Iceland · Northeast Iceland
Dettifoss
Dettifoss
Grey glacial silt from the Vatnajökull ice cap churns through Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume, a reputation cemented for many by its use in the opening scene of the film Prometheus. Viewpoints on both the east and west banks of the canyon give very different vantage points, unconnected by any bridge nearby.
Grey glacial silt from the Vatnajökull ice cap churns through Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume, a reputation cemented for many by its use in the opening scene of the film Prometheus. Viewpoints on both the east and west banks of the canyon give very different vantage points, unconnected by any bridge nearby.
Dettifoss drops 44 metres (144 ft) across a face roughly 100 metres wide on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum, inside Vatnajökull National Park. It is a block-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Húsavík, with AEY the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Summer glacial melt maximizes the already immense flow; the access road often closes in winter.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Summer glacial melt maximizes the already immense flow; the access road often closes in winter.
Entry: Free
Getting there
- Base townHúsavík
- AirportAEY
- CountryIceland
- RegionNortheast Iceland, Europe
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
65.8145, -16.3846
Quick answers
How tall is Dettifoss?
Dettifoss drops 44 metres (144 feet), across a face about 100 metres wide. It is a block-type waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum.
When is the best time to visit Dettifoss?
Peak flow is June to August. Summer glacial melt maximizes the already immense flow; the access road often closes in winter.
What can you do at Dettifoss?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Dettifoss?
The usual base is Húsavík, and the closest airport is AEY. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Free.
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