Waterfall Dettifoss, Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall, Meets a Double Rainbow

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Dettifoss Waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park in Northeast Iceland, and is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Located on the on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, the falls are 330 feet wide and have a drop of 150 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon.

On the west bank there are no facilities and the view on the waterfall is somewhat hindered by the waterfall’s spray but on the east bank you’ll have tremendous views, which is where we entered.  When I was there, there was a double rainbow which blew me away – the colors below are untouched.

To get to the edge of the waterfall, there’s a 30 or so minute walk along the edge of the river. Here, you come face-to-face with Mother Nature herself and its breathtaking to say the least.

There are a host of other waterfalls you can see nearby. Be sure to check out Selfoss Waterfall and head to a barren area called Grjothals, which is near the Hafgragilsfoss Waterfall. Not far away, there’s the incredible Jokulsargljufur Canyon where you can view it at one of its deepest points (120 meters). You’ll be beckoned by the echoing cliffs of Hljodaklettar in Vesturdalur Valley and the imposing horseshoe-shaped canyon Asbyrgi, which is surrounded by precipitous cliffs. Other waterfalls to note are Godafoss, Aldeyjarfoss, Ullarfoss, and Hafragilisfoss.

In mid to late June, there was still a little snow and ice along our path although the sun was quickly melting what was left from winter and spring away.

The rock and sand formations were unusually energizing.

And, the waterfall itself, dramatic! Unlike waterfalls in the states, there are no fences or warning signs. If you get too close and the force takes you, then it is what it is. In other words, walk at your own risk.

On the way back, you’ll encounter a whole lotta sheep, because well, there’s just a whole lotta sheep in Iceland.

For more on Iceland, check out Iceland section / Travel to Iceland / Traveling to Iceland. All photos Renee Blodgett.

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