Skip to main content
Log inMap
All 1,648 toursBy activity and region

Dettifoss

44 m drop100 m wideDiamond Circle320 km from ReykjavíkFree parking
Road loading…Weather loading…
Navigate
DirectionsNavigate
WaterfallNorth Iceland

Dettifoss

North Iceland44 m drop100 m wideDiamond Circle320 km from ReykjavíkFree parking

About

Dettifoss is a 45-meter waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river in North Iceland.

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 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.

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.

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.

AI assistant

Plan your visit to Dettifoss

Build an itinerary — full days, multi-stop routes, drive times, alternatives.

Map of Dettifoss

Map

65.8143°N, 16.3844°W · North Iceland

Plan your visit

Getting there
West side via paved Road 862; east side via gravel Road 864
Best time
Road 862 not in winter service January–early April; Road 864 closed in winter, opens end of May
Off the main road
17.9 km from Route 1
Nearest town
Reykjahlíð — 30.8 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
320 km in a straight line
What else is close
107 mapped places within 20 km
Good to know
Most powerful waterfall in Europe100 m wideWater discharge ~200 m³ per secondOn the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum

Tours that include Dettifoss

From Húsavík Port: Dettifoss & Lake Mývatn Tourfrom 36.000 ISK · 7 hLake Myvatn, Dettifoss,Selfoss, Godafoss & morefrom 29.900 ISK · 9 h 30 minLake Myvatn and Dettifoss Waterfall (from Lake Myvatn)from 39.900 ISK · 6 h4x4 Premium COMBO: Lake Myvatn and Grand Waterfalls inc. Dettifoss, Godafoss, Selfossfrom 45.000 ISK · 8 h 30 minLake Myvatn, Dettifoss,Selfoss, Godafoss, Nature Baths & morefrom 39.900 ISK · 8 h 30 minDettifoss & Goðafoss Waterfall w/packed Lunch Small Group from Akureyri Portfrom 36.000 ISK · 7 hDettifoss Waterfall, Ásbyrgi and Lake Mývatn - Shore Excursion from Húsavíkfrom 24.990 ISK · 5 h 30 minGrand Lake Mývatn & Powerful Dettifoss (jeep/van)from 38.900 ISK · 8 hLake Mývatn, Goðafoss and powerful Dettifossfrom 32.700 ISK · 8 h
All 1,648 tours
ToursIn season nowNorthern Lights 4x4 Tour from Akureyrifrom 34.799 ISK · 2 h 30 minLake Mývatn & Snowmobile Tour from Akureyrifrom 59.900 ISK · 9 hGoðafoss and the Forest Lagoonfrom 26.400 ISK · 4 hAll 1,648 toursBy activity and region

Dettifoss weather and conditions

Last updated

1°Cclear · feels -6°C7 m/sgusts 109 h 40 mdaylight · 08:01 – 17:41
In season now · Winter in IcelandNorthern Lights 4x4 Tour from Akureyrifrom 34.799 ISK · 2 h 30 min
See the tour
All 1,648 tours

Cars & campers

−12%exclusive discountFree cancellationKEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
SUV

Dacia Duster 4x4

Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
From
5,355 kr6,300 kr/day
Reserve −12%
VW Caravelle
9-seater

VW Caravelle

Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.

TransmissionAutomatic
FuelDiesel
Seats9
Drive2WD
From
12,750 kr15,000 kr/day
Reserve −12%
Key Camper Wild Duo
Camper

Key Camper Wild Duo

Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol
Sleeps2
Drive4WD
From
5,304 kr6,240 kr/day
Reserve −12%

Photos & videos

Dettifoss — photo by Richard DorranPhoto: Richard Dorran / Unsplash
Dettifoss — photo by Oleksandra ZelenaPhoto: Oleksandra Zelena / Pexels
DETTIFOSS: EUROPE'S MOST POWERFUL WATERFALL (AND SELFOSS WATERFALL)! (4K)Andy's Awesome Adventures
Dettifoss — photo by David HitchcockPhoto: David Hitchcock / Pexels
Dettifoss — photo by Balázs GáborPhoto: Balázs Gábor / Pexels
Dettifoss, Iceland - the most powerful waterfall in EuropeGuide to Iceland
Dettifoss — photo by Jon EliyaPhoto: Jon Eliya / Pexels
Dettifoss — photo by Visit North IcelandPhoto: Visit North Iceland / northiceland.is
Dettifoss, Iceland: The Most Powerful Waterfall In Europepsalm104
Dettifoss — photo by Visit North IcelandPhoto: Visit North Iceland / northiceland.is
Dettifoss — photo by Visit North IcelandPhoto: Visit North Iceland / northiceland.is
Dettifoss - Iceland’s most powerful waterfall #travel #iceland #waterfallRoamwithpri
Welcome to Dettifoss in Iceland, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe 🇮🇸ZooEarthTv
Iceland Dettifoss Waterfall - Where Iceland’s Power Never Sleeps - watch till the end !Wilderland Planet

Nearby

km column = your drive

  1. 1Selfoss1 km
  2. 2Hafragilsfoss2 km
  3. 3Réttarfoss8 km
  4. 4Hólmárfossar10 km
  5. 5Geldingafoss48 km
All waterfalls in North Iceland →

Hot springs

  1. 1Geothermal hot spring near Þingeyjarsveit20 km
  2. 2Natural hot pot near Norðurþing29 km
  3. 3Grjótagjá31 km
All hot springs →

Fuel

  1. 1Ásbyrgi24 km · 310.9 kr/L
  2. 2Reykjahlíð31 km · 310.9 kr/L
  3. 3Mývatn41 km · 308.6 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Krambúð31 km
  2. 2Nettó50 km
  3. 3Verslunin Skerjakolla54 km
All supermarkets →

Tours

  1. (Cruise Ships) Lake Mývatn and Goðafossfrom 25.300 ISK · 6 hours 30 minutes
  2. (RS) Lake Myvatn & Godafoss Waterfall Day Tour from Akureyrifrom 25.900 ISK · 6 hours
  3. Adventure snowmobile tour Akureyrifrom 166.750 ISK · 5 hours
All tours →

Frequently
asked
questions

Which side of Dettifoss is better?
East side (Route 864) has easier access. West side (Route 862) is closer but rougher road. East recommended for most visitors.
Is Dettifoss worth visiting?
Absolutely. It's unlike any other waterfall. The raw power is unforgettable.
How long is the walk to Dettifoss?
About 15-20 minutes from either parking lot. Easy but rocky path.
Can you visit Selfoss too?
Yes! It's a 30-minute walk upstream from Dettifoss. Horseshoe-shaped and gorgeous.
Is Dettifoss open in winter?
Roads may be closed in winter. Always check road.is before driving.

Data & sources

Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.

Spotted an error, or have something to add? Help us keep this page accurate.

All waterfalls37 waterfalls in North Iceland, mapped with photos, distances and live conditions
Iceland nowfrom 19 Sep 06:10
8°C · overcastWind 2 m/sRing Road (R1) openAurora Kp 2.67Daylight 07:02 – 19:39Webcams