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.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
