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Norðurþing

Selfoss Waterfall – Hafragilsfoss Waterfall loop from Dettifoss

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Norðurþing

Selfoss Waterfall – Hafragilsfoss Waterfall loop from Dettifoss

Hard

4.9

(59)

325

hikers

Selfoss Waterfall – Hafragilsfoss Waterfall loop from Dettifoss

03:03

10.1km

140m

Hiking

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 24, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 3.33 km for 3.06 km

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

58 m

Jökulsárgljúfur National Park

Highlight • Gorge

Filming location of the blockbuster “Prometheus”.. Never ever been so wet… Rain horizontally…

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Tip by

924 m

Selfoss is a beautiful waterfall, located in the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, upstream from the powerful Dettifoss. This waterfall is approximately 13 meters high and 100 meters wide. Selfoss is characterized by its many basalt columns and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The waters of Selfoss flow over a wide front, making it an impressive sight for visitors. From the parking lot at Dettifoss it is about a kilometer walk to Selfoss. The trail is well marked and offers beautiful views of both waterfalls.

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1.67 km

Jökulsá á Fjöllum

Highlight • River

Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which means “glacier river in the mountains”, is the second longest river in Iceland with a length of approximately 206 km. The river's source is the Vatnajökull Glacier and it flows into the Greenland Sea. The river flows over the Selfoss, Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss and Réttarfoss waterfalls, the second of which is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The Jökulsá á Fjöllum basin is the largest in Iceland, covering an area of approximately 7,380 square kilometers.

Translated by Google •

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3.34 km

Rocky Ascent in Vatnajökull National Park

Highlight • Climb

this trail is challenging. Here is a rock wall to climb over rocks.

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4.80 km

Hafragilsfoss Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

5.36 km

Hafragílsfoss

Highlight • Waterfall

This waterfall is located 2 km from Dettifoss. The waterfall is clearly visible from the east bank, but a walk of 6 km (3 hours) is required. This 27 m high waterfall is located downstream and is also worth seeing.

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10.1 km

Compost Toilets

Highlight • Rest Area

It looks better than it is. Practical, but disgusting in the summer. Unfortunately, it's too small for the crowds that gather there. If you're in a hurry, it's probably welcome. Otherwise, it's best to steer clear. In the truest sense of the word. 😷

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Tip by

10.1 km

Dettifoss West Parking Lot

Highlight • Parking

Ample parking and a toilet block

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Tip by

10.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.15 km

3.06 km

1.80 km

116 m

Surfaces

7.51 km

1.17 km

1.15 km

173 m

117 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (340 m)

Lowest point (280 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 3 July

10°C

3°C

48 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

August 15, 2025,Dettifoss, Selfoss und Hafragilsfoss Wasserfälle 15.08.2025

Hafragilsfoss is difficult to reach, but definitely worth the effort.
Surefootedness and good shoes are a must, though.

Showing Translation

September 28, 2023,Runde Selfoss, Dettifoss und Hafragilsfoss

Very nice round, not very busy, which leads past the 3 waterfalls. Since it gets more difficult in two places and one down, one up etc. If it's over scree, I would do it in the rain. Danger of slipping or not recommended if you have a heavy backpack.

Showing Translation

September 22, 2021,🇮🇸❤️👍 Jökulsárgljúfur mit Wasserfällen

Partly very exposed terrain. Surefootedness is essential.

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June 26, 2024,🇮🇸 - Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss und Selfoss

TOP HIKE to three waterfalls. This hike initially leads along the top of the canyon, into which you then descend later. We had the beautiful Hafragilsfosss all to ourselves for our lunch picnic. Wow. And then for the grand finale to the most water-rich waterfall in Europe - the Dettifoss with a rainbow.

Showing Translation

September 5, 2022,Boucle autours d'Hafragilsfoss

Hike not to be taken lightly, it is complete and quite demanding by its nature.
We go through passages on the side of the cliff, moderately stable scree, wet and spongy paths with dry pebbles.
The hike ends with a 5m climb in the cliff with a fixed rope and easy holds.
Hike with vertiginous sections.

Showing Translation

June 27, 2023,Wandeling Jökulsárgljúfur - Hafragil langs Hafragilsfoss

Very nice hike with the waterfall and steep climbs as the pinnacle. This hike is not suitable for everyone.

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Jökulsárgljúfur National Park