Parking
East-side parking area at the end of gravel Road 864 (Hólsfjallavegur/Dettifossvegur eystri). The approach can be slow depending on road conditions; seasonal snow and wet-mud closures affect access.
Overview
About Dettifoss–Selfoss Trail (East)
The east-side approach to Dettifoss and Selfoss is a rugged, marked waterfall walk from the parking area on gravel Road 864. The route drops toward Dettifoss, reaches the east-bank viewpoint, then follows the canyon south to Selfoss. Expect powerful falls, spray, raw volcanic terrain, and close views from the less-developed side of the river.
Why go
- Definitive, full horseshoe view of Selfoss from the east bank
- Less mist for close, clean views of Dettifoss—excellent for photos
Heads up
- Gravel access road with potholes slows the approach
- Small parking lot can create peak-time congestion
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Vatnajökull map
Full mapElevation280–330 m
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
1 active Vatnajökull alert
- ClosureFosshvammur permanently closed at DettifossFosshvammur at Dettifoss is permanently closed to all traffic; do not enter.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Vatnajökull Tour Guide
Your drive to Dettifoss–Selfoss Trail (East), narrated.
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Vatnajökull National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
- 102 audio storiesacross Vatnajökull’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Grey Seal, Harbor Seal, Caribou, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 16 trails, 72 places, and audio download before you lose signal
- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”
Trail guide
Hiking Dettifoss–Selfoss Trail (East)
Route and DistanceThis is an out-and-back of about 2.5 miles (4.1 km) for the full visitor walk.
This is an out-and-back of about 2.5 miles (4.1 km) for the full visitor walk. From the east parking area, the mapped path reaches Dettifoss in roughly 0.4 km, including a short approach to the viewpoint; the route then continues south along the east bank to Selfoss. The Dettifoss spur is retraced before continuing to Selfoss, and the stored line represents that complete visitor sequence without duplicating the whole return leg. Allow about 1.5 hours with time for viewpoints and photos.
What You’ll SeeDettifoss: Iceland’s immense, 45 m waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum, with the river cutting…
- Dettifoss: Iceland’s immense, 45 m waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum, with the river cutting through the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.
- Selfoss: the lower, broad horseshoe of cascades a few hundred metres south of Dettifoss, viewed along the east-bank path.
- Canyon geology: stark volcanic terrain and a powerful glacial river draining the Vatnajökull region.
Trail FeelThe east side is more remote and rugged than the west approach.
The east side is more remote and rugged than the west approach. The route uses uneven dirt, pebblestone, and rough rock, with a steep-feeling descent toward Dettifoss and exposed viewpoints. Wayfinding is straightforward when the marked path is followed, but footing can be awkward and slick near spray and cliff edges.
Access and ParkingReach the east-side parking area via gravel Road 864 (Hólsfjallavegur/Dettifossvegur eystri).
Reach the east-side parking area via gravel Road 864 (Hólsfjallavegur/Dettifossvegur eystri). The road can be slow depending on conditions and is seasonally closed for snow or wet, muddy ground; check official road and park information before driving. Parking is at the trailhead, and the east approach is the quieter, less-developed access.
Tips and SafetyWear sturdy footwear with good grip for the uneven approach and rocky riverbank path.
- Wear sturdy footwear with good grip for the uneven approach and rocky riverbank path.
- Stay well back from unprotected cliff edges and wet rock; waterfall spray can make footing slippery.
- Keep the marked route and respect barriers or closures around the falls.
- Build extra time into the drive on Road 864 and confirm seasonal access before setting out.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Vatnajökull
22 sightingsGrey SealMost seen around 5 AMSighting map
258 sightingsHarbor SealMost seen around 11 AMSighting map
184 sightingsCaribouMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
62 sightingsArctic FoxMost seen around 8 PMSighting map
168 sightingsWhooper SwanMost seen around 5 PMSighting map
68 sightingsAtlantic PuffinMost seen around 7 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Vatnajökull. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
