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 and Managing Editor of We Blog the World, a global travel, culture and lifestyle publication exploring the world through the lens of meaningful experiences, human connection and cultural depth. Having lived in 10 countries and traveled to 95, Renee has spent much of her life immersed in the people, traditions, landscapes and ideas that shape how we experience the world.
Since launching We Blog the World in 2007, she has written and produced extensive editorial coverage spanning boutique and luxury travel, culinary experiences, arts and culture, wellness, adventure, technology, spiritual traditions and transformative travel. Her work is rooted in the belief that travel is about more than where we go—it is also about what a place, culture or encounter awakens within us.
Renee brings more than three decades of experience across journalism, photography, media, brand strategy, technology, wellness and global storytelling. She has worked with companies and organizations around the world on brand positioning, communications, product launches, media strategy, speaker positioning and storytelling. Through Blue Soul Media, she works with authors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and purpose-driven brands to clarify their message and expand their impact, which includes speaker coaching/training for high-profile stages such as TED and bringing authors’ work to market while retaining authors rights.
She is also the co-founder of Blue Soul Earth, an educational platform exploring consciousness, ancient wisdom, spirituality, healing and the intersection between science and the nature of reality. Renee is the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS, a conversational series bringing together leading voices in science, technology, consciousness, wellness and spirituality.
Her growing body of work also includes Blue Soul Living, which extends her interest in consciousness and well-being into the spaces we inhabit, exploring how intentional design, energy and environment can support greater harmony and connection.
Renee is the award-winning co-author of the bestselling Magdalene’s Journey and founder of the Magdalene Collection, inspired by women’s voices, stories and wisdom across cultures and generations.
A longtime photographer and storyteller, Renee has documented people, places and cultures around the world and produced photographic collections focused on destinations including the Galápagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome and Ecuador. She also co-founded Traveling Geeks, an international initiative that brought entrepreneurs, journalists, creators and technology leaders together with their counterparts in other countries to exchange ideas and explore innovation across cultures.
Renee’s work has been recognized by Forbes, the United Nations and others for her influence in media and social storytelling. Across her work in travel, media, consciousness and culture, a common thread remains: curiosity about the world, the stories that connect us and the ways meaningful experiences can change how we see ourselves and one another.
