Why this ride
Volcanic landforms, exposed roads and strong destination anchors. It also links naturally to Vatnajokull National Park.
CURVESCOUT / MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Diamond Circle
Plan this ride
- Recorded distance
- 152 km
- Riding-time estimate
- 2 h 22
- Journey
- Recorded itinerary
Distance and timing basis
The recorded total and the leg detail need reconciliation. Inspect the leg notes before using this record for timing or navigation. Stops, delays, approach and any separate return travel add time. Basis: producer-declared routed record.
Reading history stays on this device. My road watch requires a separate selection; opening it does not subscribe this ride.
Distance and riding time are measured on the routed road. Check local closures and conditions before you ride.
Access context
Check road.is daily. F-roads need legal vehicle access and suitable ADV equipment. Specific flag: gravel; weather.
Seasonal context
Jun-Sep
Waypoint introductions and full write-ups
1. Akureyri
Akureyri calls itself the capital of the north, and with a bit under eighteen thousand people it is the second city of Iceland by some margin. It lies at the head of Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in the country, with steep snow-streaked mountains rising straight from the water on both sides. The air is sharper than in Reykjavik and the winters are colder and drier, and in summer the town has a gentler, greener feel than most of the island. The church, a tall concrete building designed by the architect Guðjón Samúelsson and completed in 1940, stands above the town at the top of a flight of steps, and its stained glass includes a window rescued from a church in Coventry after the war.
Read the complete Akureyri write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Akureyri sits at 0 km, early in the day. Next is Húsavík.
2. Húsavík
Húsavík is the town that decided to make whales its trade and has done very well from the decision. It sits on the shore of Skjálfandi bay in north Iceland, facing across the water to the snowy peaks of the Tröllaskagi range, and a row of brightly painted wooden boats waits at the harbour for visitors. The bay is one of the best places in Europe to see humpback whales, along with minke whales, porpoises and sometimes blue whales, and tours run from spring to autumn, sailing out on old oak fishing boats. Many boats provide warm overalls, and you will be glad of them.
Read the complete Husavik write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Húsavík comes up 53 km in. Next is Akureyri.
3. Akureyri
Return visit. Read the place description above.
Read the complete Akureyri write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
152 km in you reach Akureyri.
Recorded source links
More motorcycle rides nearby
- Arctic Coast Way (719 km) · 595 km
- Iceland Ring Road: Myvatn to Blonduos · 220 km
- Diamond Circle from Húsavík · 263 km
- Arctic Coast Way: Siglufjordur to Raufarhofn · 284 km