Dettifoss

Dettifoss, hailed as the most-powerful waterfall in Europe, is situated towards the extreme northern region of Iceland and is 539 km from Reykjavik and 151 km from Akureyri. Besides Dettifoss, which cascades 45 meters and is 100 meters wide, the region also has other beautiful waterfalls in close proximity, including Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. Known more for its raw power than beauty, it is often described as ‘the beast’ and it is said its mist, which creates heart-warming rainbows, can be seen miles away.

Dettifoss, hailed as the most-powerful waterfall in Europe, is situated towards the extreme northern region of Iceland and is 539 km from Reykjavik and 151 km from Akureyri. Besides Dettifoss, which cascades 45 meters and is 100 meters wide, the region also has other beautiful waterfalls in close proximity, including Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. Known more for its raw power than beauty, it is often described as ‘the beast’ and it is said its mist, which creates heart-warming rainbows, can be seen miles away.

Dettifoss is an instant crowd-puller and tourists throng to get a glimpse of the magnificent walls, especially from the western side of River Jökulsá, which has a paved road leading close to the falls. The roaring falls is also part of the famous ‘Diamond Circle’, which comprises Húsavík town, Ásbyrgi Canyon, Myvatn and Dettifoss. The waterfall gets its gushing water from the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which commences from the biggest glacier in Iceland and also Europe, Vatnjökull. Other popular attractions nearby include Ásbyrgi Canyon, Iceland’s second-largest city Akureyri, Jökulsárgljúfur canyon etc.

The waterfall has also provided stunning backdrops to various popular Hollywood flicks, including Prometheus and Oblivion. The forested region also has various beautiful hiking trails, including horse-shoe shaped canyon in Oxarfjordur