Dettifoss is a waterfall in Iceland, and it is one of the most striking natural sights in Europe. The facts that define it are its scale and its force: it is described as Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume, and its water drops 45 meters with tremendous energy.
The water carries glacial sediment, which gives the falls a distinctive brown colour that stands out against the surrounding landscape. The roar of the falling water is loud enough to be heard from a considerable distance, so you will often hear Dettifoss before you see it.
What a visit is like
Dettifoss is best suited to visitors who want to stand close to raw natural power rather than to a built attraction. Come prepared to be near rushing, spray-filled water and to take care on the paths and edges around the falls.
- Expect a dramatic, noisy and open landscape rather than a sheltered one.
- Bring waterproof clothing, since spray from the falls can reach you.
- Allow time simply to watch the water; the scale is easy to underestimate until you are there.
Around the falls
Dettifoss sits in the north-east of Iceland, so it works well as one stop within a wider journey through the region. Visitors often combine it with other natural sights in the same area, which lets the trip become a fuller exploration of the Icelandic landscape rather than a single stop.