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Walking Iceland's Diamond Circle

Activity Level

Moderate

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

Visit Iceland’s famed Diamond Circle and journey into the remote north-eastern region, full of intrigue, fire & ice – a nature lovers dream!

Known as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’, Iceland is a land of striking contrasts featuring some of Europe’s largest glaciers and most active volcanoes. Far from the crowds, we’ve designed an itinerary that leads you through the remote regions of north-eastern Iceland where you’re met with vast and alien landscapes around every corner; truly worth the journey to reach this isolated haven.

A walker’s haven, Iceland boasts an extensive network of trails spanning both lowland and highland regions, each area showcasing its unique natural treasures. For our Diamond Circle adventure, we have focused on the lesser visited north-eastern region, with carefully selected bases on the shores of Lake Myvatn and Borgafjordur Eystri. Our itinerary also features the whale watching capital Husavik, the magnificent canyon of Asbyrgi and the unmissable waterfalls of Dettifoss, Selfoss & Godafoss.

The lake region of Myvatn is widely known as The Northern Lights capital of Iceland and boasts incredible geological features along with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. This stunning body of water is dotted with numerous small islands and is known for its tranquillity, abundant birdlife, and volcanic features; the lake and its surrounding area rank among Iceland’s most remarkable natural attractions.

Further east, you’ll find your second base, and the more remote region of Borgafjordur Eystri. Home to just 100 people, yet over 10,000 pairs of Atlantic Puffin, this is unspoiled Iceland at it’s best. Borgarfjordur Eystri is a hiker’s paradise, offering dozens of well-marked trails. The mountains here vary in shape and size, showcasing the full spectrum of Icelandic nature, from black sand beaches and green valleys to the pinkish hues of the mountain ridges.

Key Information

Trip Code: W07IC
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Iceland

What's Included

7 nights accommodation
All breakfasts
Headwater navigation app
Car hire (six days)

Highlights

Uncover the famed sights of the Diamond Circle
Adventure into north-eastern Iceland
Spend two nights in Reykjavik City

Itinerary

First Destination: Reykjavik
Next Destination: Reykjavik

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Reykjavik
Next Destination: Reykjavik

Arrive into the bustling hub of Reykjavik International airport before taking the shuttle bus to Reykjavik City Centre (approx. 1hr).

Surrounded by incredible nature, Reykjavik is a city brimming with life with much to explore. Recharge in one of the city’s 18 geothermal swimming pools, delight in charming street boutiques and intriguing museums, or choose one of the many excursions leaving from the city should time allow. The ocean around Reykjavik is well known as a whale watcher’s paradise and offers unforgettable opportunities to see minke and humpback whales alongside dolphins and porpoises. These tours are also possible from Husavik whilst you’re staying near Lake Myvatn.

Take a short taxi ride (5mins) from your hotel to Reykjavik Domestic airport for your internal flight to Akureyri. Located in north-east Iceland, Akureyri is in one of the longest fjords in the country and is surrounded by mountains reaching 1,500m with the Arctic Circle only 60km away. Here, you collect your hire car and drive to your next base near Lake Myvatn (approx. 1hr).

Before leaving Akureyri, you may wish to visit their beautiful Botanic Garden (the world’s most northerly botanic garden), home to unique Icelandic flora and over 7,000 foreign plants. En-route to Lake Myvatn, we highly recommend visiting ‘Iceland’s Waterfall of the Gods – Godafoss’. A true spectacle, Godafoss has understandably been an inspiration to many of Iceland’s best folklore tales.

Arrive at your hotel in Myvatn and choose from our range of walks nearby between 3km – 15km (level 1 to level 3). Lake Myvatn is home to incredible geological features as well as a wealth of flora and fauna, all created as a result of a massive basaltic eruption. Many locals consider the lake region of Myvatn to be the most beautiful in all of Iceland. From here, you can also visit Namaskard sulphur mud hot springs near Krafla volcano. A breath-taking landscape of natural black rivers and boiling pools emitting steam and smoke; well worth a visit!

Meals included:Breakfast

Choose from our range of walks nearby between 3km – 15km (level 1 to level 3). Walk around Hverfjall Crater, a captivating 140m deep crater reminiscent of an amphitheatre and onto Myvatn Nature Baths where you can bathe in the rich geothermal waters.

Explore Asbyrgi and it’s canyon walk within UNESCO Vatnajokull National Park or venture onto Dettifoss Waterfall; yet another exquisite Icelandic waterfall. Fed by an immense glacier river, Dettifoss ranks as the second most powerful waterfall in Europe with a thunderous average water flow of 190m cubed per second! Nearby, the smaller yet still beautiful Selfoss Waterfall stands, worth a visit in its own right.

Visit the nearby town of Husavik, known as the whale capital of Iceland. Husavik is also the oldest settlement in the country with a flourishing musical culture. We recommend booking a whale watching tour where you’ll have the chance to see up to 23 species of whale, including the Blue Whale, as well as large colonies of puffins in or around the bay.

Meals included:Breakfast

En-route to your next base in Borgafjordur Eystri, we recommend visiting Studlagil Canyon, one of the world’s most enchanting basalt rock formations and an incredible natural wonder overlooking the turquoise glacial river.

Borgafjordur Eystri is a little known and truly unspoilt region (even by Icelandic standards!). Home of the Atlantic Puffin, Borgafjordur Eystri inhabits just 100 people and offers a wealth of fantastic hiking trails and untouched scenery – certainly a hidden treasure away from the tourist track.

Meeting the puffins here is a must! One of the easiest and safest spots to watch puffins, around 10,000 pairs nest here from mid-April to mid-August. There is a shelter and wooden platform where you can get really close to the puffins without the risk of falling into a burrow; sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Meals included:Breakfast

Choose from our range of walks nearby between 4km – 18km (level 1 to level 3). Walk the Brunavik trail, between fjord and mountains with breath-taking views across Eastern Iceland. Discover the Hvannagil Canyon Loop known as the Golden Valley due to its colourful rhyolite canyon home to spectacular rock formations.

Spend your afternoon enjoying more beautiful walks in this remote corner of Iceland or visit the Puffin Harbour in Borgafjordur Eystri.

Meals included:Breakfast

Despite being one of the country’s most stunning attractions, Storurd remained relatively unknown, even to Icelanders, until a few decades ago. However, it has since gained rapid popularity among hikers, who want to experience this unique location beneath the magnificent Dyrfjoll peaks.

Sliding under its own weight, the glacier transported the blocks considerable distances down the valley. The current Storurd landscape was primarily formed by the most recent glaciation of the Ice Age, which ended around 10,000 years ago. When the glacier retreated, these massive stone blocks were left scattered across the valley floor, where we see them today. The vast surroundings provide ample opportunities for exploration and discovery. We have two walk options here: Storurd Circular 17.5km or Storurd Out & Back 11.5km.

Meals included:Breakfast

Depending on your flight times, you can spend the morning exploring more of Borgafjordur Eystri before driving to Egilsstadir airport (approx. 1hr) to return your hire car and fly to Reykjavik Domestic airport.

Enjoy your last night in the capital city of Iceland, in fact the northernmost capital in the world. Despite it’s smaller size, Reykjavik has many superb museums, attractions, restaurants, and an interesting art scene, all easily accessible on foot. Home to over 60% of Iceland’s population, the community are very welcoming to visitors wishing to explore its endless opportunities for adventure.

Meals included:Breakfast

Take the shuttle bus (approx. 1hr) from the city centre to Reykjavik Keflavik airport. Return home with fond memories of your Icelandic Adventure.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Sand Hotel 4*, Reykjavik

An intimate boutique stay, set above a fashionable bakery. Historic connections and contemporary design flair create a stylish and welcoming blend of past and present, in the very centre of the city. In the evenings, guests can relax in the charming bar and lounge area then enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet to start the day.

Sel Hotel 3*, Myvatn

Founded in 1973, this family run hotel was originally a store that sold all kinds of items alongside fast food. In 2000, the hotel was built and the restaurant expanded into the beautiful venue it is today, set on the shimmering shores of Myvatn. The on site restaurant serves local specialities whilst the bar serves their own brewed beer called Mývatn öl crafted in their nearby brewery. Guests can enjoy the wooden hot tubs and sauna as well as a pool table and darts board in the lobby area.

Alfheimar Guesthouse, Borgarfjordur Eystri

This beautiful country hotel has just 32 rooms and is situated close to their family farm. Rooms are simple, yet comfortable and very cosy within this peaceful village, many with stunning views across the natural landscape. Fresh fish and local dishes are served at their buffet restaurant with an emphasis on supporting local, small-scale farmers and fishermen.

Essential Information

Iceland

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Iceland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/iceland
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/iceland
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iceland/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iceland.html

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.