3 Waterfalls in 1 Spot: Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss
Hiking to Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss in North Iceland offers a breathtaking experience of some of the most powerful and scenic waterfalls in the country. They are all located along the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River in Vatnajökull National Park. Below is a breakdown of each waterfall, hiking details, and nearby attractions.
Table of Contents
Dettifoss
Facts:
- Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe with a flow rate of around 193 cubic meters per second.
- The waterfall is 44 meters (144 feet) high and 100 meters (330 feet) wide.
- It originates from Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe.
- The immense force of Dettifoss creates a constant mist, often producing rainbows on sunny days.
Hiking Details:
- Trail Options:
- East Side: Easier to access, more panoramic views but rougher road (Route 864).
- West Side: Better infrastructure, easier to reach but less dramatic angles (Route 862).
- Hike Distance: From the parking lot, it’s about 1 km (0.6 miles) to the waterfall.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate; rocky terrain but well-marked trails.
- Fun Fact: Dettifoss was featured in the opening scene of the movie Prometheus (2012).
Selfoss
Facts:
- Selfoss is a wide and elegant waterfall, about 10 meters (33 feet) high but much broader than Dettifoss.
- It is located just 1.4 km (0.9 miles) upstream from Dettifoss.
- The river cascades over multiple rock formations, making it a stunning contrast to Dettifoss’s raw power.
Hiking Details:
- Trail from Dettifoss: About 2 km (1.2 miles) round trip.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate; some uneven rocky terrain.
- Fun Fact: Selfoss is often overshadowed by Dettifoss, but many hikers find it even more photogenic due to its unique shape and multiple smaller cascades.
Hafragilsfoss
Facts:
- Hafragilsfoss is 27 meters (89 feet) high and 91 meters (299 feet) wide.
- It is located about 2 km (1.2 miles) downstream from Dettifoss.
- Less visited than the other two, but it offers stunning canyon views.
Hiking Details:
- Best Viewpoints: Accessible from both sides of the river, but the east side offers the best panoramic view.
- Hike Distance: A short 1 km (0.6 miles) hike from Dettifoss, but more rugged terrain.
- Difficulty: Moderate due to steep sections and loose rocks.
- Fun Fact: The waterfall is surrounded by basalt cliffs, giving it a dramatic appearance, especially in the evening light.
The Best Time to Visit the Waterfalls
- Summer (June–September): Best time for accessibility, as roads to Dettifoss are often closed in winter due to snow.
- Winter (October–May): More challenging due to icy roads, but offers a chance to see the waterfalls frozen in a winter wonderland.
Trail Recommendations
1. West Side Trail (Easier, Well-Maintained)
Distance: ~3 km (1.9 miles) round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: ~1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: ~1–1.5 hours
- Start at the Dettifoss parking lot on Route 862.
- Walk 1 km (0.6 miles) to Dettifoss on a wide, mostly flat path.
- Continue another 0.7 km (0.4 miles) upstream to Selfoss.
- Return via the same trail.
Pros: Easier hike, better paths, suitable for families.
Cons: The view of Dettifoss is slightly less dramatic than from the east side.
Cons: The view of Dettifoss is slightly less dramatic than from the east side.
2. East Side Trail (More Rugged, Best Views of Dettifoss)
Distance: ~3.5 km (2.2 miles) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (rocky and uneven terrain)
Time Needed: ~1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (rocky and uneven terrain)
Time Needed: ~1.5–2 hours
- From the east side parking lot (Route 864), follow a rocky path to Dettifoss (~0.8 km / 0.5 miles).
- The view here is more direct, letting you fully appreciate the waterfall’s raw power.
- Continue 0.7 km (0.4 miles) to Selfoss.
- Return via the same trail.
Pros: Best angles for photography, more dramatic views.
Cons: Rougher terrain, no facilities, and gravel road access can be tricky.
Cons: Rougher terrain, no facilities, and gravel road access can be tricky.
3. Hafragilsfoss Viewpoint Hike (More Challenging, Fewer Crowds)
Distance: ~2 km (1.2 miles) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (steep sections, uneven ground)
Time Needed: ~1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (steep sections, uneven ground)
Time Needed: ~1 hour
- Access from either side of the river (the east side has the best views).
- The path is not as developed as the others, but the view from the cliff is stunning.
- Hafragilsfoss is less visited, making it a peaceful stop.
Pros: Fewer crowds, unique perspective over the canyon.
Cons: Steeper terrain, requires extra caution.
Cons: Steeper terrain, requires extra caution.
Driving Tips for Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss
Dettifoss and the surrounding waterfalls are located in North Iceland, about 140 km (87 miles) east of Akureyri and 65 km (40 miles) from Lake Mývatn. There are two main routes to access the area:
- West Side (Route 862 – Paved Road, Better for Most Travelers)
- Best for: Easier access, better infrastructure, suitable for most vehicles.
- Road Type: Fully paved, open to all vehicles in summer.
- Hiking Trails: Well-marked trails with easier terrain.
- Parking: Large parking lot with restrooms.
- East Side (Route 864 – Gravel Road, More Rugged Views)
- Best for: Adventurous travelers, better views of Dettifoss’ power.
- Road Type: Gravel and often rough; 4×4 recommended.
- Hiking Trails: Rockier terrain, but better viewpoints.
- Parking: Smaller lot, no facilities.
Pro Tip: If you want the best experience, drive in from Route 862 (West Side) for accessibility, then continue to Route 864 (East Side) if you have a 4×4 and want more dramatic angles of Dettifoss.
Things to Do Nearby
- Ásbyrgi Canyon: A horseshoe-shaped canyon about 30 km (18 miles) north of Dettifoss. A stunning area for hiking and mythology—said to be the hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse.
- Hljóðaklettar (Echo Cliffs): Basalt rock formations known for their unique acoustics, located near Dettifoss.
- Vesturdalur Valley: Offers scenic hiking routes with striking rock formations and volcanic landscapes.
- Mývatn Geothermal Area: About an hour’s drive away, featuring geothermal baths, lava fields, and volcanic craters.
- Húsavík: A charming coastal town known for some of the best whale-watching tours in Iceland.
Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure
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For more amazing Icelandic waterfalls check out our list of 10 EPIC Waterfalls in Iceland. If you need more Iceland inspo, we have a list of 10 Unique Experiences to Add to Your Iceland Itinerary.
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