Dettifoss waterfall

The stunning Dettifoss waterfall can be found in Northern Iceland, not far from the Diamond Circle. North Iceland is around 330 miles from Reykjavik, so most tourists plan to spend at least a weekend exploring this exciting and isolated part of the island. The huge northern town of Akureyri, located 95 miles (150 kilometres) from the waterfall, might serve as a convenient home base.

The rainbows that develop in the mist of the waterfall and can be seen from kilometres away only add to the beauty of this natural wonder. However, the boom of the fall is inaudible until much closer than you may think!

Overlooking the waterfall and the surrounding landscape is a wonderful perch for group observation. However, wetness is to be expected! Considering how far the mist from the waterfall can travel, waterfalls are an absolute must.

How to get there?

The paved road designated as Route 862 will lead you to the western side of the Dettifoss waterfall. The road is paved and is typically accessible from the months of April through December. The trip should take approximately half an hour if you are coming from Asbyrgi. If you are coming from Reykjahlid, it will take you approximately forty minutes to reach the parking lot for Dettifoss Falls.

Further on, it can be reached after a strenuous descent of around 400 metres via a rocky path that takes ten minutes. As you get closer to the waterfall, there are a variety of different vantage points that make for beautiful photographs. You might be able to take a picture of the waterfall with a rainbow in the background if the weather is clear and sunny.

Dettifoss waterfall facts

There is a good reason why the Dettifoss Waterfall is considered to be the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. Calculating the water flow multiplied by the distance of the fall is one way to get an idea of its sheer force. The Dettifoss waterfall has a water flow of 193 m3/s and a drop of 44 metres, which demonstrates a raw strength that is simply awe-inspiring to witness.

Just try to picture 96,500 gallons of water crashing over the falls every single second. The existence of the Vatnajokull glacier is what makes it possible for this spectacular exhibition of nature’s force to take place.

Dettifoss waterfall was used as a location for ‘Prometheus’, movie directed by Ridley Scott.