Guide To Dettifoss Waterfall

What does Dettifoss Mean?

The name “Dettifoss” translates to “The Collapsing Waterfall” and you will see why when you visit here. The falls cascade into a vast canyon which makes it appear as if it is collapsing.

Where does the water come from?

The strong water comes from the Jökulsá á Fjöllum glacier river, which flows from the Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest ice cap in Europe. The waterfall is located inside the infamous Vatnajökull National Park.

How much time do you need at Dettifoss waterfall?

Most visitors will spend anywhere from two to three hours here, especially If you are planning on hiking to the viewpoint. If you just want to view the falls and leave, you can do that too. It depends on how much time you have set aside for the visit. We recommend relaxing for a while and enjoying the cascading sound of “The Beast”.

When is the best time to visit the Dettifoss waterfall?

Summer is the best time to visit Dettifoss thanks to the extended daylight hours and warmer temperatures. Summer is also when the waterfall is its most powerful, with a flow of 400 M3/S.

The warmer months also mean clearer roads with no risk of snow or ice. So all types of cars will be able to access it, especially if visiting the west side.

If you do want to visit in winter you can, but you must check the road conditions before leaving. If North Iceland has recently received heavy snowfall, expect the roads to be closed. Fall and Spring will provide a greater chance at viewing Dettifoss outside of summer.

Which side of Dettifoss is best?

There are two sides to Dettifoss and we will go over how to access each, but which side is best for you? The western side is the most traveled, thanks to the road being paved and accessible by most vehicles. This side of Dettifoss is also known to have the best sunsets and sunrises, so photographers will flock during golden hour.

The eastern side is just as beautiful, however, only experienced drivers should visit it. It is a more remote area with a rough road. This side of the waterfall attracts more adventurous visitors and provides a less crowded view of Dettifoss.

How To Get to Dettifoss

You can take the exquisite road trip to Dettifoss, which is about 300 miles or 482 kilometers

from Reykjavik. The drive takes around 7 hours, which is why many visit the area during their road trip around Ring Road. You can also stay in Akureyri which is known as the Capital of the North, this city is a 2-hour drive from Dettifoss around 95 miles or 150 kilometers.

There are two ways to get to Dettifoss Waterfall, once you turn off Ring Road. One road will bring you to the western side of the waterfall and the other will bring you to the eastern side.

Route 862 - Western Side

This road is paved and recommended for those who do want to drive a rough road. The road is 50.7 km or 31.50 miles long, running north-south from Road 85, south of Thvera to the Ring Road. It runs parallel to the unpaved Road 864 and takes you to the western side of the Dettifoss waterfall

Route 864 - Eastern SIde

Route 864 is the unpaved road that will take you to the eastern side of Dettifoss. This is a rough road and is usually only open from the end of May until the beginning of October. A 4X4 vehicle is not required to drive this road, however, we recommended having one. You will be dealing with loose rock and gravel, as well as large potholes.

4X4 Vehicles

One of the biggest perks of renting a 4X4 car is the opportunity to drive Iceland’s F-Roads or gravel roads. You can expect dirt or gravel tracks when driving these roads. F-roads or gravel roads are usually open during the summer months only. When the snow begins to fall, most of the roads become inaccessible. While 862 and 864 are not technically F-Roads, they still provide rough roads, meaning a 4X4 is better for you. Here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Rent a 4x4 car in Iceland!

Hiking to Dettifoss

Hiking to Dettifoss is easy! There are two short trails on each side of the waterfall. You can also add Selfoss Waterfall to your hike, which we will go over soon.

Western Viewpoint Hike

If you are visiting the western side of the waterfall, you will hike for 15 minutes on a flat trail until you reach the Upper Viewpoint. It is a really simple and relaxing walk, You will even feel the mist of the falls on your face. Be sure to pack a rain jacket as this is known to be the wetter side of the waterfall.

There is also a lower viewpoint trail that will bring you even close to the waterfall. This trail can be slippery and steep, so be very careful if you choose to take it.

Eastern Viewpoint Hike

For those exploring the Eastern Side, you will be walking on rocky terrain. It only takes 10 minutes to walk to the viewpoint but it can be strenuous for some. You can expect to climb over large rocks during your hike too. Be sure to pack boots or shoes with a good grip as the rocks can be slippery from the surrounding mist.

Hiking to Selfoss Waterfall

Chances are when you hear of Dettifoss you will also hear of Selfoss. Selfoss Waterfall is located close to Dettifoss on the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. It is way smaller than Dettifoss, however, it is still gorgeous to see, thanks to it having smaller waterfalls. You can even park in the same parking lot to view both of the waterfalls in one visit.

In order to reach Selfoss, you will do the 30-minute hike from Dettifoss Waterfall. You can reach the trail by following the signs for Selfoss from the parking lot. There will be a separate trail that follows the river that you will start to trek on. It is a short It is about a 1 km or .05 mile walk from the parking lot to reach Selfoss. It is a rocky trail, so watch your footing and enjoy the views!

East Side of Selfoss

If you choose to drive the rougher Route 864 you will have better views of Selfoss too. The trail is rougher though and you will hike over boulders to reach Selfoos from the western side. This is also the drier side of the waterfall.

Hike the Loop To Dettifoss & Selfoss

We recommend doing the full loop which will allow you to see both Dettifoss and Selfoss from the west side. The loop takes about one hour to complete and is about 1.5 miles or 2.5 km long. It is a great way to see both waterfalls in one visit!

Explore More

Now that you visited Dettifoss and hiked its viewpoints, you can explore the surrounding areas. North Iceland has so many amazing places for you to continue your day of adventure. Here are some of our top picks.

Hafragilsfoss Waterfall

There is another waterfall to add to your list, Hafragilsfoss. This waterfall is much smaller but it is still fantastic to visit and is also located in the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. Hafragilsfoss is 98 feet or 30 meters high and 295 feet or 90 meters wide. This waterfall is special since you can get scenic views of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. You can view Hafragilsfoss Waterfall from the Dettifoss parking lot, just follow the signs!

Asbyrgi Canyon

Visit the famous horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, which is only 39 minutes from Dettifoss. The canyon sits inside Vatnajokull National Park, where the cliffs are an exceptional 330 feet high, drawing tourists from all over. Ásbyrgi canyon allows you to visit where the canyon divides, a spot that is known for its spectacular views.

The canyon got its name from the Old Norse Gods. The tale goes that the shape of the horseshoe canyon was created by the stomping of one of the hoofs of the eight-legged steed of Odin. If you want to explore overnight, you totally can! They have a first come first serve campground at the canyon.

Lake Mývatn

Visit the volcanic lake of Lake Mývatn, which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Dettifos. The lake is located on the northeastern shore of Reykjahlíð village, Mývatn. Which is a region of lakes, with an area of 14 square miles, Lake Mývatn being Iceland's fourth-largest body of water. Swimming is not allowed here due to the water being too warm. However, there is plenty of wildlife here. If you want to soak, check out the thermal Myvatn Nature Baths which sit nearby.

Akureyri

Visiting the “Capital Of The North” is a great add-on for your trip to Dettifoss and is about a two-hour drive from the waterfall. You can make this your home base when exploring North Iceland or just make it a day trip to check out the area's attractions. There is truly so much to do in this beloved town. Visit The Botanic Gardens or The Art Museum and Art Street. Spend your day at Sundlaug Akureyrar, a Public Swimming Pool. Which is also home to the longest water slide in Iceland.

You should also plan to grab dinner here as Akureyri has so many amazing restaurants for you to dine at. Including these 18 Best Restaurants in Akureyri.

FAQ:

Which is better, Dettifoss or Godafoss?

They are both mind-blowing waterfalls! If you prefer massive waterfalls then Dettifoss is for you. Godafoss is said to be prettier out of the two, but we think viewing both is great.

What is the number one waterfall in the world?

Niagara Falls is commonly rated as the best waterfall in the world. It is massive at 2600 ft in length and 167 ft in height and is one of the top attractions bordering both the USA and Canada.

What is the most beautiful waterfall in the world?

Here are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Yosemite Falls in California, and Weeping Wall in Hawaii.