Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Iceland and also throughout Europe. Its flow is on average 200 m3 of water in a single second. The waterfall is situated in the northern part of Iceland and belongs to Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Europe.
It is formed by the waters of the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water on its way out of large areas of the North Island. At the mouth of Öxarfjörður bay falls down to a depth of 44 meters to the bottom of the Jökulsárgljúfur gorge. The waterfall is 100 meters wide and offers a stunning view of the falling water.
The waterfall can be reached only by driving over the bumpy gravel road. On the left east bank there is a small information panel of Vatnajökull National Park from where you can walk by the marked way to the best viewpoints. Dettifoss is only one of several waterfalls that can be found on this part of the river. About a mile upstream you can see another Selfoss waterfall and two kilometers downstream Hafragilsfoss waterfall. Those three waterfalls were in 1996 declared a national monument.
However Dettifoss waterfall is not so attractive for tourists as Gullfoss waterfall (Golden Waterfall), which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe, it still worth to visit it.
One more advise, do not go too close to the edge as there are no guard rails and you could fall down to cold river.
