North Iceland Diamond Circle Loop
Fly to Akureyri and loop through Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, and whale watching in Húsavík.
By flying in and out of Akureyri, you skip the long drive from the south and focus entirely on the north's volcanic geothermal areas, canyon waterfalls, and whales. Spend two nights in Lake Mývatn or Húsavík, leaving the longest drive for Day 3. This is ideal for repeat visitors who have already done the South Coast, or as an extension after a short stopover in Reykjavík.
In winter, the northern sections of Routes 864 and 862 are often closed; the return from Ásbyrgi must be rerouted via coastal Route 85.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Akureyri
Akureyri & Lake Mývatn（Akureyrarkirkja、Hafnarstræti (Akureyri)、Akureyri Botanical Garden、Forest Lagoon）
Fly from Reykjavík in about 45 minutes, pick up your car at the airport and drive 5 minutes to town; the hot springs are right next to the tunnel.
Stay: Akureyri
Day 2 · Goðafoss & Lake Mývatn Loop
Akureyri & Lake Mývatn（Goðafoss、Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters、Dimmuborgir、Hverfjall、Grjótagjá、Mývatn Nature Baths）
Drive from Akureyri along Route 1 to Lake Mývatn, about 85 km (1 hour); the loop around the lake is about 40 km.
There is no toll booth at the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel; you must pay online within 24 hours of passing through.
Stay: Mývatn · Reykjahlíð
Day 3 · Geothermal Volcanoes to the Grand Canyon
Akureyri & Lake Mývatn（Hverir (Námaskarð)、Krafla & Víti Crater、Dettifoss、Selfoss、Ásbyrgi）
Drive east from Lake Mývatn, turn onto Route 862 north to Ásbyrgi, then follow Route 85 to Húsavík. The total drive is about 200 km.
The northern section of Route 862 includes gravel roads; drive slowly after rain.
Stay: Húsavík
Day 4 · Whale Watching & Return to Akureyri
Akureyri & Lake Mývatn（Húsavík Whale Watching、GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths）
Take a whale watching boat in the morning for about 3 hours, then drive back to the airport in the afternoon, taking about 1 hour.
Whale watching tours are subject to sea conditions, so do not schedule your flight too early.