The eastern road to Dettifoss in North Iceland — the section known as Dældarás-Dettifossvegur eystri — changed status to “Vegur ekki í þjónustu” (road not in service) on 15 October 2026 at 05:56, according to Vegagerðin, the Icelandic Road Administration. This status indicates the road has been taken out of service and is no longer maintained or passable. No further comment was provided by the road administration.
Why this matters for photographers
Dettifoss is one of Iceland’s most visited photographic subjects, and the eastern approach road offers a distinct viewpoint on the canyon and falls. Mid-October marks the typical point at which less-maintained roads in the north begin to close for winter, and photographers planning visits to the Dettifoss area should factor in that this access route is no longer available. The western road to Dettifoss (off Route 862) may still be open, but conditions in the region should be checked individually before travel.
What photographers should do
- Check the current status of all roads serving Dettifoss on road.is before departing, including Route 862 on the western side.
- Do not attempt to drive a road marked “Vegur ekki í þjónustu” — this status means the road is out of service, not simply difficult; damage to vehicles or injury are likely risks, and rescue services may not respond on closed roads.
- Build flexibility into autumn itineraries in the north; road closures at this time of year can occur with little notice and may not be reversed until spring.
For full guidance, see our Dettifoss — Photographing Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall.
Source: Vegagerðin — https://www.road.is/travel-info/road-conditions-and-weather/