Dettifoss–Selfoss Trail (East)

Overview

Short, rugged, and absolutely worth it. The east-bank path drops you to the brink of Dettifoss—one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls—then traverses upstream to the wide, horseshoe curtain of Selfoss. From this side you typically get less mist, tighter, more dramatic views, and the full panorama of Selfoss that the west often hides. Expect thunder, spray drifting across the canyon, and—on sunny days—rainbows.

Route and Distance

From the east parking area off gravel Road 864, it’s about 400 meters down a steep, rocky path to Dettifoss, then roughly 1 km along a more rugged, sometimes bouldery track to Selfoss. Plan on about 2.5 km total (approximately 1.6 miles) out-and-back to see both falls, not including any side wandering. Most hikers spend around 1.5 hours here with time for photos.

What You’ll See

• Dettifoss up close: Feel the ground rumble and watch the glacial Jökulsá á Fjöllum explode over the brink, usually with less windblown spray on this side—great for photography.
• Selfoss in full: The east bank gives the definitive, sweeping view of its graceful horseshoe of smaller cascades.
• Canyon context: You’re peering into Jökulsárgljúfur, carved by a glacial river draining Vatnajökull and shaped by massive outburst floods over millennia. A short drive north, the Hafragilsfoss viewpoint opens a grandstand over the canyon; cliffs here even expose a volcanic feeder dike—a window into the region’s plumbing.

Trail Feel

This side is more adventurous than the west: a steep, rocky approach, then a fun, uneven traverse with occasional hand-over-rock moves around boulders. It’s well marked overall, but footing can be slick near the falls, especially when wet.

Access and Parking

Reach the east lot via Road 864 (gravel). It’s usually passable for standard cars in season, but expect potholes and a slower drive. The lot is small and fills early—arrive ahead of peak hours if you want a close spot.

Best Time to Hike

Summer is your most reliable window. Road 864 typically opens in late spring and closes with autumn snows; always check current conditions before you go. Early morning or late afternoon light is kinder for photos and crowds. With less mist on this side, you can shoot closer to Dettifoss; Selfoss composes beautifully from multiple angles.

Tips and Safety

• Footwear: Sturdy shoes with good grip make the rocky descent and bouldery traverse much more enjoyable.
• Edges: Stay well back from cliff rims and any roped-off areas—rocks can be wet and slick.
• Driving: Budget extra time for the gravel approach; potholes are common.
• Drones: Recreational drone flying isn’t permitted here.
• Navigation: Map apps may default to the east or west—be explicit about the side you want.

Optional Add-On

After the falls, drive about five minutes north on Road 864 to the Hafragilsfoss overlook for a quieter, big-picture view of the canyon and another thunderous waterfall.