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Dettifoss Waterfall, Asbyrgi

Waterfall · Nature / Park
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Dettifoss Waterfall is thought to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. At 100 m (328 ft) wide and 44 m (131 ft) tall, it is also one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. Part of Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland, this natural beauty is on the popular Diamond Circle route. Walk the well-maintained footpaths to find the best viewpoints; walkways next to the waterfall allow you to get quite close. Hear the thunderous sound that this magnificent waterfall makes and feel the ground tremble under your feet. Due to the water's mist reacting with the sun, rainbows often form over the waterfall. Be respectful of any paths that are blocked off; this is most likely due to weather conditions and is for your safety. Before you head to Asbyrgi, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Asbyrgi trip maker site, to make sure you see all that Asbyrgi has to offer, including Dettifoss Waterfall.
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Dettifoss Waterfall reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
2,308 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • Dettifoss is one of Iceland’s many waterfalls, specifically the “most powerful” one (measured by water volume or something). It’s a “standard” waterfall that falls over a cliff in a canyon. There are....  more
    Dettifoss is one of Iceland’s many waterfalls, specifically the “most powerful” one (measured by water volume or something). It’s a “standard” waterfall that falls over a cliff in a canyon. There are....  more »
  • Dettifoss, the 2nd most powerful in Iceland is a sight to behold. You can walk upstream to Selfoss and drive to Hafreagilsfoss which we liked the most of the three falls 
    Dettifoss, the 2nd most powerful in Iceland is a sight to behold. You can walk upstream to Selfoss and drive to Hafreagilsfoss which we liked the most of the three falls  more »
  • Europe's largest waterfall (by volume) is well worth a visit. You have two options. Either you follow the crowds and see the falls from the Western side, or you take the bumpy gravel road to see the.....  more
    Europe's largest waterfall (by volume) is well worth a visit. You have two options. Either you follow the crowds and see the falls from the Western side, or you take the bumpy gravel road to see the.....  more »
Google
  • The most powerful waterfalls I've seen during my Iceland trip. A short walk to the viewing point. Ice crampons are strongly recommended.
  • Dettifoss is rated as the largest and STRONGEST waterfall in Europe. The route to the fall is not very long, about 700m. The route is unique with many black rocks and magnificent view. On first day of touch down, we went to gullfoss and we were wow-ed. Today dettifoss made us even more impressed. With such gushing force and the water droplets arising from the fall was sprinkling all over our faces when we were at the top platform view. Amazing, please remember to take the WEST SIDE tar road instead of EAST SIDE rocky mountain road (which I don't even know is able to view or not because I didn't see any people on the opposite side of dettifoss 😅). Next to asbyrgi canyon. Cheers
  • I took the west side which is paved and easy driving. The view is further but gives you a face on view of the waterfall. Parking is generous and plenty of free toilets. The walk to the fall is about 1km and you can also see Selfoss from this west side not far from Dettifoss
  • One of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, the road to reach it is definitely bumpy and unpaved but it's worth it. The parking is free and there are also free toilets available.
  • Absolutely stunning view. We’ve come here via route 862 and even though it said impassable, after seeing a few cars coming back, we decided to continue. You need to be extra careful but with a good weather (we got sun, no wind and -10 degrees), we managed. Also suggesting to head towards the west side of the waterfall. After parking the car, you need to walk for around 10 mins to see the waterfall. Additionally, with sun, we also spotted a rainbow. If you are a comfortable driver and have a 4x4 drive, you should be fine.

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