoss is the dramatic centerpiece: The waterfall’s force and scale make this one of the day’s most powerful stops.
• Námaskarð feels like another planet: Expect boiling mud pools, steam, sulfur smells, and mineral-stained ground.
• Ásbyrgi rewards the long drive: Its steep, horseshoe-shaped cliffs and Botnstjorn pond offer a calmer contrast to the waterfalls.
• Húsavík is a short photo stop: The village, harbor, church, and Eurovision film connection are appealing, but you may have only about 20 minutes on the ground.
• Bring extra food and serious rain gear: The included lunch is usually a sandwich, and northern Iceland weather can change fast.

A long northern Iceland loop from Akureyri

The tour begins at Gránufélagsgata 50 in Akureyri and lasts about eight hours. You travel in a bus with up to 65 people, so this is a group sightseeing day rather than a quiet private outing.

The route covers a great deal of ground. That is its strength and its weakness. You see places that would take careful planning and many hours of driving to connect on your own, but you also spend long stretches seated on the bus. The route may run in reverse, and exact stop times can shift.

I like this format for a first visit to northern Iceland, especially if you are based in Akureyri or arriving by cruise ship. You can check off the main sights without worrying about road conditions, navigation, or parking. If you prefer long hikes, unhurried meals, or time at every viewpoint, the pace may feel tight.

Several guides have earned especially warm praise for keeping the day lively. Ivy has been described as friendly and energetic, sometimes adding puffin stops and even live music with her father. Harold has mixed local facts with Icelandic music stories, while Una has been praised for keeping everyone on schedule with a firm but good-natured approach. Ritchie has used WhatsApp to share updates and photographs. Your guide will vary, but the quality of the day depends heavily on that person.

Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods

After roughly 30 minutes on the road, the first major stop is Godafoss. This broad waterfall drops in a curved, powerful sweep, with several places to view it from above and beside the river.

The planned visit is about 90 minutes, which is generous compared with several later stops. You can walk the marked trails, try different angles, and take your time with photographs. The falls are impressive in any weather, though wind and rain can make the paths slippery and photography harder.

This is a good opening stop because it gives you an immediate sense of Iceland’s scale. You do not need a strenuous hike to reach attractive viewpoints, and the free admission keeps the tour price focused on transport and guiding rather than entrance fees.

Bring a waterproof outer layer even if the morning looks mild. Spray from the falls is only part of the problem. The weather can shift quickly across northern Iceland, and conditions later in the day may be far colder than they were in Akureyri.

Lake Mývatn and the marks of old eruptions

The route continues toward Lake Mývatn, an area shaped by volcanic activity. Dozens of craters and unusual formations surround the lake, creating some of the most distinctive scenery in northern Iceland.

The scheduled visit is about an hour, usually centered on a viewpoint and a short photo stop. Do not expect a full circuit of the lake or a long walk through every crater. On some departures, the lake has been more of a drive-by than a stand-alone stop, so you should treat this part of the day as a scenic overview rather than a full Mývatn visit.

That limitation matters if Lake Mývatn is high on your personal list. The region has enough to fill a separate day, including other volcanic formations and bathing options that are not part of this excursion. Here, you get a useful introduction before moving to the geothermal area at Námaskarð.

Námaskarð, steam vents and sulfur air

At Námaskarð, the scenery turns stark and colorful. Boiling mud pools bubble in the open ground, hot springs send up sulfurous steam, and minerals stain the earth in shades of yellow, orange, gray, and red.

This is not a green, postcard-style Iceland stop. It is bare, rocky, and full of strange textures. The smell of sulfur can be strong, especially when the wind drops. Stay on the marked paths and follow the guide’s instructions, since the ground around geothermal features can be dangerously hot.

The planned stop is around an hour, though the time can feel short if you want to photograph every pool. You may also find that the bus schedule leaves little room for lingering. Wear shoes with a firm sole and keep your camera protected from rain and blowing steam.

Dettifoss, the day’s great display of force

Dettifoss is the major reason many people choose this tour. Often described as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, it is wider, rougher, and more forceful than the elegant Godafoss.

The river surges over a broad edge into a dark canyon, throwing up spray and a constant roar. Several viewpoints give you different ways to appreciate it, from the full wall of water to closer views of the gorge. The scale is difficult to capture in a photograph, so give yourself time to stop looking through the camera.

About 90 minutes is allocated here, though some departures have allowed less time than expected. I would happily trade a little time at a less essential stop for extra minutes at Dettifoss. The walk to viewpoints can also take longer in wet or windy conditions, so keep the meeting time in mind.

A sandwich and bottle of water are provided after the Dettifoss portion of the day. That is useful, but it is not a substantial meal. Bring a refillable water bottle and extra snacks such as fruit, nuts, or energy bars. There may be limited chances to buy food, and a long day in cold weather works up an appetite.

Ásbyrgi, the horseshoe canyon

The drive to Ásbyrgi adds to the length of the day, but the canyon is a fine reward. Massive cliffs rise on three sides, reaching about 330 feet, while the curving shape gives the place a sheltered, almost enclosed feel.

The canyon is linked with Icelandic stories and is home to bird life. In its deepest section, Botnstjorn pond offers a quiet contrast to the spray and thunder of the waterfalls. The planned visit is around 90 minutes, giving you time to walk a little and take in the cliff walls.

Ásbyrgi is especially valuable because it changes the mood of the tour. After geothermal ground and powerful rivers, you get a slower, more peaceful scene. Still, this is not a full hiking day. You should expect a brief walk and viewpoints rather than an extended trek through the canyon.

The road connections make this stop difficult to fit into a short independent visit from Akureyri. That is where the tour earns much of its price. You are paying not only for a seat, but also for access to a wide northern loop that would involve substantial driving and careful timing.

Húsavík, a brief harbor look

Húsavík is known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital and is one of the country’s prettiest small fishing towns. This tour does not include whale watching. Instead, the bus normally allows a short stop to see the harbor, the town center, and the striking church.

The description of the day gives Húsavík around 90 minutes, but that figure includes the drive from Ásbyrgi and the onward journey. Actual time in town may be only about 20 minutes. On some departures, the bus has simply driven through because of a festival or a schedule change.

That is important for anyone hoping to visit the bar or other locations connected with the film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. You may have enough time for photographs, but you should not book this excursion expecting a relaxed Húsavík visit.

The town is still a pleasant final glimpse of Icelandic coastal life. If it is your main goal, book a dedicated Húsavík outing instead. If it is one small piece of a much larger day, the stop works well enough.

What the $214 price gives you

At $214 per person, this is not a cheap bus ride, but the value is reasonable for the distance covered. Round-trip transport from Akureyri, an English-speaking guide, onboard Wi-Fi, and a simple lunch are included. You also avoid the cost and stress of hiring a car for a long route through changing weather.

All the main nature stops listed here have free admission. That means the price is mainly paying for the vehicle, driver, guide, fuel, planning, and the ability to connect distant sights in one day.

The value is strongest for cruise passengers and people using Akureyri as a base. It is also good for anyone who wants a broad introduction to the region without committing to a multi-day road trip. The value is weaker if you mainly want one location in depth, especially Húsavík or Lake Mývatn.

The simple boxed lunch is best viewed as fuel, not a full café meal. If you have dietary needs, contact BusTravel Iceland directly before departure and confirm the arrangement. A special request made through a booking platform may not reach the local operator clearly, so do not rely on a note alone.

Timing, cruise ships, and finding the bus

If you arrive by ship, allow time to find the correct vehicle. Akureyri’s cruise terminal can have many buses nearby, and the local operator’s name may be easier to spot on your confirmation than on the bus itself. Look for BusTravel Iceland and verify the pickup details before leaving the ship.

Most of the day’s problems come from timing rather than the sights. A late departure, a fuel stop, slow boarding, or a group member returning late can push the return beyond the estimated eight hours. One departure arrived about 80 minutes later than expected, while others returned comfortably before the ship’s all-aboard time.

For a cruise day, I would book this only when the operator confirms that the timing fits your ship. Do not assume a promised waiting time is guaranteed unless it is clearly confirmed in writing. The tour may also be cancelled if the minimum number is not reached or if weather makes the route unsafe.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Weather-related cancellations offer a different date or a full refund, and a cancellation caused by insufficient bookings also offers a rebooking option or refund.

What to pack for this eight-hour outing

I would pack more than the tour description suggests. Take a water bottle, extra snacks, waterproof trousers, a rain jacket, gloves, and a hat. Layers matter because you may begin in mild weather and finish in freezing wind and horizontal rain.

Wear sturdy walking shoes. You are not signing up for a major hike, but you will walk around waterfalls, geothermal ground, and canyon viewpoints. Keep your camera and phone in a waterproof bag.

The bus has Wi-Fi, which can be handy during long drives, but do not let it distract you from the views. The scenery between stops is part of the experience, especially as the road shifts from green farmland to volcanic ground, canyon country, and the coast.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this tour if you want to see as many major northern Iceland sights as possible from Akureyri in one day. It suits first-time visitors, cruise passengers with enough time in port, and anyone who prefers a guide and shared transport to a long self-drive.

It also works well for you if waterfalls and geothermal features are the main draw. Godafoss, Námaskarð, and Dettifoss provide three very different visual experiences, while Ásbyrgi adds a quieter stop and Húsavík supplies a short coastal finish.

I would hesitate if you need a relaxed pace, have limited mobility for uneven outdoor paths, or want a meaningful amount of time in Húsavík. The group can be as large as 65 people, and the schedule is built around covering distance rather than stopping whenever a view catches your eye.

Should you book the Diamond Circle tour from Akureyri?

Book it if your priority is breadth. For $214, you get a full day of northern Iceland scenery, with transport taking you to places that are hard to combine independently in a single outing. The strongest parts are Godafoss, Dettifoss, Námaskarð, and Ásbyrgi.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a long bus day, the lunch is modest, Húsavík may be only a 20-minute stop, and the exact route can change. Confirm cruise timing, bring plenty of food and waterproof clothing, and contact the operator directly about dietary requests.

With those limits understood, this is a practical way to see the broad sweep of the Diamond Circle from Akureyri. Just make sure you are choosing a full day of highlights, not a slow visit to any one place.

FAQ

How long does the Diamond Circle tour from Akureyri last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, though the actual return time can vary because of weather, traffic, fuel stops, late departures, and the pace of the group.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Gránufélagsgata 50, 600 Akureyri, Iceland, and returns to the same meeting point. Cruise passengers are dropped back at the port area.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from Akureyri is included, along with onboard Wi-Fi.

Which sights are included?

The route includes Godafoss, Lake Mývatn, Námaskarð, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, and Húsavík. The order may change.

Does the tour include whale watching in Húsavík?

No. Húsavík is visited as a short sightseeing stop, but whale watching is not included.

How much time do I get in Húsavík?

The stop in Húsavík is described as around 20 minutes, although the wider timing shown for that section includes driving. The exact stop may change.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A basic lunch is provided, generally a sandwich and a bottle of water. Bring extra snacks and confirm vegetarian or other dietary needs directly with BusTravel Iceland.

How large is the group?

The tour can have a maximum of 65 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Weather or minimum-booking cancellations may result in a different date, another experience, or a full refund.