Dettifoss, the filming location of the movie *Prometheus*, feels like a truly desolate wilderness where there is almost no one around. Along the road, there are only occasional wooden poles with yellow-painted tops to guide the way. Clambering over dark volcanic rocks, I felt like a small creature moving through an ancient, untamed landscape. I took many live photos, trying to preserve this moment—the sound of the wind, the roar of the water, my footsteps, even the friction of my clothes. The slanted sunlight seemed to reveal the shape of the wind itself. In that moment, I was so overwhelmed by the experience that I almost teared up.
Dettifoss
2 photos
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
44m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Dettifoss
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Dettifoss famous?
Dettifoss is Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume, discharging an average of 193 cubic meters of glacial water per second. It gained international fame appearing in the opening scene of Ridley Scott's film 'Prometheus' (2012), showcasing its raw, primordial power.
Can you swim at Dettifoss?
No. Swimming is not allowed at Dettifoss due to extremely dangerous currents and freezing glacial water. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Dettifoss?
Dogs are allowed on-leash in Vatnajökull National Park, including trails to Dettifoss. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Dettifoss free? Do you need a permit?
Free. No entrance fee or permit required for Vatnajökull National Park or Dettifoss. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Dettifoss?
Free parking available at both east (Route 864) and west (Route 862) access points. The east side parking is closer to the falls with paved paths; west side is rougher gravel road but offers different viewpoints. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Dettifoss?
East side (Route 864): approximately 1 km / 0.6 mi return on paved path. West side (Route 862): approximately 2 km / 1.2 mi return on unpaved trail. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Dettifoss hike difficulty
East side: Easy on paved, accessible path with gentle terrain. West side: Moderate due to rough, rocky trail surface and some uneven ground. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Dettifoss?
Summer (June–August) for road access and milder weather; winter roads often close. Spring/early summer offers higher flow from snowmelt. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Dettifoss
From the east side (Route 864) car park, follow the paved path north toward the sound of the falls for about 500 meters. The path leads to viewing platforms on the eastern rim of Jökulsá á Fjöllum canyon overlooking Dettifoss. From the west side (Route 862) car park, follow the marked rocky trail approximately 1 km north to viewing areas on the western rim, which offer closer views of the falls.
Dettifoss official website
Attractions near Dettifoss
- •Selfoss waterfall - impressive horseshoe-shaped falls 1 km upstream from Dettifoss
- •Hafragilsfoss waterfall - dramatic canyon waterfall 2 km downstream from Dettifoss
- •Ásbyrgi canyon - horseshoe-shaped glacial canyon about 25 km north
- •Hverir geothermal area - steaming mud pools and fumaroles near Lake Mývatn, ~70 km west
- •Jökulsárgljúfur canyon - spectacular canyon carved by glacial river floods
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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