Onje of the stops on a visit to North Iceland is Dettifoss waterfall, one of Iceland's and Europe's most majestic waterfalls. Part of The Diamond Circle tour, which is North Iceland's answer to the Golden Circle, Dettifoss is a majestic 45 m (148 ft) tall and 100 m (330 ft) wide waterfall is situated in Jökulsá á fjöllum, a glacial river which carries meltwater from Vatnajökull glacier. The river and the canyon it has carved out, Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, are part of Vatnajökull National Park.
Two roads run alongside the river, Dettifossvegur 862 and Hólsfjallavegur 864. Both are now impassable to compact cars and vehicles not equipped with a four wheel drive, Park Rangers in Vatnajökull National Park warn. Both roads are covered in snow and large slick and icy patches.
Photos posted on the Facebook page of the National Park show that winter has arrived on the roads. Travelers planning to visit Dettifoss over winter are urged to keep in mind that the roads to Dettifoss do not receive full winter service, which means they are not ploughed or de-iced nearly as regularly as the Ring Road. Travelers should also keep in mind that the road on the western side of the river, Dettifossvegur 862 is not fully serviced even in summer.
Before planning your trip you should always check the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Authority for updates on road conditions.
Onje of the stops on a visit to North Iceland is Dettifoss waterfall, one of Iceland's and Europe's most majestic waterfalls. Part of The Diamond Circle tour, which is North Iceland's answer to the Golden Circle, Dettifoss is a majestic 45 m (148 ft) tall and 100 m (330 ft) wide waterfall is situated in Jökulsá á fjöllum, a glacial river which carries meltwater from Vatnajökull glacier. The river and the canyon it has carved out, Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, are part of Vatnajökull National Park.
Two roads run alongside the river, Dettifossvegur 862 and Hólsfjallavegur 864. Both are now impassable to compact cars and vehicles not equipped with a four wheel drive, Park Rangers in Vatnajökull National Park warn. Both roads are covered in snow and large slick and icy patches.
Photos posted on the Facebook page of the National Park show that winter has arrived on the roads. Travelers planning to visit Dettifoss over winter are urged to keep in mind that the roads to Dettifoss do not receive full winter service, which means they are not ploughed or de-iced nearly as regularly as the Ring Road. Travelers should also keep in mind that the road on the western side of the river, Dettifossvegur 862 is not fully serviced even in summer.
Before planning your trip you should always check the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Authority for updates on road conditions.
