Join your private driver-guide for an 8-hour taste of Iceland’s legendary Diamond Circle.
Departing from Akureyri, you’ll visit the majestic Goðafoss waterfall, explore the otherworldly Hverir geothermal fields, wander through the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, and then return refreshed to town—all at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.
Highlights of Our Diamond Circle Express Day Trip
Private hotel pick-up and drop-off in Akureyri
Spectacular Goðafoss waterfall vistas
Surreal steam vents and mud pots at Hverir
Enchanting lava formations in Dimmuborgir
Customizable route and flexible photo stops
Our Diamond Circle Express Day Trip Itinerary
All our day trips are fully customizable. Below is our suggested route—just let us know if you’d like to add extra stops, adjust timing, or arrange a special lunch break.
Goðafoss Waterfall
Your private driver will collect you from your accommodation in the morning as your journey begins with a scenic drive east of Akureyri to Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.”
From the viewing platform, admire the horseshoe-shaped cascade as it plunges into a deep gorge, sending up a fine mist that catches the light. Your guide will recount the saga of how Goðafoss earned its name during Iceland’s conversion to Christianity and point out geological features—like aged basalt ledges and layered lava flows—that hint at its volcanic origins.
Take your time capturing wide-angle panoramas and close-up details before boarding the vehicle for the next stop.
Hverir Geothermal Area
Next, venture into the lunar-like landscape of Hverir, where steam vents hiss and mud pots bubble amid vibrant mineral-stained earth.
Traverse the raised boardwalks as your guide explains how superheated groundwater rises through fissures to create this steamy spectacle. You’ll see ochre, rust, and sulfur-yellow hues painting the soil and learn about the subterranean forces at work beneath your feet.
Between the surreal visuals and the pungent sulfur scent in the air, Hverir offers a full sensory immersion into Iceland’s geothermal heart.
Dimmuborgir Lava Labyrinth
From steaming vents to solid rock, Dimmuborgir awaits, its towering lava pillars and archways carved by ancient lava flows.
Step into this “Dark Castles” realm and wander narrow corridors flanked by spires that resemble ruined fortresses. Your guide will share folklore about hidden elves who dwell among the stones, weaving myth into the geology. Photograph cathedral-like vaults and bulbous lava formations, then pause in quiet clearings where light filters through cracks overhead.
Return to Akureyri
After Dimmuborgir, settle back into the vehicle for the return drive to Akureyri.
As you follow the fjord-lined roads back to town, your guide will recap the day’s highlights—Goðafoss’s gentle roar, Hverir’s steaming cauldrons, and Dimmuborgir’s lava labyrinth—and answer any lingering questions.
Enjoy final glimpses of North Iceland’s dramatic terrain before arriving at your accommodation, concluding a seamless and unforgettable Diamond Circle Express adventure.
