
Diamond Circle Road is an epic adventure in Iceland
Iceland, europe
310 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Ready for an epic Icelandic adventure? Then you NEED to check out the Diamond Circle Road in the northeast! This loop is an absolute must-do, hitting five of the most incredible spots in northern Iceland: the otherworldly Lake Mývatn, the thunderous Dettifoss waterfall, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, the charming town of Húsavík, and the majestic Goðafoss waterfall.
Starting in Húsavík, nestled on the coast, this 190-mile (310 km) route will wind you past these unbelievable sights before looping you back. And the best news? The whole thing is paved as of 2020! But hold on, while a 4WD isn't *strictly* necessary, you might want to consider one, especially if you're planning to explore the east side of Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls – Route 864 there is a bumpy gravel road.
You can technically tackle the Diamond Circle year-round, but winter can throw a wrench in the plans with road closures. So, always double-check conditions before heading out, and maybe only experienced drivers should take this on in those conditions.
Think of it as the Ring Road's cooler, slightly wilder cousin. It's a super popular tourist route for good reason: unreal landscapes await around every bend! If you drove non-stop, it would take only 3-4 hours, but who does that? Realistically, set aside 10-12 hours to soak it all in. Trust me, you’ll want to!
Where is it?
Diamond Circle Road is an epic adventure in Iceland is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 66.0677, -18.2345
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 310 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 66.0677, -18.2345
Related Roads in europe
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Athamanika
🇬🇷 Greece
# Athamanika: Greece's Alpine Adventure Ready for a serious adrenaline rush? Athamanika is calling your name. This stunning mountain peak towers at 2,142m (7,027ft) in the Arta region of Epirus, Greece, and it's genuinely one of the country's most thrilling drives. The route winds through the breathtaking National Park of Tzoumerka, Peristeri and Arachthos Gorge—think dramatic gorges, alpine meadows, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Fair warning though: this isn't your typical highway experience. The entire road is unpaved, rugged, and seriously steep in places. A 4x4 is basically non-negotiable here. Vertigo sufferers? You might want to reconsider. The narrow trail hugs the mountainside with some seriously exposed sections that'll test your nerve (and your grip on the steering wheel). During wet weather, things get properly dicey—that muddy surface becomes a slippery beast that demands serious driving skills and respect. The 25 hairpin turns between Charakopi and Kedros offer technical driving at its finest. Each switchback brings new perspectives of the surrounding landscape, but they also require concentration and careful navigation. This is the kind of road that separates casual weekend drivers from adventure seekers. It's magnificent, it's challenging, and it's absolutely unforgettable—if you've got the skills and the guts to handle it.
extremeWhen was Engaña Tunnel built?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in northern Spain lies the Túnel de la Engaña, a seriously epic, never-finished railway tunnel. This beast stretches for nearly 7 kilometers, carving its way between Burgos and Santander through the Cantabrian Mountains. Picture this: you're surrounded by breathtaking views, ready for an adventure. But hold on a sec — this isn't your average Sunday drive. Built between 1941 and 1959 (can you imagine the stories those walls could tell?!), the tunnel was meant for a railway that never materialized. Now, it's a relic of a bygone era, and Mother Nature is reclaiming her territory. Think "dark and spooky" meets "utter disrepair." Seriously, parts of the ceiling collapsed in '99 and '05, leaving behind piles of debris. Some sections are flooded, and there's always the risk of more landslides. It's definitely not for the faint of heart, and vehicles can't get through. So, if you're planning a hike, be warned: navigating this tunnel on foot requires some serious nerves and a healthy dose of caution. But if you're brave enough to venture into the depths, you're in for a wild, unforgettable experience. Just remember to watch your step – and maybe bring a flashlight!
hardWhen do F-roads open?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Iceland's F-roads: When Can You Tackle Them? Dreaming of exploring Iceland's wild highlands? You'll need to navigate the famous F-roads – unpaved gravel tracks that lead to the country's stunning interior. But when can you actually drive them? The F-roads are usually open once the snow melts, typically between early June and late July. Most roads open by early July. Keep in mind, river levels and road construction can affect things, but snow is the main factor. "Impassable," "closed," and "no winter service" all mean different things, so stay informed! Colder weather and heavy snow will delay openings. Warmer springs speed things up. The roads deepest in the highlands open later. And when do they close? Usually between late August and mid-October, with closures most common in late September as the first big snow hits the highlands. These roads are rough and unpaved, but they lead to incredible, crowd-free scenery! Opening dates depend on weather, snow, and location, but aim for June-July. As summer fades, the F-roads close to explorers.
hardDriving the road to Silzer Sattel is not a piece of cake
🇦🇹 Austria
# Silzer Sattel: A Wild Alpine Climb in Tyrol Looking for an exhilarating mountain pass experience? Silzer Sattel (also called Sattele) is your answer. Perched at 1,692 meters (5,551 feet) in Austria's Ötztal valley, this pass delivers serious switchback action and stunning Tyrolean scenery. The 11.5 km route—known as L309—starts from Haiming and winds its way northeast toward Ochsengarten, with a convenient parking area waiting at the top. The whole thing is paved, which is great news, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's easy. You're looking at an average gradient of 10.4%, with some gnarly sections hitting 13.6% that'll really test your car's brakes and your nerve. Expect 11 hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes through the curvy sections. The main ascent clocks in at 9.7 km from Haiming, climbing a chunky 1,010 meters of elevation. It's a proper cardiovascular workout for your vehicle. Good news: the pass stays open year-round, so you can tackle it in most seasons. That said, winter can throw curveballs with occasional closures, so check conditions before you head out if you're visiting in the colder months. This is one of those passes that rewards confident drivers with unforgettable alpine vistas and the satisfaction of conquering some serious elevation gain.