Nestled in the untamed landscapes of northeastern Iceland, Dettifoss Waterfall stands as a force of wonder—a colossal waterfall that commands attention and awe. Brace yourself for the thunderous roar, feel the cool mist on your face, and immerse in a sensory symphony of water and rock as the mighty Jökulsá á Fjöllum river plunges into the depths below.
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What is Dettifoss?
Dettifoss is a majestic waterfall located in Vatnajökull National Park, in Northeast Iceland. It is renowned for being the most forceful waterfalls in Iceland. With its impressive volume and breathtaking natural surroundings, Dettifoss is a must-visit natural attraction in Iceland.
Its stunning display of cascading water attracts visitors year-round, making it a highly popular destination in Iceland.
You can access Dettifoss from two different sides, East and West side. Keep reading to find out which side is best for you!
Is Dettifoss The Most Powerful Waterfall in Europe?
Dettifoss Waterfall stands proudly as a formidable waterfall within Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland. Renowned as the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, it follows closely after the mighty Rhine Falls, located in Switzerland.
Dettifoss, however, is double the height of Rhine Falls and it’s arguably the most impressive waterfall in Europe, when we refer to size and flow. Here is a comparison between Rhine and Dettifoss:
| Rhine Falls | Dettifoss | |
| Width | 150 meters (492 feet) | 100 meters (330 feet) |
| Height | 23 meters (75 feet) | 44 meters (144 feet) |
You don’t want to miss the best waterfalls in Iceland? Check out Aldeyjarfoss and Kvernufoss!
How to Get to Dettifoss?
Dettifoss is located in Northeast Iceland, in the Vatnajökull National Park. It’s not far from the Mývatn Lake area. Here are the distances from Iceland’s major cities:
Start by heading northeast on Route 1 (Ring Road), which is the main road around Iceland. Continue on Route 1 until you reach the turnoff for Route 862 (West Side) or Route 864 (East Side), both of which lead to Dettifoss.
Route 862 takes you to the West Side, and it is paved, while route 864 is more rugged and unpaved, leading you to Dettifoss East Side.
From Reykjavik: Dettifoss is around 470 kilometers (292 miles) from Iceland’s capital city.
From Akureyri: Around 135 kilometers (84 miles) away. Expect the route to take you about 2 hours.
Below you can find the exact locations of Dettifoss, East and West Side:
Dettifoss West Side
Dettifoss East Side
Parking Facilities at Dettifoss
There is a huge parking area at Dettifoss, on the West Side. The parking is completely free of charge, and it is entirely paved.
On the East Side, the parking is still spacious but much smaller than the one on the West Side, and it’s unpaved. It’s located at the end of a gravel road.
Dettifoss: East Side vs West Side
So, you decided to visit Dettifoss. Which side do you choose?
If you’re thinking about doing both, here’s some bad news for you. There is no bridge nor any ways of crossing the river in the proximity of the waterfall. The drive from the East Side to the West Side is at least 60km (37 miles) long, half of which on dirt roads.
If you have plenty of time it’s definitely something you can do, but is it worth spending all this time to visit the same place twice? Especially considering all the stunning places there are in Iceland? The choice is yours to make. Meanwhile, here’s what each side looks like, with pros & cons.
Dettifoss West Side
This is the side we visited. It is the more popular one, and it offers that frontal point of view you may have seen in pictures. It has several viewpoints, it is more accessible and it offers a variety of angles to look at the waterfall. Also, the West Side is where you can walk towards Selfoss, going upstream.
This side is more accessible, as the road is paved for the entire way. There are many parking spots too, as well as restrooms and other facilities.
Dettifoss East Side
If you’re looking for the one perfect shot, probably the East Side is your best bet. From this access point, you can get much closer to the waterfall and you have a unique angle you can’t get from the opposite side. On the other hand, you won’t have much variety in terms of viewpoints as for the Western Side.
The road to reach this side is unpaved, but there are toilets near the parking area.
While both sides are interesting and probably worth seeing, this blog post will focus on the West Side, which is the most popular and also the one we’ve been to. Here is a full guide to Dettifoss, West Side.
Hike to Dettifoss (West Side)
There is a short and flat 1km trail that leads to the waterfall. The path is well marked and it’s fenced to prevent people from stepping out of the designated trail.
After 400m you’ll find a cross road, with the right trail leading towards the nearby Selfoss. We recommend visiting both, while the order of the visit doesn’t really matter. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to walk all the way to Selfoss, as the trail ends at a viewpoint which is still far away from the waterfall.
The Path to Dettifoss
Initially, the landscape may seem desolate, lacking in mountains, trees, or any noteworthy features. Yet, after a brief stroll, the vista undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis, unveiling the majestic Dettifoss — Iceland’s most awe-inspiring waterfall.
The stark surroundings give way to a powerful and awe-inspiring natural spectacle, underlining the unexpected surprises that characterize Iceland’s seemingly unremarkable landscapes.
The west side offers a network of walking paths, viewpoints, and decks designed for a complete appreciation of Dettifoss’s majestic beauty.
Head to the lower paths for an up-close encounter with the waterfall’s raw power, or ascend to the upper viewpoints for a panoramic perspective that enhances the overall viewing experience.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP
For those passioned about photography, try shooting from the area of the platform seen above, towards the waterfall. Place your subject on one of the viewpoints below, far away. Use a medium telephoto (70mm or 100mm will do the trick) and play with proportions! Here is the result!
It’s hard to fully comprehend the size of Dettifoss. You can read about it, see pictures, but it won’t be something you get familiar with until you actually visit it.
For example, take a look at the picture below and try to find the person walking on the trail – it’ll give you an idea of just how massive and impressive it is! Can you spot it?
Plan to spend around 30 minutes exploring the various paths and decks around Dettifoss. Once you’ve taken in the sights, head towards Selfoss, which is located upstream.
From Dettifoss to Selfoss
Selfoss is another striking waterfall in Iceland. While not as voluminous as its downstream counterpart, Selfoss is known for its elegant and more intricate cascades.
From Dettifoss, retrace your steps towards the parking lot before turning left on the designated trail. S imply follow the signs, and after a straightforward walk, you’ll begin to spot Selfoss in the distance.
There are a couple of nice viewpoints along the way, before you reach the main one, located at the end of the trail
The falls span the width of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, creating a mesmerizing display as the water gracefully flows over a series of rugged rocks.
Note: We visited Selfoss in September, and probably it wasn’t the best time to appreciate it. The amount of water flowing on the secondary waterfalls was quite modest, and the waterfall itself wasn’t as impressive as we’ve heard it should be.
What to bring to Dettifoss
Visiting Dettifoss is pretty easy. It’s a quick stop that just involves a simple walk, so there’s not much to stress about.
Make sure to wear good hiking boots and bring a raincoat. Even on sunny days, a waterproof jacket is handy because you might get a bit wet from the mist coming off the falls. Grab your camera, a bottle of water, and enjoy your visit.
Essential gear for visiting Iceland
If instead you’re looking for a list of essential items to bring to iceland, check out our dedicated:
Must-Have Items
A good rain jacket. You want to have a good rain coat with you when visiting Iceland, as the weather can change unpredictably. There’s plenty of shops in Reykjavik that sell – and even rent – rain jackets for your Iceland vacation.
We would recommend a good one like the Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component Jacket or the Columbia Women’s Pouring Adventure II Jacket. Quality jackets can be a bit pricey, but they’re a worthwhile investment, especially for a trip to Iceland.
Waterproof overpants. It somehow seemed an unnecessary item to bring before reaching iceland, but it turned out to be one of those items we used daily. Bring a pair of those, you won’t regret it. Check out Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Rain Pant and Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pant.
Warm Socks: Packing merino wool socks for Iceland is crucial to keep your feet warm and dry in the diverse and often unpredictable weather conditions. For summer, check out DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Liner Socks, they are great quality and quite thin. If you’re travelling in the coldest months, consider getting knee-high wool socks.
Warm clothing: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack thermal layers, including merino wool for its excellent insulation, insulated gloves (especially for winter), and a good quality winter hat.
Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof and insulated boots or hiking shoes are essential for exploring Iceland’s varied terrain. For top-notch gear, you can’t go wrong with brands like Scarpa, Salomon, and La Sportiva. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Merrell and Altra have got you covered.
Please note: If you’re gearing up for glacier walks or ice caving, make sure to go for rigid boots that can fit crampons. Flexible boots offer greater comfort for hiking, but you might struggle if you need to use ice spikes.
Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland has clean, safe and free drinking water everywhere. Therefore, you don’t need a fancy filtration system like the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz for Iceland.
Save money and cut down on waste by opting for a reusable water bottle. The ideal solution for Iceland is one that works well for both hot and cold beverages.
Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and sunscreen, as these can be expensive in Iceland.
Headlamp/Flashlight: In Iceland’s long winter nights or for exploring caves, for chasing auroras or for walking around your campsite, a reliable light source is crucial. We have this one and simply love it, it’s incredibly cheap, bright plus the battery lasts so long.
Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged during outdoor adventures, especially if you’re planning to camp in Iceland. We recently picked up a fast-charging power bank from INIU that works like a charm. Just be sure to grab one with enough capacity for all your devices.
Additional Items
Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for relaxing in geothermal pools and hot springs.
Backpack: A sturdy, weather-resistant backpack is useful for carrying your essentials during outdoor excursions. If you plan on doing lots of hiking, we recommend a dedicated backpack. You have countless options on the market, but one like Men’s Osprey Talon 22L or Women’s Osprey Tempest 20L would be perfect.
Camera and Binoculars: Iceland’s landscapes are stunning, so bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife and scenic views.
Local Currency: Have some Icelandic Krona (ISK) on hand for small purchases and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards. We never used cash in Iceland, so it’s not something you must bring around, but in a couple of situations it would have been handful.
Food and Drinks: Due to Iceland’s relatively high prices, especially for alcohol, and limited food options in some areas, consider carrying some essential snacks and beverages.
Hiking Gear: If you plan on hiking, consider bringing trekking poles, a compact first-aid kit, and gaiters.
Wet Wipes: Handy for quick clean-ups, especially when camping or on long road trips. These can easily be bought once you land in Iceland, or packed in your backpack before leaving. Check these flushable ones if you’re looking for some.
Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool: Useful for various outdoor tasks, especially when camping or preparing food. Here is a cheap one.
Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long drives, flights or while camping. The provided ones aren’t always the best. Here is a good one.
Dettifoss Entrance Fee & Opening Times
Visiting Dettifoss is free of charge. There are no tickets or fees to pay to access the platforms of Dettifoss, and the entire area can be enjoyed by anyone. Parkings are also free of charge.
Therefore, there are no opening times at Dettifoss and you can visit it any time, even at night if you wish. What a better place to chase the Northern Lights?
Services and Facilities
Even though it is located in a remote part of Iceland, you will find nice toilets next to the parking area, both on the east and the west parking.
Below you can see the toilets at the West Side.
What to Do Nearby?
Here are some places you might want to explore near Dettifoss:
Húsavík: A charming town on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, known for its whale watching tours. It’s a great place to explore the coastline and enjoy fresh seafood.
Ásbyrgi: A horseshoe-shaped canyon with towering cliffs, located about an hour’s drive from Dettifoss. It’s a unique geological formation and a great spot for hiking.
Myvatn: A volcanic lake with surreal landscapes, Myvatn is surrounded by geothermal areas, craters, and unique rock formations. The Myvatn Nature Baths offer a relaxing soak with scenic views.
Hljóðaklettar: These are distinctive basalt rock formations located near Ásbyrgi. The name translates to “echoing rocks” due to the acoustics in the area.
Vatnajökull National Park: A vast national park encompassing glaciers, waterfalls, and diverse landscapes. It’s home to Europe’s largest national park and offers various hiking trails and stunning views.
Akureyri: Often referred to as the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri is a lively town with botanical gardens, museums, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Krafla: A volcanic region with a geothermal power station. There are hiking trails around the Krafla Caldera, providing views of the surrounding lava fields.
Djúpivogur: A coastal town known for its picturesque harbor and the Búlandstindur mountain. It’s a peaceful place to explore and enjoy coastal views.
Grjótagjá Cave: Famous for being featured in Game of Thrones, this lava cave contains a thermal spring. While bathing is not allowed, it’s an interesting geological site.
Here are more photos from Dettifoss. Enjoy your visit!
