Dettifoss

1,176 photos

Quick Facts

North

Region

44m

Height

free ISK

Parking

Moderate

Access

What is it

The most powerful waterfall in Europe. This beast moves 500 cubic meters of water per second. Grey glacial water plunges 44 meters into a massive canyon. Featured in Prometheus because it looks like another planet.

The Vibe

The ground literally trembles. The roar is deafening. Grey mist hangs in the air as millions of liters crash down every second. You feel small here. That's the point.

Weather & conditions

Ring Road R1

Checking…

From Reykjavík to the foss

road.is

Wind

—

Loading…

Open-Meteo

Visibility

—

Loading…

Open-Meteo

Daylight

—

Loading…

Calculated

Today

—

Loading…

—

Aurora tonight

Live

—

Kp index

Loading aurora forecast…

Planetary K-index from NOAA SWPC, updated every 3 hours.

Aurora map

About

Dettifoss

The Story

Fed by Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, through the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river. The canyon continues north to Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon legend says was formed by Odin's eight-legged horse.

Real Talk

East side (Route 864) has easier access and better views. West side (Route 862) is more dramatic but the road is worse. Visit Selfoss upstream too — it's just as beautiful. Don't lean over railings for photos. Seriously.

Visit

How to get there

Parking

free ISK fee, card payment.

Access

Accessibility: moderate

By road

Follow Ring Road (Route 1) to North Iceland. Check live conditions above before departing.

Best season

Summer (June–August). Long days, open roads.

Map of Iceland

Google Maps

Save 15%
on cars
& campers

Book through us with KeyCar, Iceland's local rental company. Every rental keeps this platform free.

Browse all cars Browse all campers

SUV25% OFF

Dacia Duster 2022

5 seatsManual4WD

5,470 kr7,290 kr/ day

Best-sellers

Top experiences near Dettifoss

Hand-picked tours from Iceland's best-rated operators — pre-book to skip the queue.

South Coast Full-Day Tour

10h · small group · from 14,990 kr

→

Glacier Hike + Skógafoss

8h · adventure · from 19,990 kr

→

Northern Lights from Dettifoss

6h · winter only · from 12,990 kr

→

Photography Workshop — Waterfalls

5h · all levels · from 18,990 kr

→

Browse all tours

Photos

Anja M.

Daniel P.

Sofia L.

Marco R.

Elena K.

Tómas V.

Reviews

Anja Müller

Mar 28, 2026 · Sightseeing

Unique experienceWet & mistyParking availableFamily friendly

Walking behind a 60-meter waterfall is something you don't forget. We went at sunset and the light through the curtain was absolutely magical. Bring proper rain gear — you WILL get soaked through. The path is well-maintained but rocky.

Conditions: Wet, misty spray, soaked path

Parking: Paid, 800 ISK, large lot

Difficulty: Easy

Daniel Park

Feb 14, 2026 · Photography

Great light at sunriseCrowded in summerGljúfrabúi nearby

Best light at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The path behind is slippery in winter but doable with spikes. Don't skip Gljúfrabúi next door — most tourists walk right past it, but it's a hidden waterfall inside a cave. Spectacular.

Conditions: Icy path, cold spray

Parking: Paid lot, small fee

Difficulty: Easy

Sofia Lindström

Jan 6, 2026 · Road trip

Winter closed behindIcyGreat views

Stopped here on a Ring Road trip in early January. The path behind the waterfall was closed due to ice — check conditions before you go if walking behind is the main reason. Still stunning from the front though.

Conditions: Snow, ice, closed path

Parking: Free in winter (closed booth)

Difficulty: Easy (front only)