After a long but memorable day, we were ready to continue our journey through Northeast Iceland. We woke up early, debating whether to do the Hengifoss hike (a 4 mile round trip) or head straight to Dettifoss.
We checked out around 7:30 am and immediately noticed something wasn’t right. The same rear tire that had been showing low air pressure over the past three days, requiring us to refill it with air each day, was now completely flat. We checked for a spare, but there wasn’t one.
After quite a bit of back-and-forth communication with the rental company over WhatsApp, they arranged for local auto workers to come to the hotel and fix the tire. The front desk kindly let us wait in a room while we watched from the window, wondering how long it would take.
A couple of young guys eventually arrived, quickly replaced the tire, and were gone almost as fast as they came. We barely had a chance to thank them properly.
By the time everything was sorted, it was a little after 10 am. The flat tire pretty much made the decision for us, so we headed straight to Dettifoss, one of the most iconic stops on the Diamond Circle route.
Back on the Ring Road, we drove deeper into the countryside. The roads were quiet, with wide green valleys, distant waterfalls, Icelandic sheep grazing in the fields, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Luckily, the sun was out, making the drive even more beautiful.
After about 45 minutes, we made a quick stop at Rjúkandafoss. The waterfall drops down the cliffs into a green valley and is just off the road, making it an easy and worthwhile stop. The Ring Road kept surprising us with waterfalls appearing almost out of nowhere.
From there, it was about another 1½ hrs drive to Dettifoss.
West Side or East Side?
Dettifoss can be viewed from both the east and west sides of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, and each offers a different experience. The west side offers more direct, head-on and powerful views, and the east side features wider, more panoramic canyon perspectives.
The west side is accessed by paved Route 862 and has a large parking area, modern restrooms, and well-marked paths. The east side requires the rougher gravel Route 864 and is less developed.
We chose to visit Dettifoss from the west side. Here are some moments from our visit on June 21, 2025.
Almost there, just 3 km down the road to Dettifoss. 
A small food stall, located in a gravel parking lot 
Following the gravel path out into the rocky wilderness 
Walking across the moonlike terrain on the West Bank path toward the falls 
Viewing platform or close-up view? Definitely taking both! 
Navigating the rocky trail down to the edge 
Standing directly across from the sheer volume of this monster waterfall. 
Close-up of Dettifoss. 
Mossy paths leading right up to nature’s powerhouse, Dettifoss 
A quiet moment watching the mist and rainbows settle in the canyon downstream 
The whole landscape feels completely wild, especially when a rainbow shows up in the canyon mist. 
rail routes winding along the canyon rim 
Soft tundra blooms contrasting with the raw, raging power of Dettifoss. 
Standing right at the edge of Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss 
A vertical perspective capturing the scale of the canyons 
Raw Icelandic power at Dettifoss 
Peak-a-boo view of the falls through the basalt rocks 
Standing on giant slabs of volcanic rock where the river bends through the canyon. 
Following the yellow posts through the boulder field to get to the falls. 
Heading up to the lookout point 
Metal boardwalk with stairs leading to viewing platforms 
Wide expanse of dark and uneven volcanic lava rock 
The contrast between the harsh, dark basalt canyon and the bright green moss is stunning. 
Standing beside Europe’s most powerful waterfall 
Metal stairs and elevated walking paths cutting through a wide, rocky Icelandic landscape of Dettifoss 
The boardwalks leading to viewing platforms 
Hiking through rugged basalt fields with distant snow-dusted peaks on the horizon. 
The sheer drop into Jökulsárgljúfur canyon is unreal. 
Soft green moss meets the thundering power of Iceland’s interior. 
A close-up view of rushing water dropping into a deep canyon 
Looking down from a grassy hillside at Dettifoss waterfall cascading into the mist below. 
Following the path down to get a closer look at the power of Dettifoss
When we reached the parking area, it was almost 1 pm, and it was fairly crowded, which surprised us because the road had been almost empty the entire way. We walked toward the trail and viewpoints. The main trail has several viewpoints of Dettifoss, with paths also leading south toward Selfoss and north toward Hafragilsfoss.
We first walked to the upper viewpoint on the west side, about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the parking area. The trail is a mix of uneven gravel and marked paths, bumpy in places, but not too difficult. As we walked, the sound of the water got louder until we couldn’t hear anything else. Standing at the edge, looking down into the canyon and across the massive waterfall, was breathtaking.
After spending some time there, we slowly made our way along the paths, exploring the lower viewpoints closer to the canyon edge. Each spot revealed a slightly different perspective….. sometimes wider views of the canyon, and sometimes closer, more intense angles of the roaring water dropping into the depths below.
The sky had turned grey and it was 2 pm, so we decided to skip both Selfoss (upstream), a wider and more delicate waterfall, and Hafragilsfoss (downstream), a more rugged and remote viewpoint.
Before moving on, here are some quick facts and tips about Dettifoss.
Quick Facts and Tips
- Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June to August): Easiest access with long daylight hours. The paths are open and conditions are generally safer.
- Shoulder seasons (May & September): Fewer crowds, stronger water flow, and more dramatic skies,great for photography.
- Winter: The falls look extremely powerful in snow and ice, but roads and paths can be icy and sometimes closed.
- Weather can change quickly. Check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is before visiting.
- Dettifoss is located in northeast Iceland, within Vatnajökull National Park along the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river. 1½ hrs from Mývatn, 2½ to 3 hrs from Egilsstaðir (depending on route).
- There is no entrance fee and no parking fees on both sides. Check Parka.is for the latest parking information before your visit.
- Large paved lot and modern restrooms on the West Side. (Restrooms require a small card payment to use).
- The waterfall can be accessed from both sides:
- West side (Route 862): Fully paved road, easiest access, large parking area, modern restrooms, and well-maintained paths.
- East side (Route 864): Gravel road, rougher drive, but more remote and panoramic canyon views.
- Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss hikes are possible from the same parking area but require extra time.
- About a 15 to 20 mins walk from the parking area on uneven gravel and marked paths to viewpoints.
- Allow at least 1 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the powerful falls and surrounding area. Add extra time if you want to visit Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss.
- Dress in layers and expect heavy mist near the falls. Waterproof jackets, sturdy shoes, and a rain cover for your backpack are recommended.
- Strong winds and spray are common, so be cautious when standing near the edge.
- Bring a microfiber lens cloth to wipe water spray from your camera or phone.
- The mist can make paths slippery near viewpoints, good walking shoes or hiking boots recommended.
- There are no cafés or restaurants directly at Dettifoss.
- No food or gas stations nearby, best to stock up in advance. The nearest gas stations, food, and larger services are around the Mývatn area or along the Ring Road, so it’s best to fill up and grab supplies beforehand.
- Mobile signals are generally decent near the main parking areas but can vary depending on weather and location.
- Drone use is prohibited around Dettifoss since it is within Vatnajökull National Park. Check current park regulations before flying, and keep in mind that strong winds and mist can make flying difficult.
- Best Things to Do:
- Stand at the main viewpoint for the full head-on power of Dettifoss
- Walk along the canyon edge for different angles and perspectives
- Visit nearby Selfoss (easy 1 km walk upstream) for a wider, elegant waterfall
- Continue toward Hafragilsfoss (longer and more rugged hike downstream, about 3 km) for remote canyon views
- Nearby Attractions
- Selfoss: Wide, elegant waterfall upstream from Dettifoss
- Hafragilsfoss: Remote canyon waterfall downstream
- Ásbyrgi Canyon: Horse-shoe shaped canyon with mythological roots
- Hverir Geothermal Area
- Hverfjall Volcano
- Dimmuborgir Lava Field & the Cave of the Yule Lads
- Mývatn: Geothermal area with lava fields, craters, and hot springs
Conclusion
Dettifoss is beautiful, powerful, and unforgettable. Standing at the edge, you don’t just see the waterfall, you feel its raw power. If you’re driving the Diamond Circle or exploring Northeast Iceland, it’s a must-visit.
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