Can I drive the Diamond Circle today?

Updated 11 July 2026Driving

260 km · ~5 h loop from Akureyri · roads 1, 85, 87, 862 — live status below is scoped to this route only.

Short answer

In summer, yes — the northern loop (Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Húsavík on roads 85, 87 and 862) is paved and open. In winter parts of it, especially the Dettifoss road, close for long stretches. The live status below is scoped to the loop itself.

This route, right now

Live frames from the Vegagerðin cameras on and around this route — the fastest reality check there is.

Víkurskarð road camera — live view from Vegagerðin — VíkurskarðThe pass out of AkureyriLive · Vegagerðin

Tjörnes road camera — live view from Vegagerðin — TjörnesRoute 85 around the peninsulaLive · Vegagerðin

Dettifoss road camera — live view from Vegagerðin — DettifossRoad 862 at the waterfall itselfLive · Vegagerðin

Road 862 to Dettifoss is routinely closed or impassable in winter — check before building a day around it. Conditions change within hours — re-check before you leave, and treat a Vegagerðin closure as final.

Frequently
asked questions

Is the Diamond Circle paved?

Yes — the modern loop is paved: route 87 to Húsavík, 85 around Tjörnes to Ásbyrgi, and 862 down to Dettifoss. In winter, paved does not mean open; 862 in particular closes often.

Golden Circle or Diamond Circle?

Different trips. The Golden Circle is a half-day from Reykjavík; the Diamond Circle is a full northern day from Akureyri or Mývatn with bigger, emptier scenery. If you are driving the whole Ring Road, do both.