Diamond Circle Myvatn Waterfalls, and Husavik from Akureyri Tour

The big draw here is simple: in about eight hours, you see a remarkable slice of northern Iceland. Godafoss and Dettifoss deliver two very different waterfall experiences, while Myvatn, Namaskard, and Asbyrgi add volcanoes, steam, cliffs, and wide-open views. This is a lot of Iceland for one day.

I like the round-trip transport, which leaves you free to watch the scenery instead of wrestling with Icelandic roads. I also like the range of stops: boiling mud pools, a horseshoe canyon, puffins in some departures, and a quick look at Husavik. The drawback is the pace. You spend many hours on the bus, and the advertised stop lengths do not always match the time you actually get on site.

The essential facts before you book

• Godafoss begins the day with easy viewpoints: You have time to walk around both sides of this broad, photogenic waterfall.
• Dettifoss is the raw power stop: Its scale and roar make it one of the day’s strongest moments, though some people want more than the allotted time.
• Namaskard is strange and colorful: Boiling mud, sulfur steam, and mineral-stained ground create a scene unlike the waterfalls.
• Asbyrgi takes you away from the crowds: The horseshoe canyon, high cliffs, and Botnstjorn pond bring a quieter change of pace.
• Husavik is a short stop, not a whale-watching trip: You can see the harbor and church, but you will not have time for a whale-watching excursion.
• The day depends heavily on the guide: Ivy, Harold, Ritchie, Una, Unnur, Omar, and others have received warm praise, but one poor guide can make the tight schedule feel much harder.

Why this northern Iceland route is worth a full day

At $214 per person, this is not a cheap bus ride. It is, however, a practical way to connect sights that are spread across northern Iceland without renting a car, navigating changing weather, or paying for fuel and parking. The route reaches places that are difficult to combine independently in one day unless you are comfortable with a long drive and strict timing.

The tour is especially useful from Akureyri, where a single day gives you access to the Diamond Circle area. You see waterfalls, volcanic formations, geothermal ground, a canyon, and a fishing town rather than repeating the same type of stop.

The format also suits cruise passengers. Pickup begins at Gránufélagsgata 50 in Akureyri, with return to the same meeting point or port area. Still, give yourself extra care at the start. The cruise terminal can have many buses parked together, and finding the correct vehicle has caused confusion. Look for the local operator, BusTravel Iceland, rather than relying only on the booking platform name.

The group can reach as many as 65 people. That keeps the price below a private outing, but it also means that every minute matters. A guide has to gather a large group, explain meeting points, and keep people moving. A strong guide makes this feel organized. A weak one can make the day feel like a series of hurried exits and returns.

Godafoss gives you room to find your view

About 30 minutes after leaving Akureyri, the bus reaches Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. This is a broad, curved fall where water pours over a low horseshoe of rock. It is not the tallest waterfall on the route, but it is one of the easiest to appreciate quickly.

You are given roughly 90 minutes here, making it one of the more generous stops. Use the time to walk between viewpoints rather than taking one photo and heading back to the bus. The different angles change the shape of the falls, and the short walking trails help you get away from the first viewing area.

Godafoss is also a good early test of the weather. Wind and rain can make the paths slippery, so a waterproof jacket and shoes with a firm sole are useful. The stop is free, and you do not need special hiking ability to enjoy it.

Myvatn shows Iceland’s volcanic side

The drive around Lake Myvatn brings a very different setting. The area was shaped by ancient eruptions, and the ground is marked by volcanic craters and unusual formations. The planned stop is a short overlook for photographs, not a long lakeside walk.

This is one place where you should read the schedule with caution. On some departures, Lake Myvatn has been little more than a drive-by or brief photo stop. If you are booking mainly for a close look at the lake, you may find the time disappointing. If you see it as part of a broad regional tour, the stop works better.

The view itself is worthwhile because it gives you a sense of how large and varied the Myvatn area is. You see a wide volcanic basin rather than a single dramatic feature. The bus ride through the area also provides changing views, though you will want to keep your camera ready because the stop may be short.

Namaskard feels like another planet

At Namaskard, the ground becomes barren, orange, yellow, and gray. Boiling mud pools bubble beside steaming vents, and sulfur hangs in the air. The minerals in the geothermal water stain the soil and rock, giving the area its harsh colors.

This is one of the most memorable stops because it does not look like a normal valley or mountain pass. You can watch the mud churn and see steam drift across the ground. The smell of sulfur is strong, so do not expect a gentle hot-spring experience. This is raw geothermal activity, not a bathing stop.

You have about an hour here. That is usually enough to walk around the main area and take photographs, but some departures have felt rushed. Stay on the marked paths and listen closely to the guide’s instructions. The hot ground and steam are not just scenic details.

Bring water for this section. The combination of wind, geothermal air, and a long day outside can leave you thirstier than expected. A small sandwich and bottle of water may be supplied later, but many people find that extra snacks are useful.

Dettifoss is the day’s thunderous centerpiece

Dettifoss is billed as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and the claim feels believable when you reach the viewpoint. The falls are wide, gray, and forceful, with water crashing into a deep gorge and spray rising above it. This is not a delicate waterfall. It is a display of weight and noise.

The stop lasts about 90 minutes on paper. In practice, the walking time, group movement, and distance between viewpoints can reduce the time you spend simply looking at the falls. I would make this a priority stop: get your first view quickly, then decide if you have time for another vantage point.

The path can be rough and exposed. Weather changes quickly in this part of Iceland, and wind-driven rain can arrive even after a bright morning. Pack gloves, a hat, and waterproof trousers if you have them. A warm layer under a waterproof shell is more useful than a single heavy coat.

Dettifoss is also where the day’s lunch arrangements matter. A small boxed meal has been included on some departures, often a sandwich and water. It is a useful gesture, but it is not a full lunch with fruit, crisps, or dessert. You may eat on the bus to protect sightseeing time. Bring additional food if you tend to get hungry during long outings.

Asbyrgi Canyon brings a quieter change of pace

After the waterfall’s noise, Asbyrgi Canyon feels almost peaceful. The vast horseshoe-shaped canyon is enclosed on three sides by cliffs rising as high as 330 feet. At the deeper end is Botnstjorn, a calm pond surrounded by greenery and bird life.

This stop gives the day some balance. The waterfalls are about force and scale, while Asbyrgi rewards you with stillness and shape. You can take in the cliffs, look for birds, and enjoy a less frantic setting.

The stop is listed at about 90 minutes, though the actual time can vary. The canyon is large, so you cannot see every part of it during a short visit. Treat it as a chance to appreciate the main formation rather than a full hike through the area.

Some departures have also made brief stops near cliffs to see puffins. That is a welcome bonus, but it should not be treated as guaranteed. Wildlife stops depend on the route, season, timing, and what the guide can safely arrange without throwing off the schedule.

Husavik is a quick look at Iceland’s whale town

Husavik is known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital, but this tour does not include whale watching. The stop is meant for a short look at the harbor and the town’s church, with a connection to the Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.

The published timing can be misleading. The itinerary gives Husavik a total block of about 90 minutes, but much of that includes the drive from Asbyrgi and the onward drive to Akureyri. Actual time in town may be around 20 minutes. Some departures have even driven through without a proper stop because of a festival or changing conditions.

That is enough time for a few photographs and a quick look at the harbor. It is not enough time to settle into a café, visit the movie locations at leisure, or eat a full meal. If Husavik is your main reason for booking, choose a dedicated town or whale-watching trip instead.

The return drive to Akureyri takes about an hour. This final stretch can feel long after a full day, but it also gives you time to rest and watch the northern coast pass by.

The guide can make or break the schedule

The most warmly praised guides have been friendly, clear, and good at keeping the group moving. Ivy has been singled out for making extra puffin stops and even adding live music with her father. Harold has been praised for entertaining talks about Icelandic musicians. Ritchie used WhatsApp to share updates, facts, and photographs. Una was appreciated for being firm about departure times while adding myths and local stories.

Those details matter on a route this long. You need someone who explains where to meet, how long you have, and what will happen next. You also want a guide who can make a long bus ride feel connected to the places outside the window.

The experience is not perfectly consistent. One departure had a guide who was described as rude and disorganized, with short stops and missed or altered sights. Another returned more than an hour late after a fuel stop and poor time control. These incidents do not define every departure, but they show why the guide’s approach matters so much.

The itinerary may also run in reverse. That can help avoid crowds or fit the weather, but it means you should not expect the exact order shown in the schedule. The best approach is to focus on the sights included, not the sequence.

The long bus day requires sensible packing

You will spend a large part of the day seated on the bus. That is the trade-off for reaching Godafoss, Myvatn, Namaskard, Dettifoss, Asbyrgi, and Husavik in one outing. If you dislike long drives, a more focused tour with fewer stops may suit you better.

Pack for four seasons in one day:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers, hat, and gloves
• Sturdy shoes with good grip
• Water bottle
• Extra snacks, especially fruit or something salty
• Phone or camera with enough battery

Wi-Fi is available onboard, which helps during the long drives, though you should still keep your attention on the scenery when the weather clears. A mobile ticket makes boarding simple once you have found the right bus.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can take part, but the day involves walking outdoors at waterfalls, geothermal sites, and the canyon. The group size can reach 65, so anyone who needs extra time at stops should think carefully about the pace.

What the $214 price really buys you

The value is strongest if you want maximum coverage and do not want to drive. Transport between distant sights, an English-speaking guide, onboard Wi-Fi, and a basic lunch offering are bundled into the price. You also avoid the stress of Icelandic weather, unfamiliar roads, and calculating how long you can safely spend at each stop.

The value is weaker if you want long walks, quiet time, or a relaxed meal. You are paying for breadth, not depth. The tour touches six major places, but some receive only a short visit, particularly Lake Myvatn and Husavik.

Compared with a cruise excursion, the price can be appealing, especially for a full day with several major sights. But cruise passengers must be careful about timing. One departure left people behind after the ship docked later than expected, despite prior communication about the pickup. Confirm the meeting instructions and allow time to walk from the ship to the bus area.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Weather or low enrollment can also cause a cancellation, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund. If you need a vegetarian sandwich or have another food requirement, contact BusTravel Iceland directly before the day. A request entered through a booking platform may not reach the operator clearly.

My verdict: book it for range, not relaxation

I would recommend this tour if you have one day in Akureyri and want to see as much of northern Iceland as possible without driving. The combination of Dettifoss, Namaskard, and Asbyrgi is the strongest reason to go. Godafoss is easy to enjoy, and the occasional puffin stop adds a lovely surprise.

I would hesitate if your priorities are a long visit in Husavik, a full exploration of Lake Myvatn, or a slow lunch. The tour is ambitious, and the real stop times can change. It is also wise to book only if you can handle a long bus ride and accept that weather may reshape the route.

Choose this experience for variety, convenience, and a big northern Iceland overview. Skip it for a slower day built around one waterfall, one town, or a dedicated whale-watching trip.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The listed meeting point is Gránufélagsgata 50 in Akureyri. The activity ends back at the meeting point, with the return drive dropping cruise passengers near the port area.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including driving between the sights.

Is whale watching included in Husavik?

No. Husavik is included as a short sightseeing stop for the harbor and church. There is not enough time for a whale-watching excursion.

Is lunch included?

A small boxed meal may be provided, generally a sandwich and bottle of water. Bring extra snacks and water, since this may not be enough for the entire day.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English, with an English-speaking guide.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.