Dettifoss Northern Access (F862)
Highland route to Europe's most powerful waterfall
The F862 cuts through some of Iceland’s most desolate terrain to reach Dettifoss from the east bank, where you’ll stand close enough to feel the spray from Europe’s most powerful waterfall thundering 45 meters into Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. This highland route crosses the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river system through barren volcanic fields that NASA used for Apollo mission training. The track passes Selfoss waterfall first, then continues north through boulder fields and river crossings to the main Dettifoss viewing area.
This is a genuine highland F-road requiring high clearance and preferably 4WD for the river fords and loose volcanic rock sections. The route is only accessible June through September when highland roads open, and fuel stops are nonexistent once you leave Egilsstaðir. Weather changes fast here – what starts as clear skies can turn into driving rain and zero visibility within minutes. You’ll earn one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls and complete solitude in a landscape that looks more like another planet than Earth.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High clearance 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Egilsstaðir, Iceland |
| Land manager | Vatnajökull National Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or Land Cruiser handle F862 without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with decent all-terrain tires will manage F862 in good summer conditions. Lift kits aren't required, but low-range 4WD is — don't attempt this in a rental 2WD or AWD crossover, which is also illegal on Icelandic F-roads.
When does F862 actually open and close each year?
Typically opens late June and closes by late September or early October, depending on snowmelt and river levels. Check Vegagerðin (road.is) for real-time F-road status before you go — conditions change fast and driving a closed F-road carries fines.
Do I need a permit or pay fees to drive F862 and camp along the route?
No permit is required to drive F862, but you're entering Vatnajökull National Park — camping is only allowed in designated sites within the park boundaries. Dispersed camping outside marked areas is not permitted; the nearest official site is at Dettifoss/Ásbyrgi.
What's the hardest section of F862 and what should I actually expect?
The river crossings are the crux — water depth and current vary significantly with snowmelt and recent rainfall, and there are no bridges. Approach each crossing slowly, scout on foot first, and know that what was knee-deep yesterday can be thigh-deep today after a warm night.
There's no cell service — how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and should I carry extra fuel?
Egilsstaðir is your last reliable fuel stop, roughly 60–70 miles from the southern end of the route. At 28 miles of rough highland driving each way, carry a spare jerry can — fuel consumption spikes significantly on loose volcanic rock and river crossings.
Trail track
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