How do you get to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland?
Iceland, europe
N/A
44 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the wild, untamed Northeast of Iceland, heading for Dettifoss, arguably Europe's second most thunderous waterfall! This beast of nature, fueled by the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, thunders over a 100-meter wide cliff, plummeting 44 meters down. You might recognize it from the movie 'Prometheus'—it's that epic.
Now, getting there is part of the adventure. You've got two choices. Route 862 is your smooth operator: a paved road, open most of the year (April to December), that’ll take you to the west side of Dettifoss—easy peasy for any car. But if you're feeling adventurous, Route 864 winds to the east side, and that’s where things get interesting!
This unpaved road, typically open from late May to early October, is a corrugated, dusty beast. Prepare for potholes galore! Passenger cars can sometimes handle it, but a 4x4 is your best bet. Just remember, Icelandic gravel roads are notoriously unpredictable, so keep your eyes peeled and adjust your speed accordingly. No matter which route you choose, the views are breathtaking, and the roaring power of Dettifoss is an experience you won't soon forget.
Where is it?
How do you get to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland? is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.9684, -17.6660
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 44 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 64.9684, -17.6660
Related Roads in europe
hardIs the road to Col du Chaussy paved?
🇫🇷 France
Get ready for the Col du Chaussy, a wicked mountain pass in the French Alps! Located in the Savoie department, this road hits a summit of 1,533m (5,029ft). The real kicker? The legendary "Lacets de Montvernier" at the start. This 3 km stretch is insane, with 17 hairpin turns practically glued to a cliff face! Yep, the entire road, known as D77B, is paved, but don't think it's a smooth ride. Those seventeen hairpins are stacked super close together, climbing steeply. Built way back in 1934, Col du Chaussy is famous for these unbelievable bends, a true feat of engineering. But it's not just about the hairpins; you'll climb over 1000 meters overall! This road is narrow! Remember, uphill traffic has priority. If you need to reverse, the more maneuverable vehicle yields. On the way up, stick to 3rd or 4th gear, and use engine braking on the descent, especially before tight turns. You'll drop 400 meters in just 3 miles on those corners! Pre-trip brake checks are essential. The initial bendy section is concentrated in a 2.5km stretch, so you will be turning constantly! After the hairpins, the road winds through alpine fields, with a stunning cliffside section near the top. The slope evens out to about 7-8% as you pass through villages like Le Noirey, Montbrunal, and Montpascal. The last few kilometers to the summit aren’t in great condition. Starting in La Chambre or Pontamafrey, the climb is around 14 km with an average gradient of 7.4%. This drive is also super scenic! If you look up from the road, you might spot the ruins of an old castle. It took six years (1928-1934) to conquer that 400-meter ascent. Cyclists will find this a real challenge. The upper section runs through villages and offers views of the Belledonne Mountains. This is one of France's most famous balcony roads. It's not for the faint of heart, with little room for error on those cliff edges. This is a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering the defiant Molinar Tunnel
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright adventurers, let's talk about the Túnel del Molinar, a wild 3km ride deep in Albacete, Spain's Castilla–La Mancha region. Imagine this: a tunnel carved out back in 1907 with nothing but pickaxes, shovels, and a whole lot of dynamite! They call it Tunel del Champiñon sometimes. It was built to funnel water to the now-abandoned Central hidroeléctrica del Molinar. Picture this: you are traveling through part of a 4km-long channel connecting a dam to the old power plant. Forget smooth asphalt – this tunnel is all raw, unpaved earth. Running alongside the Jucar river, this tunnel is pitch black inside. If you decide to explore (and you know you want to!), bring a serious light source because, trust me, the darkness is complete. Abandoned in 1952, it's now a truly unique off-road experience.
hardWhere is Les Ecouges?
🇫🇷 France
Les Ecouges, nestled in the Isère department of France, is a wild ride you won't soon forget. Think you're good with heights? This road will test you! Located west of Grenoble in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this beauty, also known as route départementale 35 (RD 35), snakes for 20.4 km (12.67 miles) from Rovon to Rencurel. The highlight? The Route des Ecouges, which blasts through an impressive 500m tunnel at Pont Chabert. Pop out the other side, and bam! You're suspended above a waterfall before plunging down to the Isère Valley. This windy road, first built way back in 1833, zigzags up to Rencurel and then across mountain pastures toward the Col de Romeyère. Seriously, though, this road isn't for the faint of heart. It's one of the most vertiginous routes into Le Vercors, hugging the contours of the landscape. It's a slow cruise designed to let you soak in the Ecouges massif and the Vercors. Expect twisty sections, tunnels, and glimpses of grazing animals in the meadows. Note: it's often closed in winter due to snow. Large vehicles, like trucks and lorries, aren't allowed, but most other vehicles are good to go. Just take it slow, and enjoy the scenery!
hardHow difficult is the road to Singer Dağı?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're in Eastern Turkey, smack-dab on the border between Bitlis and Van, staring at the unforgiving slopes of Singer Dağı. This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a seriously remote, high-altitude pass that’ll push you and your vehicle to the limit. Just south of the towering Güresentepe peak, you'll find a dry, rocky landscape where dust is your constant companion and the weather plays by its own rules. Forget about attempting this before late June – snow owns this place for most of the year. The Singer Dağı road, a rough 23 km stretch between Koruklu and Kolludere, is a beast. The highlight (or lowlight, depending on your perspective) is a section of 28 hairpin turns. This is where things get real. The track is narrow, covered in loose rocks, and often lacks any barriers, so get ready for some serious exposure. With some ramps hitting an insane 25% grade, a 4x4 with high clearance is mandatory, and a hefty dose of patience is your best friend. But it's not just the climb; the descent is just as gnarly. On this steep, loose dirt, it’s super easy to lose grip. Slow and steady wins the race, and watch out for those deep ruts the rain carves out. This is a "tippy" road that demands your full attention. Winter hits this part of Turkey hard, so the road is usually snowed-in until late spring. Your best bet is to aim for July to September. Even then, go prepared! Pack extra fuel, water, and tools. This is a stunning but isolated place, and if you get stuck, you're on your own for a while. But if you're a fan of raw, unpaved mountain driving, Singer Dağı is as real as it gets!