About This Experience

Dettifoss appeared in the opening scene of Prometheus, and Ridley Scott chose it because it genuinely looks like the birthplace of a planet. Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume sends approximately 500 cubic metres of glacial water per second over a 44-metre drop into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, and the sheer force of it is something you feel physically.

We heard it before we saw it. Walking from the east bank car park, the rumble started as a low vibration in the ground, building to a steady roar as we got closer. When the canyon edge came into view and the full width of the falls revealed itself — 100 metres across, a curtain of grey-brown glacial water and white spray — it was genuinely overwhelming. The mist soaked us within minutes.

This isn't a pretty waterfall. It's not elegant or photogenic in the traditional sense. The water is silty and the surrounding landscape is barren volcanic rock. But in terms of raw power, nothing else in Iceland comes close. We stood at the viewing platform and just watched, mesmerised, as the water pounded into the canyon below.

What to Expect

Dettifoss is accessible from two sides: the east bank via Route 864 (paved) and the west bank via Route 862 (partially gravel). The east bank is the more popular approach, with a paved car park and a 1.5-kilometre walk to the falls along a well-marked path over rocky terrain.

The east bank viewpoints get you closer to the action — you stand on rock platforms right at the canyon edge, with the falls thundering beside you. The spray is significant, especially with easterly wind. The west bank offers a wider panoramic view from a slightly greater distance and tends to be less crowded.

From the east bank, it's also possible to walk about 1.5 kilometres upstream to Selfoss, a smaller but beautifully wide horseshoe-shaped waterfall. The path is rougher but manageable, and Selfoss is often nearly deserted — worth the extra effort.

Practical Tips

• East bank (Route 864, paved) is the most accessible approach; west bank (Route 862) is less crowded
• The walk from east bank car park to the falls is about 1.5 km over rocky terrain — sturdy shoes needed
• You will get soaked from spray — waterproof jacket essential, and protect your camera
• Walk upstream to Selfoss (1.5 km from Dettifoss) for a quieter, wider waterfall with barely any people
• The canyon edges are unguarded — stay behind safety ropes and marked paths
• Best visited as part of the Diamond Circle route or from a Mývatn base
• The drive from Mývatn takes about 45 minutes via Route 1 and Route 864
• Summer (June-August) has the highest water flow; winter access depends on road conditions
• Route 862 (west bank) closes in winter; Route 864 (east bank) usually stays open longer
• Allow 2 hours minimum — more if you add the Selfoss walk