Get ready to explore the impressive Dynjandi waterfall in Iceland, often referred to as the ‘thundering waterfall’. Tucked away in the picturesque Westfjords, it is known for its unique fan-shaped cascade. If you are traveling in the Westfjords, you should definitely plan a visit to the Dynjandi waterfall. For us, the Dynjandi waterfall in Iceland is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. You can get quite close to the waterfall and then stand almost directly under the thundering masses of water. Very impressive despite the bad weather during our visit.
Dynjandi Waterfall
With an impressive height of around 100 meters, Dynjandi stretches over several impressive levels. The crystal-clear water flows over the steep cliff and widens in steps, which gives it its special appearance. The special feature of Dynjandi lies in the numerous smaller waterfalls that form its overall appearance. These smaller cascades, some of which have their own names, enrich Dynjandi with their unique beauty and diversity.
Getting to Dynjandi in the Westfjords
Dynjandi waterfall is located about 80 km south of Ísafjörður, the center of the Westfjords. You can reach the waterfall via Vestfjarðavegur (road 60), which connects the southern and northern parts of the Westfjords. Please bear in mind that road 60 is a gravel road and that driving conditions can change quickly, especially outside the summer season.
In winter, usually from October through to April, access to Dynjandi remains closed, with the exact opening dates depending heavily on the weather and snow conditions. For those who do not wish to drive themselves, exploring this area without a car can be more of a challenge. However, during the summer season, from mid-May to the end of August, bus services are available from Patreksfjörður and Ísafjörður.
To explore the Westfjords, we recommend renting a four-wheel drive vehicle. Although you won’t be driving on F-roads here, most of the route consists of gravel roads, which are easier to drive in a 4×4 than in a small car. Alternatively, you can also visit the Dynjandi waterfall on an organized tour*.
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Tips for your visit
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for your stay at Dynjandi and the surrounding smaller waterfalls. The best time to visit is between June and September, when the access roads are reliably passable and the weather is best suited for excursions to the Westfjords.
The waterfall is well developed for tourists. There is a toilet facility and a large parking lot, all completely free of charge, as is typical in Iceland. Nevertheless, it is not overcrowded here, as only a few tourists visit the Westfjords during their trip to Iceland.
Hike to Dynjandi
From the parking lot, a short, approximately 15-minute walk awaits you, leading you directly to the foot of the imposing Dynjandi. The path is paved and well-maintained. On the way up, you will come across seven smaller waterfalls, each of which will enchant you with its own view and contribute to the overall experience at Dynjandi.
The area around Dynjandi was declared a nature reserve in 1981 to preserve its fragile nature and unique landscape. It is therefore important that you stay on the marked trails and help to preserve this natural wonder for posterity.
Remember to bring weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes, as the Westfjords are known for their windy conditions. Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for your excursion to enjoy both the hike and the exploration of the smaller and main waterfalls without rushing.
Things To Do in the Surrounding Area
In the area around the Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords of Iceland, there are even more experiences waiting for you. If you have enough time, you should generally plan several days in the Westfjords to discover them on a short round trip.
- Visit Ísafjörður, an idyllic little town surrounded by mighty mountains, where you can immerse yourself in nature and follow the historical traces of the fish trade. In winter, the area offers skiing opportunities.
- For hiking enthusiasts, Hornstrandir is a must. This hard-to-reach natural paradise offers breathtaking landscapes and views that can only be reached on foot, promising an unforgettable adventure.
- Bolafjall offers a viewing platform that, in good weather, gives you a wide view, even as far as Greenland. You can either drive up by car or climb the path on foot.
- Cross over to Vigur Island, a picturesque spot with breathtaking panoramic views of the Westfjords. The ferry from Ísafjörður or Brjánslækur will take you there in comfort.
- Discover Valagil Gorge, a lesser-known but impressive destination with waterfalls and green landscapes, ideal for a quiet stopover.
Conclusion
We can only recommend a visit to the Dynjandi waterfall. The waterfall and the surrounding landscape are very impressive and should not be missed on any trip to Iceland. Even if you have already seen many waterfalls in Iceland, the shape of this one makes it even more special.