510 km510 km317 mi from Reykjavík · ~6h 30m· Updated
Live images from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin). Click to enlarge.
Two approaches from Route 1: Route 862 on the west side is paved and has the main car park and easiest path (about 1 km walk); Route 864 on the east side is a rough summer-only gravel road but gives the iconic spray-in-your-face angle. In winter 862 is the only option and closes in bad weather - this is one of the snowiest corners of the country.
Live conditions for the full circuit, not just the road into Dettifoss.
Massive horseshoe-shaped canyon in Vatnajökull National Park. Legend says it was formed by Odin's horse Sleipnir. Birch forest inside.
Active geothermal area near Mývatn. Boiling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant orange/yellow mineral deposits. Strong sulfur smell.
Geothermal spa on the shores of Lake Mývatn. Sulfur-rich blue waters with panoramic views of the lake and Krafla volcano.
Lava field with dramatic rock formations resembling castles and caves. Associated with Icelandic folklore of trolls and Yule Lads.
Village on the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn. Service hub for the Mývatn area with accommodations, pool, and gas.
Geothermal lake and volcanic area. Pseudocraters, lava formations, Dimmuborgir, Hverir, Krafla, and Europe's most powerful waterfall Dettifoss nearby.