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Iceland

Norðurþing

Selfoss Waterfall – Dettifoss loop from Dettifoss

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Iceland

Norðurþing

Selfoss Waterfall – Dettifoss loop from Dettifoss

Hard

4.9

(65)

324

hikers

Selfoss Waterfall – Dettifoss loop from Dettifoss

03:02

10.0km

140m

Hiking

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 22, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 3.32 km for 3.06 km

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

45 m

Dettifoss West Parking Lot

Highlight • Parking

Ample parking and a toilet block

Translated by Google •

Tip by

105 m

Jökulsárgljúfur National Park

Highlight • Gorge

Filming location of the blockbuster “Prometheus”.. Never ever been so wet… Rain horizontally…

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Tip by

980 m

Selfoss is a beautiful waterfall, located in the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, upstream from the powerful Dettifoss. This waterfall is approximately 13 meters high and 100 meters wide. Selfoss is characterized by its many basalt columns and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The waters of Selfoss flow over a wide front, making it an impressive sight for visitors. From the parking lot at Dettifoss it is about a kilometer walk to Selfoss. The trail is well marked and offers beautiful views of both waterfalls.

Translated by Google •

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1.71 km

Dettifoss

Highlight • Waterfall

The Dettifoss is the largest waterfall in northeast Iceland and, due to the combination of volume flow and head, just before the Rhine Falls, it is the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

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1.71 km

Dettifoss Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

The power of the water from Dettifoss is incredibly impressive and can be felt quite clearly when the wind is blowing in the right direction.

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3.33 km

Rocky Ascent in Vatnajökull National Park

Highlight • Climb

this trail is challenging. Here is a rock wall to climb over rocks.

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4.79 km

Hafragilsfoss Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

5.35 km

Hafragílsfoss

Highlight • Waterfall

This waterfall is located 2 km from Dettifoss. The waterfall is clearly visible from the east bank, but a walk of 6 km (3 hours) is required. This 27 m high waterfall is located downstream and is also worth seeing.

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10.0 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.55 km

3.06 km

1.29 km

154 m

Surfaces

7.51 km

1.16 km

1.10 km

166 m

117 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (340 m)

Lowest point (280 m)

Weather

Today

Saturday 1 August

7°C

3°C

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Additional weather tips

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Comments

August 15, 2025,Dettifoss, Selfoss und Hafragilsfoss Wasserfälle 15.08.2025

Hafragilsfoss is difficult to reach, but definitely worth the effort.
Surefootedness and good shoes are a must, though.

Showing Translation

July 4, 2026,Hafragilsfoss – Dettifoss – Selfoss

A very varied and exciting hike, number 36 black in the Rother hiking guide. Contrary to my fears, I had no problems with fear of heights and could enjoy the whole tour without any restrictions.

Showing Translation

September 28, 2023,Runde Selfoss, Dettifoss und Hafragilsfoss

Very nice round, not very busy, which leads past the 3 waterfalls. Since it gets more difficult in two places and one down, one up etc. If it's over scree, I would do it in the rain. Danger of slipping or not recommended if you have a heavy backpack.

Showing Translation

June 26, 2024,🇮🇸 - Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss und Selfoss

TOP HIKE to three waterfalls. This hike initially leads along the top of the canyon, into which you then descend later. We had the beautiful Hafragilsfosss all to ourselves for our lunch picnic. Wow. And then for the grand finale to the most water-rich waterfall in Europe - the Dettifoss with a rainbow.

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Selfoss Waterfall – Dettifoss loop from Dettifoss

Dettifoss West Parking Lot

Jökulsárgljúfur National Park