Living in the town of Selfoss, residents are asked daily about the whereabouts of Selfoss Waterfall. However, visitors who have not done their research will find themselves disappointed to find out the waterfall is not in the village. Nor is it nearby. In fact, as you will discover today, it is in North Iceland and also near to Dettifoss and Hafragilsfoss waterfalls. Therefore, come along with us today as we guide you to all of them!
Getting Married in North Iceland
North Iceland is an area of Iceland less frequented by first time travelers. And even then if folks make it during their self-drive journey, they may not have time to venture to the more offbeat sides of the known waterfalls. For example, the mountain road Eastern side of Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss and Selfoss Waterfall. Or the bonus waterfalls on the edge of the highlands being Aldeyjarfoss and Hrafnabjargafoss Waterfalls! Therefore, maybe today you’ll fall in love with the idea of eloping in North Iceland…
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- Selfoss Waterfall east side view
Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss, & Selfoss Waterfall
Within miles of each other, you will find 3 really beautiful waterfalls in North Iceland. Each one is a short hike too (5-30 minutes)! But be aware that there are two sides to Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss, and Selfoss Waterfall. One side is asphalt and the other is a gravel / mountain road. Therefore, it is important to check the Icelandic Road Authority website before embarking as the East side is only accessible during the summer months. Furthermore, both sides are within the Vatnajökull National Park. So a map of the 3 waterfalls follows below for ease of reference.
Most Known Side of Dettifoss (West)
Dettifoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland. The rawness, steep cliffs, and volume is extremely impressive. But did you know there are 2 sides you can view it from? Both have their pros and cons. But let’s talk about the more touristy and well known side… Firstly, you need to make it up to North Iceland. Secondly, from Route 1 you will turn off onto Road #862 and go around 10 miles until you see the sign / turn off for Dettifoss. Third, you’ll drive for 1 mile to the West side parking lot. See Google Maps for more information. More step by step details with photos to guide you below.
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- Car Park at the West Side of Dettifoss Waterfall
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- Facilities at Dettifoss Waterfall (west side) within the Vatnajökull National Park.
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- Please beware there is no drone flying on either side. Why? You’re in a protected National Park.
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- Signs at the start of the West Side Dettifoss Hike.
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- Turn off between Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfall.
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- Heading towards the West side of Dettifoss Viewpoint.
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- 5-10 minutes into the walk you’re almost there!
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- View from first platform (right side).
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- Hiking towards the top left viewpoint.
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- Note: There is a lower platform in the middle between the two but it was closed during our visit (first week of June 2021).
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- Almost to the highest left side viewpoint of Dettifoss (west side).
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- Top viewpoint of Dettifoss Waterfall West Side.
Experiencing Selfoss Waterfall from the West Side
Next, if you wish to visit Selfoss waterfall from the west side, you need to back track slightly from Dettifoss. Then you will follow the sign to where it splits. For instance, it is well marked so you cannot miss it. Basically you hike along side the river and canyon above Dettifoss. But feel free to follow these steps to experience Selfoss Waterfall from the West side. But know this is the less photogenic side of the waterfall as you cannot see it in all of its glory.
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- Trail split for Selfoss West side.
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- Follow the yellow markers back alongside of the canyon.
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- The river will be on your left hand side and waterfall in front.
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- View looking back into the canyon.
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- West side view of Selfoss Waterfall
Less Touristy Side of Dettifoss (East)
If you’re visiting during the summer months (June-August) in Iceland, it is worth it to view Dettifoss from the East side. First, follow this Google Maps link. Second, from Route 1 you will take the turn off for Road #864 which is a gravel road. Please make sure you check the Road Authority website before heading out just incase the road is closed. Second, follow the below step by step details to get to Dettifoss East side.
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- Turn off for Dettifoss Waterfall East Side.
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- Welcome sign at East side parking lot.
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- Beginning of Dettifoss and Selfoss East side hike.
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- Hiking down stars East side of Dettifoss
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- View of Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon
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- Dettifoss East Side View
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- Dettifoss Waterfall from East Side
East Side: Selfoss Waterfall (Gravel Road)
Seeing Selfoss Waterfall from the East side is ideal and the best viewpoint. So after you visit the east side of Dettifoss, follow these hiking directions below to see Selfoss… Note: It is about a 30 minute or less hike to see it.
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- After visiting Dettifoss East side, you’ll continue on the trail to the right.
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- Follow the yellow top trail markers and the river on your right side.
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- In fact, the trail follows alongside of the river.
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- The trail is made of dirt, rocks, and can be muddy at times.
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- The textures of the canyon are beautiful!
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- After about 10 minutes hiking the trail opens up.
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- The first view of the waterfall emerges!
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- View looking back on the Selfoss Waterfall East side trail.
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- Continuing the hike closer to the base waterfall.
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- Looking towards the west side of Selfoss from the east viewpoint.
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- The largest part of Selfoss Waterfall.
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- Panoramic photo of Selfoss Waterfall from the East side.
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- Selfoss Waterfall east side view
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- Pano of Selfoss from East side.
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- Closeup of Selfoss Waterfall
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- Selfoss Waterfall looking back towards Dettifoss
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- Lovely views on the left side of the canyon
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- East side of Selfoss Waterfall Viewpoint.
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- Hiking back from the East side of Selfoss Waterfall.
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- Black beach hiking back from Selfoss Waterfall in North Iceland.
Hafragilsfoss Both Sides
Lastly the remaining waterfall is a hidden gem not many think about visiting. Hafragilsfoss can also be viewed from both sides (west and east). Both turn offs are less than a 5 minute drive from Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls. To illustrate, the west side turn off can be found on Google Maps West and the east turn off being Google Maps East. Here we share what the hike is like from both sides so you know what to expect…
Hafragilsfoss West Side Hike:
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- Hafragilsfoss Waterfall turn off for west side.
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- West side way to Hafragilsfoss
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- Driving to Hafragilsfoss Waterfall (west side).
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- Parking lot for Hafragilsfoss west side.
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- Start of Hafragilsfoss Hike (west side).
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- Closeup of Hafragilsfoss hiking marker.
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- Follow the yellow stakes back to the canyon.
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- Best viewpoint for Hafragilsfoss Waterfall (west side).
Hiking Directions for Hafragilsfoss East Side:
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- Sign for turnoff for Hafragilsfoss east side viewpoint.
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- Viewing Hafragilsfoss from the mountain top.
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- Looking towards waterfall across the canyon.
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- The beautiful Hafragilsfoss Waterfall (east side view).
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- Hike down further into Hafragilsfoss Waterfall canyon.
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- Overview of Hafragilsfoss Waterfall in Jökulsá á Fjöllum.
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- Rock types found at the waterfall.
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- Waterfalls that are on the other side of the canyon.
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- Looking back into the canyon.
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- Hiking further Norteast view.
Iceland Waterfall Weddings
When you begin planning a waterfall wedding, there are a lot of moving parts and things to consider. However, know it is possible to be married at Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss, or Selfoss Waterfall. But is important to make sure you involve a local Iceland Wedding Planner to ensure you do not miss a step! Especially when it comes to getting permits or permissions for national parks and / or landowners.
In conclusion, our team would love to introduce you to our unforgettable private property waterfalls in South Iceland… Feel free to contact us to get that adventure started!
Excited to Plan More Hikes in Iceland?
© 2021, Photos by Miss Ann (DBA Iceland Wedding Planner / Your Adventure Wedding), All Rights Reserved.