Diamond Circle tour from Akureyri: Godafoss, Dettifoss & Mývatn

Two of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls in a single day, plus geothermal mud pools and a canyon with 330-foot cliffs.

The Diamond Circle tour from Akureyri is a full-day route through North Iceland's volcanic region, visiting Godafoss waterfall, Europe's most powerful waterfall at Dettifoss, the geothermal hot springs and mud pools of Lake Mývatn, the horseshoe canyon at Asbyrgi, and the fishing village of Húsavík. The tour includes a lunch pack, air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking guide. Children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Godafoss1h 30m
2. Dettifoss1h 30m
3. Húsavík1h 30m

Explore North Iceland's natural wonders

• Drive from Akureyri to Godafoss waterfall
• View Godafoss from multiple viewpoints
• Drive around Lake Myvatn and stop for photos
• Visit Námaskarð geothermal area with mud pools
• Stop at Dettifoss waterfall viewpoints
• Explore Ásbyrgi canyon and Botnstjorn pond
• Drive to Húsavík and admire harbor and church
• Return to Akureyri and end tour at port

The experience

The route starts with a 30-minute drive from Akureyri to Godafoss, where you walk the trail for viewpoints of the waterfall's elegant drop. From there you move through the Lake Mývatn area: a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions, dotted with dozens of craters visible from the best overlook. The geothermal zone at Námaskaro is where the volcanic activity becomes immediate: boiling mud pools and hot springs release clouds of sulfuric steam, and minerals in the water have stained the rock and soil in strange colors.

Dettifoss comes next, and the scale is the point. Europe's most powerful waterfall hits you from several vantage points, each one showing a different angle of the sheer force. The canyon at Asbyrgi follows: a horseshoe-shaped formation bordered on three sides by vertical cliffs rising 330 feet, with a small forest and pond called Botnstjorn tucked in the deepest part. The final stop is Húsavík, a 20-minute visit to the charming harbor and one of Iceland's most beautiful churches in the village center.

The drive back to Akureyri takes about an hour. A lunch pack with your choice of chicken or vegan sandwich and a water bottle is included, along with WiFi on board the air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s included

• Lunch pack with chicken or vegan sandwich and water bottle.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking guide.
• WiFi on board.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 11 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 65

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by BusTravel Iceland

Is this one for you?Pick this tour if you want full English narration throughout the day to understand the volcanic geology and waterfall stories as they unfold.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years); Child (2 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the drive from Akureyri to Godafoss waterfall?

The drive from Akureyri to Godafoss takes about 30 minutes, and you'll walk the trail there for multiple viewpoints of the waterfall.

What is Dettifoss and why is it on this tour?

Dettifoss is Europe's most powerful waterfall, and the tour visits it to show the sheer scale and force of the water from several vantage points.

What happens at the Lake Mývatn geothermal area?

At Námaskaro near Lake Mývatn, you see boiling mud pools and hot springs releasing clouds of sulfuric steam. Minerals in the geothermal water have colored the rock and soil in unusual shades.

What is included in the lunch pack?

The lunch pack includes a choice of chicken or vegan sandwich and a water bottle.

How long do you spend in Húsavík village?

The stop at Húsavík is around 20 minutes, enough time to walk the charming harbor and see the church in the town center.