Jokulsargljufur National Park in North Iceland is home to Europe’s mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss. The sheer hypnotic volume of thundering glacial water rushing through the shattered cliffs of Jokulsa Canyon makes this a favorite sight of visitors to the area.
Dettifoss is so powerful that the cloud of misty spray can actually be seen from several kilometers away. The view is spectacular and unobstructed by boardwalks or viewing platforms, just a massive waterfall in its natural environment.
Dettifoss’ waters
The water comes from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier, whose sediment-rich runoff colors the water a greyish white. The superlative of “most powerful” comes from its water flow times its fall distance. The water of the wide Jökulsá á Fjöllum river falls for more than 144 feet, causing a massive, crashing spray.
How high is Dettifoss waterfall?
Dettifoss is in the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river. The river flows from the Vatnajökull glacier and collects water from a large area in Northeast Iceland. The falls are 100 metres (330 ft) wide and have a drop of 44 metres (144 ft) down to the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is having an average water flow of 193 m3/s.
Check out our complete guide to travelling in North Iceland.
