Dettifoss Waterfall

Dettifoss: Europe’s second most powerful waterfall

Dettifoss is nicknamed the King of Icelandic waterfalls. With its width of 100 metres and its power, it is considered the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. It lies in the northeastern part of Iceland, which is not a frequent tourist destination. Thanks to this, its beauty can be enjoyed without masses of people, peacefully.

Dettifoss is one of the main points of the so-called Diamond Circle, a popular tourist circuit in northern Iceland. Among the natural wonders of this circuit are Dettifoss Waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Ásbyrgi Canyon and the town of Húsavík, known as a whale-watching capital.

Access and parking: two sides, two options

Access to Dettifoss is via two routes, each with its own advantages. Western side (road 862) offers an asphalted road, which you can follow even in winter. Parking on this side is closer to the waterfall, which means a shorter and more comfortable walk. To access the east side (Route 864), there is a gravel road, however, it is only open in the summer.

Road to Dettifoss

If you choose the west side, there is a well-maintained trail approximately 1 kilometre long leading from the car park. Although the trail is easy and suitable for most hikers, it is icy in some places and covered with a thick layer of snow in the winter.

All the way to the waterfall you walk around the high snow, you can snowball, build snowmen, or just simply enjoy the beauty of the place.

We went to the waterfall in mid-October and judging by the amount of snow, the weather had been like this for a few weeks.

Dettifoss Waterfall

Last few meters to the observation platform is a normal trail.

However, be aware that the weather in the north is unstable. Wind, snow and fog are unfortunately common here, especially in the winter months. When we arrived at the waterfall, we could see nothing of it. Completely covered in a white blanket, the only thing that indicated its presence was the sound of falling water.

We wanted to come the next day, but the weather was exactly the same and there was no point in even trying to get to the waterfall.

Nevertheless, the waterfall brought us joy, revealing a new face of Iceland we hadn’t seen before. It shifted our plans and convinced us that we must return to Dettifoss Waterfall again — this time in the summer.

Selfoss Waterfall: lesser known, but just as fascinating

Just about 1.2 kilometres from Dettifoss is another waterfall, Selfoss. Although smaller, its width and elegant appearance contrast with the powerful energy of Dettifoss. The hike to Selfoss is from the same parking area as Dettifoss, but you go in the opposite direction.Clear signs along the path guide you, and the hike takes around 20 minutes each way.

However, the road only goes to the viewpoint and you can’t get any closer, because of the protection of the plants. We have seen at least a little of this waterfall, but still not enough to enjoy it.

On the other side of this road we found a beautiful snowman that looked like Mickey Mouse disguised as the devil.

How to get here

Dettifoss is located in the Vatnajökull National Park area, approximately 30 kilometres from the main Ring Road. From the Ring Road (Route 1) turn onto Route 862 (west side) or Route 864 (east side). If you are staying in the Myvatn area, the drive will take about 1 hour.

We drove here from Stuðlagil Canyon and the journey was beautiful, but it took almost two hours. However, if you are doing the full circuit, you shouldn’t skip either of these places.