Selfoss is a smaller waterfall a little way upstream with a drop
of 10 m. There are easy paths from Dettifoss, which allow a
pleasant 1 km walk.
Below Dettifoss, the Hafragilsfoss waterfall cascades 27 m into
a deep canyon. It is best to drive to Hafragilsfoss, which is
located in an environment that is geologically and historically
as fascinating as Dettifoss.
Some years ago, plans were proposed to harness the hydroelectric
potential of the canyon, but they were scrapped when the lava
strata in the area were found to be too porous for a reservoir.
On the east bank of the canyon, near Hafragilsfoss, the river
has cut through a crater row named Randarhólar to expose a
volcano's lava pipe in the cliff wall. |