Dettifoss
Enormous waterfall on Jökulsá á Fjöllum, approximately 44–45 metres high and around 100 metres wide.
About Dettifoss
Dettifoss is one of Iceland’s most overwhelming waterfalls. Fed by the glacial Jökulsá á Fjöllum, the vast volume of grey water plunges into Jökulsárgljúfur with enough force to make the surrounding rock vibrate.
Our practical tips
✓Decide which side you are visiting before setting off — the east and west approaches are different roads.
✓Road 862 on the west is paved; Road 864 on the east is gravel and seasonal.
✓Selfoss can be combined with Dettifoss on foot.
✓Waterproof outer layers are very useful when spray and wind combine.
Getting there and visiting
Access
The west side is reached by paved Road 862, which has limited winter service. The east side uses gravel Road 864, which closes when snow arrives in autumn and reopens in spring only when conditions allow.